My Views

Endurance Races Run Into Litany of Complaints(http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_249640.html)

Here's what I think, from the perspective on an endurance athlete (adventure racing is counted right?) as well as from the perspective of a race organiser (Avontuur de Republic 08).

Endurance Athlete:
Wa la! So many races on the calender, this is going to be so exciting. Variety to choose from, more races to motivate myself during training and more chances to widen my social network or like-minded athletes.
If I can't manage the XXX 21km run, maybe I'll try XYZ 15km run. Not bad right? At least it gives me more time to train up and complete the race =)

Yes, some athletes tend to look at who the organisers are as this can also tell (a)if the race is going to be a good one, (b)roughly the size of the crowd and (c)the cost of the race. I do think this is important, but given the lack of adventure races in S'pore, don't have much of a choice; train hard and attend all that the school is willing to subsidise =P


Race Organiser:
We always hope for the best to happen, that everything will go well and everyone will have a ball of a time. BUT, there will always be a worst-case scenario we haven't thought of (or refused to think about). But other times, it is really not our fault that the situation calls for an unaviodable change. However, we do have the responsibility of making sure every competitor (and marshal for this matter) gets the correct information and is able to complete the race based on the instructions given.
Much as we can, there will not be last minute changes and alway always (I cannot stress this more) have a back-up plan! Yes, do it once, do it good; but there are always things beyond our control.
We put in our best in hope that everyone will be able to challenge themselves and go one step further, our only wish is that the participants out there understand that we are doing our best.


Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of endurance races (adventure races, marathons, vertical marathons, biathlons, duathlons...) It's fine, perfectly in line with "A Sporting Singapore". It's fun for everyone but please, if you are an inexperienced organiser, do seek help and support for the race. Check your dates and locations, make sure it does not clash with other races/activities/events. Make sure everyone is clear about their job scope and NEVER NEVER assume. If you are not sure how an adventure race goes, ask. If your not sure of the usual procceedings of a triathlon, ask. Most importantly, do NOT do this for profit. Endurance races is not a business opportunity! Lastly, this last paragraph goes for all events/competitions, not just endurance races.