OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016

We have joined many fun runs as a family but one that is at night?  Our first!  

The Sundown Marathon is the nation's first night race and from the first flag off at 8.30pm for the 5KM Fun Run, it stretches to 12.30am the following day for a full marathon.  We see participants of almost all ages, both local and overseas.

Photo Credit : Sundown Marathon

At the flag off point.  Often carrying the 2 boys so that they can see the stage and what is happening at the front, we will put them down once we are pass the starting line.  Being "seasoned" participants, we also know that we should always keep to the left as we are not the fastest and do not want to block other people's way.

It is really passion that we will bring the children out for such fun runs.  Yes, there are times we get frustrated, times we have to carry them, times when we hear them "niam" aka complaining.  But when we are at the finishing line, all are forgotten.  And it is through such runs that we see how much each child has changed and what each kid is capable of.  E actually surpassed our expectations.  He was running and walking for at least a good 2.5km before he fell.  After getting whiny for awhile, he continued, trooped on and running towards the finishing line at the last 100-200m.  Absolutely proud of him because a year ago, he was being carried all the way for another 5km fun run.

I guess the weather plays a big part too.  Cooling,  no scorching sun, a night run is definitely more bearable than a day run.  We made the children nap in the afternoon so that they will be able to sleep later as by the time we are done and at the race village, it was 9.30pm.

I also wonder if E is competitive in nature.  He loves his medals.  He went around telling almost everyone and showing them his medal.  So cute, so proud, so funny.

I am often asked "why bring them to such runs?  5km is not a short distance."  I often replied that it is good for them to sweat it out.  
I also believe that such non-competitive runs, for a start, build up their endurance.  It does not matter if you walk, run, jog, stroll, or even complaining while walking.  What is important is we finish the task that we are at and realise how much we can achieve.  And as with all family runs we had been to, there are always sweet rewards for completing them (be it the banana, 100plus, medals).  

It is also so interesting that whenever there is a new run coming up, they will be keen to participate.  

Disclosure:  We were invited to OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs, unless otherwise stated, and opinions are true to my own.

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