28-29 MAY 2011 SUNDOWN MARATHON

Sundown Marathon

Sundown Marathon 2011 is actually organised by HiVelocity for the fourth time, from 2008 till now. It is the only nightfall marathon in ASIA thus it’s not surprising that there will be the presence of people from other countries and other region. This Marathon is a short term event that happens in 2 days from 28-29 May 2011 and it only starts at around 2pm for the runners to come and register and get ready. Other then participants, the family and public are allowed to enter the event location.

Being a major event, it’s not surprising to see large group of media at the event and it's also common to see international participants. As it's the only night marathon in Asia, it would attract more attention from media and participants compared to the other marathons held in Singapore. Other than getting overseas participant to join this event, it also means that bringing foreigners to Singapore and probably bringing benefits to the economic as they spent and stay in Singapore. The statistics shows 11% of the runners are actually from other countries such as Asian countries Malaysia, Philippines and there’s runners coming from Europe country such as British and American.

Why stage Sundown Marathon?

The organiser actually wanted to bring the experience of running at night to all the people that love running and also inspiring people to run. Sundown Marathon also moves beyond the usual mass marathon. Being the only mass night marathon in Asia, it would attract more attention from media and participants compared to the other marathons. This could be one of the reasons why Sundown Marathon is successful and which is why it’s happening for the fourth time. Also, this event is actually planned for people who love running and also those professional runners who wish to experience a different experience.

As the duration of the event run through the whole day and it takes up and long distance along the roads, thus roads were close down to ensure the safety of the runner. Also, it’s held at the Changi Exhibition Centre and along Changi Coast Road as the traffic is lesser at that area. The organiser takes in to consideration of this factor and thus provides shuttle bus service that starts from 3.45am to 11.00pm from Singapore Expo to the venue where the event is held at. By paying just $1 passengers would be able to get a two way transfer. There’s a Sundown Late Night Bus service which is a one way transfer bus ride that cost only $8. This is for people who are departing the Changi Exhibition Centre to various designated MRT station after 11 pm. Runners are given a pamphlet that direct them to the event’s venue or they could just refer to the event website for more details.

Strengths and Improvements

There are numerous points the organizer has done well. Not only could they maintain what they are doing right now, they could improve and maximize on some of the strengths they had.

The venue is seen to be a good venue as its spacious and the blasting of sounds and performance wouldn’t cause any disruption to others as there’s no housing estate at that area and it’s actually located at quite a remote area. Taking into considerations of the remote venue, the organisers actually thinks from the runners and supporters point of view of how to get there which is why there’s shuttle bus services provided.

To ensure that everyone do have a different experience and to make it a memorable one, the organizers actually set up a booth that allows everyone to capture moments at the Sundown Marathon. Runner, supporters and volunteers could queue up to take instant photographs with 3 different and unique backgrounds designing representing the Sundown Marathon spirit such as Sleep can wait, Beat the sunrise. However, some runners were not able to enjoy this facility as the station actually closed at 1 and runners who came back after that was not able to take photographs with their medal and finisher shirts. The organizers could extend the station and also inform people of timing of when the station will end.

 The organiser ensured that the environment is conducive for the runners and supporters as the basic necessities of the runners are met. Knowing that supporters would need basic necessities such as water and toilets, they allocated a water point in the middle of the venue that enables people to collect free cup of waters. Also, portable toilets are allocated along the venue whereby it’s in the sight of everyone at that venue. Other than that, pop corns and candyfloss are provided for the people after 6. As the event’s venue is just an exhibition centre thus there are no shops available there and the organiser actually plan for the vendors to sell refreshments at the events. One example would be Old Chang Kee movable truck which can be seen at the venue.

Other than that, supporters are allowed to enter the venue and stay there to wait for the runners to complete the marathon. Knowing that the runners’ supporters would probably stay to wait for the finishing of the race, the organiser actually provides entertainment and floor mat for the supporters. Entertainment programs such movies and soccer match were screened, and there was a performance from Timbre’s GoodFellas. The organizers could maximize the strength such as having more entertainment programs. Though this year entertainment programs are already good enough but it’s not suitable for the kids. There’s kids coming to the venue but it seems that there’s no kids entertainment program lined up for the kids, the organizers could actually includes entertainment for kids such as a mini play area.

To makes things convenient for the runners, there’s area such as Baggage Deposit, Shower Area and changing tents for the runners so that they could leave their belongings at the deposit area before the run and also able to refresh themselves after the race. On top of that, a massage area would be available for the Marathon runners. However, though shower areas were provided but the changing room is lack of privacy area as it’s actually just a tent with only few tables, without individual cubicles.

Other than that, knowing that the 42KM race is going to be a tough competition, the organiser actually includes supporters’ station along the runner route so that the supporters could cheer and motivates their loved ones on. On top of that, hydration station is located along the route so that the runners would be hydrated throughout the run. At the end of the race, 100 plus and bananas are given out to the runners as these items are reach in potassium which is beneficial for the runners.

An executive coordinator can be seen at almost every station with the volunteers. For example, at the ice cream station an executive coordinator is attached to 3 volunteers and at the information counter, 3 volunteers are attached to one executive coordinator. This enables the volunteers to know of what their exact tasks are as they did not attend any briefing beforehand thus with the guidance of the executive coordinator it enables them to understand what are their assign tasks better.

Food was provided for the volunteers throughout the whole event. Dinner and supper was provided and when there’s a shortage of food, the executive committee actually went out to buy food and thought of an alternative plan such as asking volunteers to buy food from the vendors and the meal will be sponsored.

Weaknesses and Overcoming it

The organisers could actually reduce the weaknesses if they were to think from different point such as volunteers and runners point of views.

The event should includes a vendor that sells sports gears as some runners were asking if there’s anywhere that sells sport gears such as sweatbands. This can ensure that runners are still able to run even if they were to forget to bring certain sports gear.

Though Baggage Deposit and Changing Area are provided but it’s at the end of the venue which is quite a distance away from the marathon end point and the car park area. The organiser should take into consideration that when the runner finish the race they would be exhausted thus walking another long distance would be tedious for the runners. 

There's a delay in the popcorn and candy floss station and the station starts at 6.45 sharp instead of stated 6 pm. The workers for the station was late and no one seems to ask them the reason why there were late. No signboard stating what time will they give out the free popcorn and candyfloss thus the people would have to ask around for the details.

In the midst of the events, the rubbish actually starts to build up and eventually overflows. It's unsightly for people at the event though there's no smell. It might be uncomfortable for some people. Thus the organizer should actually hire cleaners or work with cleaning company to ensure the cleanliness of the event.

Also, as the area is actually quite big it's difficult for people to locate certain area such as the hydration station as there's no signboard or ushers provided thus there's actually a need for the runners and supporters to walk around the place so as they know where exactly is certain station located at.

Volunteers were seen to be loitering around when certain station is closed. For example after the registration closed the volunteers are not given instructions of what to do instead they are told to just stay around the event venue. On top of that, jobs are assigned only at the day of itself and some task such as selling of ice cream does not need that much manpower as allocated.  The organizer should plan every volunteer’s job and task first and gives them a talk before the events so as the volunteers would know what to do before, during and after they finished they task. This would ensure that it’s more organised and makes sure that the volunteers.

The organizer actually missed out on an area that would affect the runners and supporters, toilets are not seen along the running route. Runners actually complained that throughout the 42 km race they can't find a toilet. Thus, the organizers should thought of what runners would need before, during and after the run. That might be one reason why they actually miss out the toilets along the route and having a vendor that sells running or sports gears.

Future challenges

Increase in Competition
Since Sundown Marathon is the only night time marathon, it is inevitable to have more of this marathon plan by other countries or organisers. In fact, Malaysia held a similar marathon last year. When there’s an increase in competition, the organisers should actually makes this event a more unique event that gives a different competition compared to the others.

Increase in Competition
Since Sundown Marathon is the only night time marathon, it is inevitable to have more of this marathon plan by other countries or organisers. In fact, Malaysia held a similar marathon last year. When there’s an increase in competition, the organisers should actually makes this event a more unique event that gives a different competition compared to the others.

Increase in participants

As times passed by, the fame of the event would actually increase thus getting more attention from the media and people. The organizers should be prepared to that for future increase of participants and ensure that the event is able to host for more people and also be prepared to receive more media attentions.

In conclusion, this event is actually a successful event. Though there's some part that need to be improved on but the program and execution of the events was successful. It something that is unique and special that could made everyone has a memorable experience.

References

1.      Sundown Marathon(2011) http://www.sundownmarathon.com Last Accessed on 01 July 2011

2.      Your Singapore (2011) http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/apps/eventdetails.930.html Last Accessed on 01 July 2011

3.      Adidas Sundown Marathon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adidas_Sundown_Marathon Last Accessed on 01 July 2011