SCSM DOUBLE UP CHALLENGE!
I never thought I would do it but I did! Decided to do a HM and 10km this year. Mainly because I wanted to do a HM and my friend wanted to do a 10KM.
Anyway, this year the HM was a bit disappointing. IFYKYK. After the race, for some reason the signs were confusing. I remember there was sign indicating that HM go to the left and EKIDEN on right. It was a split lanes for medal collection and ofc we did. But when the crowd control staff realised the flow was NOT moving, they decided to allow HM runners to go to the EKIDEN lane.
Afterwards, HM runners kept coming and the crowd kept getting bigger and the line wasn’t moving at all. So it was just a bunch of sweaty, hot, tired people gathered together in small area. People were thirsty and frustrated. I also saw people passing out and calling for medic. Hopefully this is something they can improve on.
However, I didn’t experience this after the 10km run which is a good thing. They probably improved the crowd flow the second day. Or there just isn’t a lot of people compared to HM.
Okay, side note. Doing this double up challenge was an experience. I would do it again maybe in the next two years. For now, I’m just focusing on my personal goals such as participating in lesser marathons just to save money. And just training on my own/with my running buddy.
If you haven’t participated in a FM/HM, do it! But do it with sufficient training okay? Jiayou for 2026.
Participating in the SCSM Double Up Challenge was a test of endurance and resilience. I realized that careful planning and pacing are essential when doing back-to-back races like the half marathon and 10K. The crowd management hiccup after the HM reminded me how important event logistics are for a smooth runner experience. Preparation-wise, I recommend gradually increasing your mileage weeks before the event and incorporating rest days to avoid burnout. Having a running buddy helped keep motivation high, especially during solo training sessions. Also, don’t underestimate the power of proper hydration and nutrition before and after races to aid recovery. The 10K was more manageable crowd-wise and offered a fresh perspective since it felt less hectic. This made finishing quite satisfying and damage-control for the previous day’s issues. If you’re considering the double up, pace yourself and listen to your body. It’s tough but gratifying. Looking ahead to SCSM 2025 and beyond, focusing on quality training over quantity helps me save costs and maintain health. For newcomers, signing up for a full or half marathon requires dedication—commit to consistent training and setting realistic goals. I believe with patience and determination, anyone can overcome race day challenges and truly enjoy the running journey. Lastly, enjoy the small moments like post-race treats — the event’s refreshing coconut water was a perfect cool-down after the sweaty runs! This personal experience keeps me motivated to join races smartly and happily in the future.
