BY About Cher Tan
When Cher Tan started running leisurely two years ago her goal was solely to stay fit and expand her social network. Little did she know that would mark the start of a successful distance running career on top of her professional day job as Regional HR Business Partner in a financial institution. After completing her first overseas trail marathon at the Marathon du Mont Blanc (42KM) she had a shift in perspective on distance running and started to venture into mountainous trail running - in particular ultra-distance events - of which she has completed 25 such races across countries like Malaysia, France, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong, collecting numerous accolades and awards along the way including:
- July 2022: Cameron Ultra Trail - Malaysia (30KM - Podium: 9th Place, Women Age Group)
- October 2019: Ultra Marathon de Sai Kung - Hong Kong (100KM - Podium: 3rd Place, Women Age Group)
- May 2019: Forest Force Singapore (50KM - Podium: 3rd Place Women Open)
- December 2017: Janda Baik Ultra - Malaysia (28KM - Podium: 2nd Place Women Open)
- November 2016: Kulim Eco Trail Retreat - Malaysia (5KM - Podium: 6th Place Women Open)
Cher started her running journey at a community level with her old running club and is immensely passionate about the volunteering work that she does. From volunteering as a pace runner in groups to support to helping prepare runners for iconic local road races such as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and Sundown Marathon, she is also a Community Ambassador for Red Dot Running Company and a Management Committee Member with MacRitchie Runners 25 running club where she drives various time trial and progressive run events for members new and old.
She is looking to scale even greater heights before the year ends by competing in the 104KM category at the CLIFF100 race which is part of Thailand and organized by UTMB. This race will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand and over the daunting yet incredibly beautiful trails of Doi Inthanon - the highest mountain in Thailand.
We managed to sit down and have a chat with her amidst her busy training schedule:
What type of Trail shoes are your wearing now? Racer, stability or light weight types?
Definitely Racer! I am currently wearing a lightweight trail racing shoe which has a built-in carbon fibre plate with a good grip outsole that provides me with excellent traction when I’m tackling wet and muddy terrain.
What do you generally look for in a pair of trail shoes?
I generally look for a shoe that is lightweight, provides me with stability and most importantly provides good traction as most of my trail running training and races are over muddy terrain especially in tropical Southeast Asia. I also like shoes with a mesh upper that is breathable and allows the feet to remain dry and cool especially across long distances in the hot and humid environment. Shoes that feature a higher stack for stability and comfort are also a huge plus point as I prefer not to feel the sharp rocks on the base of my feet!
You tried on the latest Skechers GOrun Trail Altitude. Care to share your personal reviews on the shoes?
I put the shoe to test and it definitely performed over muddy terrain with the multi/directional traction lugs providing good traction and allowing me to run with ease and cushioning the sharp edges of rocks from prodding against the base of my feet. The slight arch further complimented the cushy ride especially when running over more technical and rocky terrain.
Didn’t have any issue with the shoe slipping off when hopping around the trails thanks to the snug fit design and the mesh upper with a leather overlay provided added durability and also helps to repel water and keep the feet dry when navigating puddles and small streams!
As an experience trail runner, who do you think the Skechers GOrun Trail Altitude will be ideal for? i.e. For race, training or both and why?
In my opinion, I feel the Skechers GOrun Trail Altitude are a great entry level shoe - ideal for runners who have just gotten into trail running. They are suitable for both trail training and racing up to a half-marathon distance. For longer distances the feet may feel a slight discomfort due to the snug and narrow toe box especially after the feet starts to swell over repeated pounding due to the warm and humid weather here. However, this pair would be an excellent hiking or trekking shoe as the fit provides the runner with maximum comfort and stability!
Priced from $119, the new Skechers GOrun Trail collection is available now at selected Skechers concept stores and online.
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