Trail Running Basics

Since the onset of COVID-19, the public has generally become more health conscious. They want to boost their immune system, and some - or many - in Singapore have begun to exercise for the first time. There is a surge in running and cycling activities, evident with the increase in sales on apparels and gears for these sports when circuit breaker measures were introduced in April.

Presumably, with “work from home” still remains a default until today, people have adapted to the new norms, and are making time to work out. In the bigger scheme of things, this new found active lifestyle trend bodes well for the Singapore population. On the ground though, the parks get crowded especially on weekends, as indicated by NPark’s safe distancing website. MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Windsor Park are popular parks with high visitorships. Safe distancing ambassadors have to be supported by NParks officers and auxiliary police to manage the crowds.

With international borders still closed and local runners “outgrowing” their daily activities at the neighbourhood park connectors, understandably they look to explore the trails and nature parks in Singapore. The lure of greenery, fresh air and a bit of adventure are attractive.

As more runners hit the trails, let us take a short pause and seek some basic trail running knowledge. In support of Raikan Ilmu (Celebrate Knowledge) learning festival by non-profit Yayasan Mendaki, there will be “An Introduction To Trail Running” online session this Sunday 25 October at 11am.

This complimentary session will cover the basics of trail running including:

• trail locations to run in Singapore
• appropriate apparel and equipment
• dos and don’ts and trail etiquette
• injury prevention by a guest physiotherapist Fairuuz Saleh
• information on trail racing overseas.

It will be hosted by Iskandar Shahril, a sports marketing consultant with experiences organising and promoting trail races overseas. He is a trail running enthusiast who has taken part in ultra trail races in the region, as well having completed the Orsieres-Champex-Chamonix category of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

To register for this session, please go to https://cutt.ly/trailrun.

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