If you enjoy the history behind the products and events that drive the sport of running, you’ll be interested in this start-up story: When Rihachi Mizuno talked his younger brother Rizo into starting a business in 1906, the term “running shoes” had yet to be coined. Their store was established in Japan to sell baseball equipment, but by 1927, the brothers decided to diversify and added skis to their product mix. Just a year later, they introduced shoes outfitted with spikes and in 1983, Mizuno’s first “official” running shoe debuted.

Over time, Mizuno has become a leader in running shoes, so it was no surprise when a signature running event bearing the company name moved from idea to action. Not the biggest and boldest of events on the Singapore race calendar, the Mizuno Wave Run offers athletes a chance to compete on a 10km circuit, just as it has for the past 11 years. There’s always a theme. For 2017, it's the colours of the rainbow—an homage to Mizuno’s Wave Rider, the shoe style that has lead the market for over two decades.

Mizuno Wave Rider 21 Limited Edition

Be an early bird

Do you want to ride the wave courtesy of an early bird discount? Even Mizuno founders Rihachi and Rizo understood the benefit of saving money (that’s how they became so successful), so visit Spacebib before 31st October to reserve a place at the start line in any of the four categories: Men’s or Women’s Open or the Men’s or Women’s Master.

You’ll have time to train for the flag off at 7:30 a.m. on 26 November at Clarke Quay, so even if you’ve been ignoring your regular workouts and diet, if you start conditioning after registering, you’ll be ready for this 10km event. Mizuno Wave Run entitlements include a logo-embellished drawstring bag, sleek black race tee with rainbow design and useful sponsor gifts, but it’s okay to admit that the reason you want to compete has to do with snagging a Mizuno Voucher that gives you a 30-percent discount on your next brand purchase.

Fashion plus free clinics, oh my!

The fashion police won’t be at the start line at the Mizuno Wave Run to report in on your running outfit or the brand of shoes you wear, but if you want to be fully invested in this year's race theme, go through your wardrobe and dig out socks, leggings or shorts representing colours of the rainbow that match your race t-shirt.

On the other hand, if you’re more concerned about performance than you are about the way you look, take part in the free pre-race clinics sponsored by Mizuno athletes and overseen by Dr. Derek Li. Each clinic is designed to address specifics, so if you spot one that calls to you from the list below—or if you want to show up at all three—register now, before these clinics fill up.

Pre-Race Clinic #1: Fundamentals of Running Speed and Hill Training

The guy in charge: Coach David Shum
Date and time: 26 October (Thursday) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: 100Plus Promenade/Singapore Sports Hub

Pre-Race Clinic #2: Diet and Training

The guy in charge: Dr. Derek Li
Date and time: 2 November (Thursday) at 7 p.m.
Place: Tanjong Pagar CC

Pre-Race Clinic #3: Lead-up Run

The guy in charge: Coach Lexxus Tan will familiarize you with the Mizuno Wave course
Date and time: 12 November (Sunday) at 7:30 a.m.
Place: Clarke Quay Central

Want to win a prize?

If finishing this 10km course isn’t your desired outcome, aim for that finisher medal or go for the gold (figuratively speaking): If you finish your category in the top six, you may leave the Mizuno Wave Run with Champion, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th runner-up honours, and Mizuno product vouchers.

Will this be your first running event? You won't find a better combination of preparatory assistance and distance. Attend all three clinics. Ramp up your enthusiasm and aim for the stars on 26 November. Just don’t be surprised if you realise that the Mizuno Wave is exactly the motivation you've sought to make competitive running part of your life and a terrific way to join Singapore’s vibrant running community!

Are you motivated to run faster when you know that a finisher’s medal awaits you at the finish line or do you run for the sheer joy of finishing?