It is not every day we witness a girl’s journey from the TAF Club to winning athletic competitions. Coming from a not-so-active lifestyle, Sarah originally took up recreational running around 8 years ago to keep fit. Being encouraged by her weight loss and craving a challenge, Sarah decided to race competitively by joining the NUS Cross Country team, competing in the IVP (Intervarsity-Polytechnic) Track & Field Championships and SUNIG (Singapore University Games) Cross Country.

Known as one of the biggest running events in Singapore, the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2013 didn’t disappoint this year. Over 46,000 registered runners turned up for the experience, drawing 18,000 active servicemen to run. Not to be outdone, 17,000 NSmen and 4000 of their immediate family members also came down for the run, which was a remarkable 74 percent increase in participation amongst NSMen!

If you’ve been around the running community for any length of time, you would have heard a lot about Merrell. They’ve been around for a while, and their ‘Trail Glove’ running shoe is quite a sensation in minimalist running circles. Hoping to expand on the success of the Glove, Merrell has recently introduced its new M-Connect series, which aims to provide minimalist-inspired footwear for a variety of activities. One of the most talked-about styles in that series is the new Proterra Sport.

Good news for runners who enjoyed the Saucony’s Kinvara series: the fourth-generation natural motion icon has arrived; with upgraded design features to exceed the expectations of even the most ardent “Kinvara faithful”.

This year’s 2013 race saw over 3500 people being treated to the wonderful backdrop of the Singapore Flyer and city skyline overlooking the Marina Barrage stretch of the route. After two kilometres of blazing sun, the runners were treated to shade and their first water point.

Both running and exciting vacation destinations have always been popular pursuits. However, in recent years individuals who enjoy a vigorous, healthy lifestyle bolstered by running have begun to take advantage of vacations abroad as venues for that activity. Singaporeans can now have opportunities to run at such scenic places based outside our little island to make their travel experience much more vibrant and memorable outside. Here, we’ll look at some of the world’s most exciting destinations that offer travel packages for avid runners, both for the professional athlete in training and the dedicated amateurs of the running world.