So it's not the biggest of running events on the Singapore race calendar – in terms of participation rates – but you certainly can’t discount that it’s been a staple in the scene for the past eight years. The Mizuno Wave Run can be said to be one of the most understated races in recent times if you compare it to the likes of the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore or SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon. Nevertheless, it’s held its weight against the big boys, finding a niche of its own in the plethora of other events constantly trying to outdo one another by introducing ever-increasing distances.

10 kilometres. Since 2004, the Mizuno Wave Run has stuck with it (except in 2009 when it attempted 10 miles = 16 kilometres) so much so that the 10-kilometre distance has been synonymous with the Mizuno brand – the Mizuno Mt. Faber Run is 10 kilometres as well. Speaking to Cindy Chui, Senior Marketing Manager of VGO Corp. (Exclusive Distributor for Mizuno Running), she says “We have always felt a 10-kilometre race serves both seasoned and first-time runners. Seasoned professionals usually use it as a warm-up to longer distance races while first-timers wouldn’t find it too taxing."

The race gets off to a rousing start

This year’s Mizuno Wave Run, the eighth consecutive installation, saw 4,084 runners flag-off at Bedok Reservoir’s Boat Vista (7:30am). In the Men’s Open category, Mark Callon, a 43-year old finance executive clocked a time of 38 min 7 sec to secure the top podium finish. Beate Krecklow, a 40-year old German native who flew all the way down to compete, clinched first place in the Women’s Open category with a time of 41 min 15 sec.

Mark Callon, Men’s Open Champion

What’s been most heartening about the Mizuno Wave Run is its commitment – since 2004 – to give back to society. VGO Corp., the event's Main Sponsor, donated an undisclosed amount to Friends of the Third Age, an eldercare initiative under the auspices of Presbyterian Community Services, a Volunteer Welfare Organisation in Singapore. FYI: The aim of this Community Outreach Programme is to provide care and promote opportunities for elderly residents to live an active ageing lifestyle.

Runners attempt the final sprint to the 'finish' line

To end off, kudos to the seven Community Sports Clubs (CSCs) – Buona Vista CSC, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng CSC, Moulmein CSC, Queenstown CSC, Radin Mas CSC, Tanglin-Cairnhill CSC and Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru CSC – who undertook the responsibility of organising the race to foster bonding among the community at large. Yes, not all races have to be commercially driven!