Most races, at least the ones we’ve covered, come with a specific distance to complete. But what if we disclosed one that flips that settled notion? Yes, a specific time frame to complete the longest possible distance. Well, the annual MacRitchie Runners 25 Ultra Marathon is back yet again this year to bring a sweet conclusion to the 2011 race calendar! The aim: to finish as many laps as you can (each 10.2 kilometres) within 12 hours.

Race Route

The course is an out and back loop starting at MacRitchie Reservoir’s Recreation Centre. It is mandatory that runners complete each 10.2-kilometre lap within two hours. As an added incentive, all finishers that complete five laps within the 12-hour timeframe will receive a 2XU finisher vest and finisher certificate.

Courtesy of MR25

10.2-kilometre race route

Lap Recording Procedures

• At the end of each of the first 4 laps, runners must collect a band from marshals at the START/FINISH point. (Runners should be wearing 4 lap bands at the end of the 4th lap.)
• At the end of the 5th lap, runners are to report to the timing table at the START/FINISH point to have their lap time recorded.
• If runners would like to finish the race after the 5th lap, they need to inform the time recorder, after which, they will be issued a finisher slip.
• There will be a checkpoint at the U-turn to verify runners have reached the halfway mark for each lap.

Courtesy of MR25

Note the gantries for the first four laps and subsequent ones after.

Safety Advice

• Runners are to take note of the rugged nature of the course and long duration of the race. They are advised to take the utmost care when they tread on the terrain and be aware of the dangers associated with heat exhaustion and dehydration.
• Hydrate well before the race.
• Runners should not attempt to start the race if they are unwell.
• Should runners feel unwell anytime during the race, they should stop and walk to the nearest marshal. If they have been immobilised, they should request for a fellow passing runner to relay the message. It’s imperative that runners help those in dire need.
• Due to the remote nature of the course, emergency medical help may take some time to arrive.
• Runners are advised to carry their own water and nutritional supplements.
• Water points (Pocari Sweat and water) will be stationed at the 4km and 6km mark.
• Lunch can be collected at the Recreation Centre around 12 noon.