2014 marks the third edition of the VENUS RUN, a women-only 5km race, which was also held in conjunction with International Women's Day on 8 March 2014. This year's edition was by far the largest, with close to 5,000 participants and Swiss premium sports apparel sponsor, X-BIONIC, with a S$2 million sponsorship deal.

The top finisher who walked away with the cash prize of S$300 was Vanja Cnops. She was also the female winner for the 2XU Compression Run 21km.

Being Part of the Sea of Pink

The heat and rather hazy conditions did not dampen the festive mood at the Barrage where runners, including myself, geared up in the sweltering hot afternoon for the race.

There were many fringe activities like the kids' athletics activities, health checks and the Zumba warm-up led by ladies from the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) to keep everyone occupied while waiting for the race to begin. There were also other fringe activities after the race such as the lucky draw and the 800m Kids Dash, which was pretty adorable to watch.

Focus On Us! The Fairer Sex

I do personally enjoy women-only races, especially when the focus is not only about the runner with the fastest timings, which often revolves around the dominant male, but about all things female.

A portion of the proceeds of the race would be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and Singapore Council of Women's Operations (SCWO). The selected beneficiaries, I felt, tied in nicely with International Women's Day and was glad that some of my race fees went to a worthy cause.

I also felt that the organizers gave the event a meaningful touch by inviting Speaker of Parliament Mdm Halimah Yacob, who was the first woman to hold the post in Singapore history, to grace the event.

A Well-Planned Race

The Singapore Athletics Association (SAA)-sanctioned 5km race route flagged off exactly at 5pm at the Marina Barrage, brought us down along the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.

It was a clearly marked and enjoyable course with adequate distance markers, marshals and of course, support all along the route, which motivated runners to keep on going.

The start pen was easily accessible as I made my way nearer to the start line.

As I ran, I spotted runners having fun running and taking selfies with their mothers, daughters, girl friends and even dedicated husbands. Running is so much more fun with people who can push you along!

The best reward of all was the congratulatory grins of the volunteers who offered tired but proud finishers with a can of Aquarius and a pretty necklace-like medal! Not forgetting the balmy breeze and the beautiful sunset view as the evening approached.

So ladies, without diamonds, you can still empower yourself and show off your post-race sparkle!

Event Overview

• Race was held at 5pm - no need to wake up early to rush for the first transport
• Race started exactly on the dot, schedule proceeded smoothly and was in overall, well-organised
• Scenic run route, moderately challenging with the loop up the Marina Barrage and well-planned to reduce congestion
• Value-for-money race pack and giveaways which consists of an X-BIONIC® Effektor run top and bottom (worth S$180), as well as a pair of X-BIONIC® Effektor socks for those who wore the gear for the race, together with other awesome sponsored goodies
• Largely accurate distance route as it is SAA-sanctioned
• Enthusiastic support along the route