Singapore running group The High Panters’ Vincent Chew and Gary Eng recall their fulfilling time at the 2022 Gold Coast Marathon, and share why its a not-to-be-missed running event Singaporean runners should attend
The announcer signaled the flag-off. The supporters cheered from the sidelines. And the thousands of runners took off in the first return of the Gold Coast Marathon since the pandemic began.
The wintry weather may have kept the air brisk in the city down under, but Singaporean Vincent Chew was all warmed up and raring to go at the gold label road race.
He and nine other Singaporeans formed a group called “What’s for Breakfast” — coined from the question the runners often asked each other after their Saturday morning training sessions. They joined more than 18,000 runners from all over the world in the 2022 staging of the event.
And it was an experience he had unlike any other.
“The atmosphere throughout the entire event was amazing,” said Vincent, who was there for the first time. The 34-year-old took part in the ASICS half marathon.
As one of the captains of local running group The High Panters, Vincent is no stranger to running. But what set his experience apart at Gold Coast was the outpouring of support from spectators from start to finish.
“The supporters were everywhere!” he recalled. “From the start line, to the roadside, outside their apartments and even on their balcony. They even shouted out my name on my bib to cheer me on!”
Fellow High Panters member, Gary Eng, participated in the full marathon. He too, revelled in the electric support during the event.
“The atmosphere was elevated as there was such a big crowd for the first time since Covid struck,” said the 39-year-old. “The cheering along the way was almost constant till the ending, and I felt like a superstar at the end where the crowd just got larger.”
With the favourable temperature and humidity, both Gary and Vincent set their personal best records in their respective events — which they both deemed to be the most “fulfilling” aspect of running in Australia.
“On a more serious note,” added Vincent, “the most fulfilling part of it was to see other Singapore runners cheering for each other in an overseas race and sharing the happy moments together.”
However, the support of their local running community long predated the actual race in July last year. The High Panters normally meet two to three times a week, though training for a marathon is a completely different ball game.
“I almost felt burnt out when training as it was tough,” said Gary.
It was a similar case for Vincent, who works as a mechanical and electrical services contractor, “As a working adult, the toughest part was to have the time to train three days a week for four months. There were days that I felt tired after work and was kind of reluctant to train.
“Thankfully, I got my friends that make training fun and enjoyable!”
As the day of the marathon approached, the novelty of the upcoming race had different effects on the two runners.
For Gary, it was positive anticipation that he began to feel. “Closer to the date, I felt excited to be able to travel overseas for the run,” he said.
In contrast, nerves were descending on Vincent, who said, “I started to feel anxious and stressed weeks before race day.” Though advice from his fellow runners helped to calm him down, he added.
At the end of the event however, the uniqueness and richness of the experience was undeniable for both men.
“I would recommend those who wish to go for overseas races to go for the Gold Coast Marathon as it is almost flat,” said Gary.
Vincent also added, “The nice cooling weather, amazing supporters and nice scenic route will definitely make it a memorable race!”
Due to work commitments however, neither will be making the trip down this year. Even so, Vincent hopes to complete the full marathon in 2024, while Gary fully anticipates his return to Gold Coast.
“I won’t be able to make it this year, but I would love to go back soon,” he said.
Registration for this year’s Gold Coast Marathon is now open at this link.