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Alvin Tan has ran all six Abbott World Marathon Majors - and he now sets his sights on the Sydney Marathon, a candidate race to become the Seventh Major Amidst the relentless hustle and bustle of a demanding work week, Singaporeans often find themselves grappling with the challenge of carving out precious time for themselves - be it for relaxation or rejuvenation. Cue Alvin Tan, a dedicated scientist at Duke-NUS Medical School and a disciplined runner with the Running Department , who has turned to run-commuting as an ingeniously devised solution to this common conundrum. Despite the demanding nature of his job, Alvin has managed to integrate run training with his hectic daily routine, a feat that has served him well in his previous marathon training blocks. "I do not recall exactly how this run commute routine started," Alvin reflects. "But there are two factors that drove me to try and have been motivating me to continue run-commuting."  For Alvin, running has always been therapeutic, especially solo runs. He describes his run commutes from his office in the CBD area to his home in Serangoon as his “me-time”, a chance to be alone with his thoughts and his music, unwinding at the end of a workday. Moreover, run commuting has proven to be a time-saver for Alvin. Instead of dedicating separate time for running and commuting, he efficiently combines the two tasks, effectively killing two birds with one stone. Integral to both his work and personal routines, run-commuting has become a cornerstone of Alvin's lifestyle. He seamlessly incorporates it into both training cycles and "off-seasons”. As a disciplined runner who participates in many marathons, Alvin increases the intensity of his run-commuting during training cycles such that the distance covered during his runs home contribute to the demands of marathon training. As Alvin continues to pursue his passion for running and expand his repertoire of marathon achievements, the prospect of Sydney Marathon potentially joining the ranks of the World Marathon Majors holds particular excitement for him. In fact, Alvin believes that having one of the World Marathon Majors in Australia will bring the series one step closer to being truly global. “I have been wanting to go back to Australia for a race, either in Sydney or Melbourne. With Sydney being a strong candidate to be the seventh World Marathon Major, I look forward to finally being back in Australia and running my first marathon there in Sydney,” Alvin mentioned. A Six Star Marathoner In fact Alvin boasts the remarkable feat of having completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors – with his sixth one being completed in Tokyo recently – a testament to his dedication and longevity as a runner.  “The one aspect of the World Marathon Majors races that left a lasting impression on me is the scale of these events. When a race has 30 to 50 thousand runners, everything is just bigger and more crowded, from the race expo to portable toilet lines to the start pen to the race route to the finish area,” Alvin said. Despite this, he still manages to find solace in the smooth and enjoyable journey that each race offers.  Having gone through so many different marathon experiences in a myriad of different countries, Alvin recounts one of majors, the 2014 Boston Marathon to be his most meaningful run. “I actually ran Boston for charity in 2013, but my race that year was cut short before the finish because of the bombings that cancelled the race.   That remains the only race I have started in which I did not cross the finish line,” he recounts.  He smiles poignantly as he recalls the day that shook the running community. "I was aiming for a sub four hour finish which wasn't going well," he recalls, "and the bombs went off along the final stretch about four hours after I flagged off." "My friends said that it was lucky I was a slow runner!" Runners who did not cross the finish line after the unfortunate bombings were then given a second opportunity to run — and more importantly — finish the race in 2014. Thus, motivating him to spend the next 12 months training as hard as possible to finally enjoy the finish that he was denied the year prior.   As it turned out, Alvin felt as though he did not run a good race performance-wise, on race day, and finished slower than his projected finish in 2013. During the race however, a piece of news made him realise what he was running for. “Sometime before the halfway mark, someone in the crowd shouted that Meb Keflezighi had won the race. He was the first American man in 30 years to have won the race and that jolted me out of my inner personal disappointment and into remembering that this race meant way more than my own performance,” Alvin reflected.  “About a mile and two turns from the finish, it had become a whole myriad of emotions. I was in disbelief that I was finally going to complete the race this time but there was also a sadness as I paused at the memorials set up along the finish line for the victims of the bombings. Finally, there was elation as I approached and crossed the finish line.”  As he eagerly awaits the announcement of Sydney's inclusion as the seventh World Marathon Major, Alvin remains steadfast in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his athletic endeavours and embracing the global reach of the marathon community. Yet to sign up for the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS? You can join close to 400 Singaporeans who have already joined this event by signing up here . #FeelNewSydney   #MakeSydneyAMajor   #SydneyMarathon

She's conquered a World Marathon Major 10 months postpartum and now, the mother of two is set to run the streets of Sydney in this year's Sydney Marathon next Balancing the relentless demands of motherhood with the grueling discipline required to train for marathons might seem like an insurmountable challenge to many, but for Ying Tian , it's a way of life.  Ying Tian is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Sydney Marathon  and the potential of Sydney becoming the seventh World Major. "With iconic water views to architectural beauty, why not if there’s good crowd support! Hearing all the positive reviews from my friends who have done races in Sydney, I’m positive that it will be possible!"  When asked about how it has been like juggling motherhood as well as training for marathons, Ying Tian reflects, “Nine years into motherhood and two kids later, it doesn’t get easier! Yet the process is so incredibly rewarding and I would do it again and again. It has taught me better time management. An example is running with any extra block of time, including run-commuting.” She adds, “Kids and work remain my top priority. After every training session I come back happier to do my mama duties and housework! It's all possible with the best tag-team between me and my husband. We take turns to run so someone's always taking care of the kids." To Ying Tian, the training leading up to the 42.2km race is the actual marathon itself. And the race? It’s the reward for all the hard work she had put in. Having completed 15 marathons since becoming a mother, she views each starting line as both a privilege and testament to her dedication.  Looking ahead to her next big race, the Sydney Marathon , it’s hard not to reflect on the struggles that have led her to become the runner she is today. Competing in marathons 10 months postpartum was particularly challenging for her.  “The biggest hurdle would have to be restarting my fitness from scratch after a relatively difficult pregnancy in my 30s two years ago. I had to resolve my Diastasis Recti via body treatments, slow walks and lots of patience,” Ying Tian recalls.  Though it was a tough one, the recovery process taught her the importance of listening to her own body and not comparing her own journey with that of others. “My fitness now is not the same as before and thus I try to celebrate every small step I take,” she reflects.  Another challenge she faced was juggling nursing with running, having to schedule the feeds for her children and wake up earlier to pump in order to prevent engorgement. “There were lots of logistics involved but I don’t regret it a single bit!” she smiles. Despite all these challenges, Ying Tian managed to pull through and complete another marathon in New York just 10 months postpartum — a dream come true for her as it had been her dream race to partake in. In facing adversity, the key for Ying Tian is maintaining motivation. “The truth is, I don’t love running all the time, but always feel so energised to take on the day thereafter. As an introvert, long distance running gives me that me-time I crave and don’t get with work and motherhood. It clears my mind after a long day. To me, it’s the perfect balance in life.”   She also credits her running friends for driving her forward, be it through their morale or their physical support.  As she prepares for her first trip to Sydney, she shares, "I love going with no expectations so you get to enjoy what the race truly offers. No marathon is ever the same, and I'm sure Sydney will not disappoint!" Ying Tian is no stranger to completing World Marathon Majors and it didn’t stop at just the New York City Marathon. Having completed five in total, with three done post-COVID 19, Ying Tian boasts a wealth of experiences to share.  “My favourites are my first World Marathon Major, the Tokyo Marathon and the recent London Marathon for their routes and electrifying vibes! The endless cheering and support were throughout the entire course which kept me going when I felt tired. I love how the entire city comes alive,” Ying Tian recollects. She mentioned feeling a mixture of sadness yet happiness towards the final 5km, touring the city via foot and knowing her training had paid off. “These are races I do not mind repeating again if the ballot god is on my side,” she says. Ying Tian’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of family support, and the bliss found in pursuing one's passions amidst the demands and joys of motherhood. Her story inspires us all to find our balance and chase our dreams, no matter the challenges. Signed up for this year's Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS ? Singapore based Sydney Marathon participants can enjoy exclusive partner discounts - find out more here . #SydneyMarathon #MakeSydneyAMajor #WorldMarathonMajors

Amidst a jam-packed schedule and juggling three sports, Ong Xin Min finds time to train for her first full 42.195km race in the Sydney Marathon this September Coaching tennis. Pursuing a pilates certificate. Pacing runners for her run club. You name it, Ong Xin Min's probably doing it. Now, the bubbly 27 year-old's newest endeavour is training for her first full marathon in Sydney, Australia this September 15th. Influenced by her local run club, Fast and Free Run Club (FFRC )  as one of its pacers, otherwise known as Toasties, Xin Min — the experienced half-marathoner chose Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS as not only her first ever full marathon, but also her first overseas race. “I was actually contemplating on running the Sydney Marathon at the start of this year as I knew I had quite a few commitments coming up. My friends, the FFRC Toasties, urged me to take part as we could push through our training block and complete our first full marathon together,” she shared. As ecstatic as they are about running together, the group is equally as excited about the prospects of the race becoming the seventh World Marathon Major.  “I think it’s an exciting time for the running community! It’s an amazing opportunity to witness history being created. It's a magical feeling knowing that Sydney Marathon might become the seventh World Major the year after we run it,” Xin Min added. The 27-year-old made a big decision by leaving her full-time corporate 9-5 recently to pursue a career as a pilates instructor. Already a tennis coach on the side, Xin Min’s pure love for all three activities kept her entranced on achieving her goals. “Tennis has always been part of my life,” gushed Xin Min, who has been playing the racquet sport since the age of eight. “I’ve never stopped playing and I’m always looking for ways to improve my game and better myself.” In contrast, she has only been into pilates for about two years. The serenity the mind-body exercise brings however, left a mark on her like no other sport has before.  Instead of simply participating in the activities, Xin Min’s passion for helping others is what led her to share her knowledge of the two sports with those around her. “I would have my own tennis coach to thank as he was the one who guided me into coaching a few years back. I realised that I loved coaching and seeing my students improve over time brought me joy,” she smiled proudly. “Being a pilates instructor allows me to help a bigger group of people including the injured, pregnant women or the elderly and tweak the exercises according to their needs. It's the excitement of knowing that I will be able to help my future clients move better, feel better and become stronger that motivates me to pursue this path.”  Juggling three normal activities may already seem tough for most Singaporeans, but juggling three physically demanding activities requires an insurmountable amount of motivation. Though she admits the difficulties, Xin Min’s drive is evident. “I guess it’s about knowing your current commitments, balancing what’s important to you and how your actions will help you in the future,” she shared. “I wouldn’t define them as challenges, but more of what I had to sacrifice in order to pursue what I'm currently working towards. I would say I had to cut back on my rest days, and time with close friends and my family but I’m especially thankful that I have a very understanding and supportive partner. Knowing he’s behind me makes this journey much easier.” The other FFRC toasties and club captains who are also Sydney-bound have been keeping Xin Min on track. Despite the intensity of a marathon training block consisting of long runs and gruelling intervals, the group has never failed to keep pushing each other. “The running community has always been encouraging and positive. It drives a person to want to keep going and not give up,” praised the 27-year-old. Come September, as they edge closer to the finish line, it will become clear that every sacrifice Xin Min made were merely hurdles in her pursuit of happiness . And that’s what she’s looking forward to most in the capital city of New South Wales. “Saying 'we did it' once we cross the finish line. I’ll look back at the end of the year and know that I've achieved something for myself .” Signed up for this year's Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS  ? Singapore based Sydney Marathon participants can enjoy exclusive partner discounts - find out more here . #SydneyMarathon   #MakeSydneyAMajor   #WorldMarathonMajors

A familiar face from the running community, Sydney Marathon-bound Denis Ho's love for the sport lies in giving back through cheering on his fellow runners and sharing brews “When I started out, I didn’t like running.”  It’s a common narrative amongst runners, especially the ones who take it to the next level by going the long distances. It can be a grueling few hours of going one stride at a time, running on nothing but grit and the adrenaline pumping through your veins. For many, the way to endure it all is to run with friends, and it’s no different for Sydney Marathon -bound Denis Ho . A defining member of popular local run club Running Department , Denis sees it as paying it forward. After all, it was at the run club where he found his love for the sport. Anyone part of a collective would know that there’s no better feeling than the magic of being surrounded by like-minded people who bring the best out of you. For Denis, the connection between him and the runners, spurred on by marathon season, is the best part of his community. Upon hearing that over 400 Singaporean runners have been confirmed to be hitting the streets of Sydney in September, Denis could not contain his excitement. “Wow, that’s amazing! I’m honoured to be part of such a big community. I sincerely hope Sydney Marathon becomes a World Major next year.” “I found running to be very challenging. However, I met various people in Running Department and received lots of help and support from them. I hope to lend my support to those who want to try running but face difficulties. I was there once,” Denis shared. Having joined Running Department to improve his army Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), it was evident that his love for the community had since grown beyond achieving his own goals. Even after our photo shoot at Marina Bay after a long day of work, Denis decided on a whim to join his fellow runners at Bishan. “During a marathon training block, especially the long training runs that can go as far as 33km, it can get quite difficult to keep your focus with the fatigue kicking in. I feel connected to the fellow Running Department runners who come every Wednesday evening to run together, help one another, chit-chat, check-in on one another, eat together and share life together.” And share life together they do, as Denis has managed to fuse his two hobbies together — running and brewing kombucha. Just by going through the “Kombucha” highlights on Denis’ Instagram, the popularity of his homemade drink is etched on the faces of his happy customers at Running Department . The runners even went as far as to encourage Denis to sell them the kombucha, instead of giving them out for free, which is how it initially began.  “Before my cousin taught me how to brew my own kombucha, I was spending $80 a month to buy it. Sharing kombucha came about while I was talking to my friend at Running Department, Gina Teo. I was initially quite hesitant about sharing the kombucha that I brew as different people may respond differently to kombucha but Gina told me that she was willing to help me test the kombucha and the different flavours I was experimenting with,” shared Denis. “With her encouragement and help, I started brewing more and shared with other runners and through word of mouth, more and more runners got to know about it. I think Melissa Foo and Daniel Fang’s posts on Instagram about my kombucha helped! When people tell me that they enjoyed it, I feel really, really happy.” It’s still to be seen if Denis’ kombucha will make its waves through the Sydney Marathon crowd when the runners begin touching down in New South Wales’s capital city. Denis — and most Singaporeans — look forward to the weather most. “Running in hot and humid Singapore has made me appreciate running in countries that have lower temperatures and lower humidity,” he shared. Kombucha won’t be the only thing brewing though, as excitement too begins to build with less than two months to the big day.  Signed up for this year's Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS  ? Singapore based Sydney Marathon participants can enjoy exclusive partner discounts - find out more here . #SydneyMarathon   #MakeSydneyAMajor   #WorldMarathonMajors

Six different players etched their names on the scoresheet in Singapore's 9-0 win against Macau in the 'A' International Friendly 17 JULY, SINGAPORE - It was a dismantling of Macau's team when Singapore put nine past the visitors at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday (16 July) night. In their first home game since last July's outing against Pakistan, which Singapore won 1-0, the home side were determined to put on a show for the fans. In their bid to do so, Singapore recorded their biggest ever win. The young starting line-up was captained by the experienced 27-year-old Siti Rosnani Azman. As the game progressed, it became clear that the team's synergy was at a high. It was Dorcas Chu who opened the scoring in the 37th minute, when the Lion City Sailors midfielder met Venetia Lim's corner delivery with a volley at the back post. With three minutes added on at the end of the first half, the home side showed no sign of slowing down for the break. Putri Syaliza extended the lead when her cross was unintentionally headed in by a Macau defender. Back from the half-time break 2-0 up at home, the fans were riled up for an enthralling second half. It took only five minutes for Singapore to find the back of the net once more, this time with Venetia earning herself a goal after assisting Dorcas for the team's first of the night. A move from the training ground, the 20-year-old curled in a free-kick from a tight angle just outside the box. It was enough to send Singapore's confidence soaring, ushering an onslaught of goals that left Macau no chance of a comeback. The team's cohesion was evident as the players began racking up not only goals, but assists as well. With a goal already in the bag, Putri Syaliza's footwork was on show as she dribbled past defenders before delivering a low driven cross to Danelle Tan, who with her finishing prowess, tapped it in for her first of the night. Team skipper, Rosnani then decided to get in on the fun as her shot from range found its way into the net in the 57th minute. It was down and out for the away side, when Borussia Dortmund's Danelle bagged two more in quick succession, earning herself a hat-trick in the process. Both goals were assisted by Geylang International's star Farah Nurzahirah. Seven just wasn't enough for the energised Singaporean side, as Putri Syaliza went on to secure a brace. Cutting inside and dribbling herself into space, the Florida-based midfielder released a left-footed curler into the top corner. Kyra Taylor, who made her senior team debut in the second half, then mirrored her captain's long-range effort to make it 9-0 and marking an unforgettable national team debut. Below are some more highlights through the lens. The Singapore National Team gathers in front of a crowd of photographers for their team photos to be taken, cheered on by the crowd streaming in. Lion City Sailors Vice-captain Nur Syazwani Ruzi (right) was the orchestrator of Singapore's attacks down the right flank in the first half, often combining with club teammate Nur Sarah Zu'rishqha (left). Chloe Koh made her first start for the senior national side on Tuesday night. The forward, part of the Unleash The Roar! (UTR) Scholarship to IMG Academy in the United States, created trouble for the Macau defenders while on the pitch in the first half. Macau's wall of defenders were often utilised for free-kicks as several were given away in dangerous areas. Star striker, Danelle Tan was relentless in her attacks in the second half, challenging the visiting defenders both physically and mentally. Kyra Taylor, another recipient of the UTR! Scholarship at IMG Academy, warming up under the lights of Jalan Besar Stadium before coming on for her senior national team debut to score Singapore's ninth and final goal. "Not one, not two but three." Danelle Tan celebrates her third of the night in front of the charged-up home fans. For more pictures, visit our gallery here . #SgFootball #SgWomensFootball

The world's best cyclists will once again rip through the streets of Singapore as the Tour De France makes its return on our shores in November SINGAPORE, 15 JULY 2024 – Cycling’s best athletes can look forward to a new and exciting route in Downtown Singapore when the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium (TDF SG) returns for its third edition on 9 and 10 November. The Tour de France is the pinnacle of professional cycling – elite cyclists compete in a gruelling test as they cover an average of 3,500km over three weeks in their quest for glory. The Criterium format is a shorter race on a closed circuit, putting the cyclists’ speed and agility to the test. This third edition of the Singapore event is set to be an exciting one with the inauguration of the TDF SG Family Day. This will see a variety of games, entertainment and culinary discoveries available for spectators, guaranteeing a memorable weekend in Singapore. The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and leading life insurer Prudential Singapore, will feature top international riders from some of the world’s best professional cycling teams. This year’s event will also welcome new partners including homegrown bicycle-sharing firm Anywheel, airline partner EVA Air, travel goods company Thule and ticketing partner Trip.com . Ms Agnes Goh, Managing Director of event promoter Evoke EXP, said: “We’ve learnt a lot from staging the first two editions of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, and have taken onboard those lessons so that this year’s event can be our best yet. We aim to provide a refreshed and interesting challenge for the cyclists and we’re in the final stages of planning of the race track and look forward to unveiling the exact route soon. The action off the race circuit will be equally enticing. With the addition of the TDF SG Family Day offering a variety of games, entertainment and food and beverage options; spectators can be a part of a thrilling racing experience and enjoy a memorable weekend in Downtown Singapore.” Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) is back for the third consecutive year as title sponsor and official wellness partner for the Singapore Criterium. The Prudential Group has supported other cycling events before, such as the Prudential RideLondon cycling festival in 2019, PRURide Indonesia in 2022 and PRURide Philippines in May 2023. Mr Goh Theng Kiat, Chief Customer Officer of Prudential Singapore, said: “As a leading life insurer, we want to support more people to live well for longer by advocating healthy and active lifestyles. We see cycling as a great activity for people of all ages to stay fit, build social connections and strengthen the community spirit. We are pleased to promote cycling in Singapore, and encourage more people to take up the sport." Similar to previous years, Prudential will be organising classes through PRURide Seeker’s Society. This is an exclusive cycling club which began in 2022 as part of the company’s title sponsorship for the Singapore Criterium, and aims to help people who want to learn how to become better cyclists. Anyone can sign up to join PRURide Seeker’s Society and gain access to complimentary trainings in the PRURide Race-Ready programme which will be held in the coming months. They include a mobility and strength training, a technical class to build cycling competence and confidence as well as a virtual cycling class. The trainings are conducted by coaches from UFIT Singapore and the Singapore Cycling Federation. PRURide Seeker’s Society members will also stand the chance to qualify for a spot at the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium, the only event for non-professional cyclists to participate in during the race weekend in November. It will be set on the same circuit that the professional Tour de France cyclists will be racing on. Registration to join PRURide Seeker’s Society (PRSS) is now open. More information on the training programme and how to join PRSS are available here . The 2023 Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium saw Jasper Philipsen clinching the title after emerging tops in a dramatic sprint finish. The Belgian beat a stellar field that included two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar and decorated sprinter Mark Cavendish, who recently broke Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record for most career Tour de France stage wins with his 35th victory on 3 July. More details on ticketing and participating riders for the 2024 Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium will be announced soon.

The shoe marks the biggest redesign of the franchise since 2015 debut and boasts an all new Boost midsole and revamped upper SINGAPORE, 15 JULY 2024 – Redesigned from the ground up, adidas has recently unveiled the Ultraboost 5. adidas' latest innovation gives runners the highest energy return yet, thanks to a new midsole construction that offers 9mm more Boost.  The shoe is built for those looking to get more out of their run, and to understand runners’ relationship to energy adidas commissioned research which revealed that one in five 18–24-year-olds (21%) cite their energy levels as their biggest concern right now.  Dr Eliza Filby, Historian of Generational Evolution, who led the research, says: “The next generation is under a lot of pressure, burnt out, feels disorientated at the state of the world and there are so many demands on their energy and time. When it comes to making a choice about what they focus on, physical exercise like running can often be one of the first things to go. 60% of those who don’t dedicate as much time as they’d like to sport, mention a lack of energy as the main reason, despite the positive endorphins it releases.”   For those looking for more energy from their runs, adidas has designed the Ultraboost 5, which uses a re-engineered LIGHT BOOST™ midsole packed with 9mm more foam under the heel and forefoot which allows for reduced weight, higher cushioning and 2% more forefoot energy return than the Ultraboost Light. How? The Boost-packed midsole, which offers higher responsiveness and cushioning in the heel and in transition–instantly bounces back to its original shape as a runner’s foot hits the ground, allowing them to go further while expending the same amount of energy.  And, thanks to a new adaptive Primeknit upper, it offers adaptability and enhanced fit in key zones, maximising breathability where possible to make sure the foot is cool each step of the way.  “The Ultraboost is a true running icon and this is our best yet” says Simon Lockett, Footwear Product Marketing Category Director, at adidas. “82%2 of people that have tested it say they prefer its energy return to their own shoes, and 70% say they had more fun while running wearing it. That’s always been the superpower of Ultraboost, especially now it’s back with more Boost, and a lighter weight than ever before.”   Experience 5-STAR ENERGY with #adidasRunnersSG on 18 July!   To celebrate the release of the Ultraboost 5 locally, adidas Runners Singapore is hosting a 5-star Energy Night Run on July 18 from 7pm to 9pm, outside the ArtScience Museum. Enjoy a fun night of fitness, community, and unbeatable energy and experience the ULTRA ENERGY of the fifth-generation Ultraboost, renowned for its highest energy-returning cushioning system yet. After the run, refuel and recharge with snacks and hydration provided by Zenko Superfoods and Antidote Juice.  Interested participants can sign up via the adidas Running App . Tap the Community tab, locate adidas Runners Singapore under “Groups & Communities”, select "View Upcoming Events" and join the run. Members-exclusive Retail Perks Starting July 18, adiClub members can score exciting retail perks to celebrate the launch of the all-new Ultraboost 5 series.  1. Redeem the adidas Ultraboost by The Bay Key City Tee with your adiClub points Snag the local Key City Tee from July 18 - August 18 using your adiClub points.   Here's how: Redeem for 500 adiClub points with any purchase of Ultraboost 5 or Ultraboost 5X footwear; or redeem for 3,500 adiClub points, with no purchase required. 2. Complimentary Run & Refuel Bundle (worth $46) up for grabs. Starting July 18, the first 20 adiClub members to purchase an Ultraboost 5 or Ultraboost 5X will receive a free Run & Refuel bundle (worth S$46) consisting of an Antidote juice pack and Zenko Superfood Chocolate clusters (while stocks last).  Participating stores and dates: Ultraboost by The Bay T-shirt redemption Run & Refuel Bundle redemption adidas Brand Centre Orchard adidas Marina Bay Sands adidas Suntec City adidas Bugis+ adidas VivoCity Performance (L1) adidas ION Orchard adidas Bugis Junction adidas JEM adidas Causeway Point adidas Jewel adidas Waterway Point adidas Tampines One  adidas Brand Centre Orchard adidas Suntec City adidas VivoCity Performance (L1)  adidas Marina Bay Sands Ultraboost 5 launches for both men and women in a white and grey base with expressive ‘Spark Orange’ and ‘Lucid Pink’ colour pops to represent the burst of energy the shoe unlocks. Available from $259 the Ultraboost 5 and the Ultraboost 5X are available in-store and online .  For more updates and details, follow adidas Singapore on Instagram and Facebook, and use the hashtags #adidasSG and #Ultraboost5 #adidasrunning

Second edition of PEDALFEST unveils a packed dawn to dusk festival programme including a 59km Ride to commemorate National Day   13 JULY, SINGAPORE - PEDALFEST SINGAPORE is back for its second edition on 25 August 2024 (Sunday) at OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub with an entire day of festivities, exciting performances and a chance to bond with cyclists from around the region.  Created by local sports marketing agency Firefly Connections, PEDALFEST has a goal to unite cyclists from diverse backgrounds to forge new friendships through different cycling-related activities, wellness talks, workshops and films related to cycling.  Celebrate 59th National Day with a Ride to PedalFest   With National Day celebrations in view and to encourage ‘green commuting’, a 59km Ride to PEDALFAST had been added to the programme this year. Cyclists are encouraged to come dress in red and white and enjoy the community ride starting from PAssion Wave @ East Coast. “This year, we are pleased to welcome cycling friends from Bike Scout Philippines and others from across the Causeway,” explained Lyndon Yeo, Festival Director and Managing Director of Firefly Connections. “What better way to celebrate this year 59th Independence than a pre-dawn ride to PedalFest with friends from the region.”  Saviors on Wheels and Sustainability takes the limelight Making its debut at PEDALFEST this year is Bike Scouts Philippines, a non-profit social network of cyclists that had been involved in disaster relief efforts, monitoring of valuable water sources and rainforest and mangrove swamp conservation.   The organization started in 2013 out of a spontaneous response to Typhoon Haiyan as massive flood waters cut off families from resources and information. Cyclists then came together especially in rural areas to help those affected by using their cyclists. Since then, Bike Scouts Philippines had spread countrywide to raise engage communities on important environmental issues.    “We are pleased to host Bike Scouts Philippines at PEDALFEST 2024 to create greater awareness for protecting the environment as well as the use of bicycles in conservation and relief efforts,” said Lyndon Yeo, Festival Director. “What Bike Scouts have done is living proof that when cyclists come together, we can do more for the wider community and create positive impact.”     With sustainability on its agenda, PEDALFEST 2024 will also host Green Upcycling Workshops  for participants to learn how to reuse bicycle parts and turn them into works of art for their home.  Athleticism meets Art and Cycling in Motion Pictures   Back for a second year is celebrated Malaysian cartoonist Azmi Hussin who will showcase his BMX flatland skills and bicycle related paintings while also sharing his story as an artiste.  Road warriors will no doubt watch to catch a screening of MAMIL (Middle Age Men in Lycra)  a film about white-collar professionals transforming into lycra clad road warriors every weekend. Narrated by legendary Tour de France and cycling commentator Phil Liggett, the film tries to uncover why middle-aged men are so passionate about riding expensive carbon bikes, something which many weekend cyclists in Singapore can relate to.  Activities for the Entire Family and Bike Enthusiasts    At the Ciclo e Caffe & Vintage Bike Showcase, avid cyclists can gather and share cycling stories while enjoying close-up views of vintage steel from prized personal collections.    There will also be free bike health checks by specialists on site, safe cycling workshops for kids from 6 to 12 years old and workshop sessions where participants can seek advice from high-performance coaches, sports therapists and more.  All-day Festival Pass  are priced at just S$25, while the RIDE TO PEDALFEST Ride Pass (59km) is at $55 . The first 500 participants to purchase a Ride Pass will receive a special-edition PEDALFEST tee in addition to the Festive Pack* upon completion of the ride.   All children aged 12 enter for free when accompanied by an adult with a Festival or Ride Pass.   Tickets are on sale at here .

The brand’s Singapore retail destination transformed to showcase the power of Nike Air via athlete hologram spectacle and multiple Nike Air-inspired services for Members Singapore, 15 July 2024 - Last weekend, Nike inspired and empowered athletes* via its “Win On Air” Experience , a collection of moments and services including a two-story high, athlete hologram spectacle powered by Nike Air , at Nike Orchard Road. The retail destination, in partnership with GMG, global retailer and distributor, is more than a store. The space is a sport hub designed to serve athletes* of all ages (men, women and kids) and help transform their ambitions into reality. Nike Orchard Road has three-levels and occupies 28,000 square feet of space, which makes it the company’s largest monobrand Nike store in Asia, outside of China. The Nike “Win On Air” athlete hologram spectacle demonstrates the power of Nike Air on the façade of Nike Orchard Road’s atrium. Kylian Mbappé (Football), Sha’Carri Richardson (Track & Field) and Victor Wembanyama (Basketball) are featured in the presentation wearing Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite, Air Zoom Maxfly 2 and Air Zoom G.T. Hustle 3, respectively. The featured footwear incorporates Air Zoom innovation, which has been re-engineered across multiple sports to optimize energy return. Nike Air will help the brand’s athletes break barriers at the summer games in Paris. During the Nike “Win On Air” Experience, Nike Members will have an opportunity to access new in-store Nike Air-inspired events and services via the Nike App. On Saturday, 13 July, the Run Swoosh Session united and energized the local running community for a 5-kilometer community run. The Swoosh Studio also offers audio-guided or run coach-led treadmill experiences until 31 July. At both running experiences, Members will have an opportunity to trial the all-new Nike Pegasus 41 Blueprint. Nike By You, an immersive customization experience, will offer the exclusive “Win On Air” and “Air Studio” collections, for a limited time only. These designs can be customized on t-shirts and hats. Teo Chong Wah, Singaporean artist, partnered with Nike By You for the “Win On Air” Collection, which embrace the playful spirit of athletic prowess and bring the dynamic energy of athletes to life. Nike Orchard Road is located at 268 Orchard Road, Singapore. The Nike “Win On Air” athlete hologram spectacle will be held from July 13 – 15 at 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The additional events and services will be available during the store’s operating hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. *If you have a body, you are an athlete. #Nike #WinOnAir #TeamNike

Singapore players such as Delvin Goh, Kelvin Lim and Tay Ding Loon will be featured and will be joined by international teams from Malaysia, Thailand and more to feature in Singapore National 3X3 League 11 July 2024, Singapore — The Singapore National 3X3 League (NXL) has announced its upcoming tour legs, with two tours in major shopping and lifestyle hubs CQ @ Clarke Quay and Plaza Singapura this July. The fifth tour will be held from 13 to 14 July at the Fountain area in CQ @ Clarke Quay, while the sixth leg will be held from 31 August to 1 September 2024 at Plaza Singapura. This will be the first time competitive 3x3 basketball will be held at CQ @ Clarke Quay and Plaza Singapura. 3x3 basketball (pronounced three-ex-three) is a variation of basketball played three-a-side, with one backboard and in a half-court setup. 3x3 is the largest urban team sport in the world. The Singapore National 3X3 League (NXL) features leading teams from Singapore and around the world competing across a 2-day competition to be crowned the winner. Singapore players such as Delvin Goh, Kelvin Lim and Tay Ding Loon will be featured and will be joined by international teams from Malaysia, Thailand and more. New Wei Sheng, lead organiser of NXL, stated, “The 5th and 6th tour of NXL will be our biggest events to-date! Having successfully showcased the sport in the heartlands, we are now excited to bring the tour to two of the most popular destinations and both local and international shoppers." "The exhilarating pace of 3x3 basketball will captivate the audiences and help to grow the interest in the fastest-growing sport in the world,” he added. Singapore recently hosted the 3x3 Asia Cup for a third consecutive year. 3x3 basketball will also be featured for the second time at the Paris Olympics 2024 next month. #Basketball #3x3

The future of Singapore table tennis looks bright as Singapore wins first medals at Asian Youth Championships since 2019 10 July 2024, Chongqing China - Singapore's juniors stamped their mark on the Asian youth stage as they clinched two joint-bronze medals at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2024 that concluded on Friday, 6 July in Chongqing, China. The Singapore Table Tennis Association's continued investment in developing its youth and the next generation of table tennis stars has been noticeable, and even started reaping its rewards in the last few years, with 18 year-old Izaac Kuek and Zhou Jingyi making their Olympic bows in Paris later this month, and other budding stars waiting in the wings to shine on the greatest stage. At the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships, 14-year-old Loy Ming Ying cemented her position as one of Asia’s rising stars as she clinched her first ever medal at the Asian Youth Championships when she finished joint-third in the U15 Girls' Singles. She shared after: "Getting a medal at the Asian Youth Championships was beyond my expectations. I intend to continue improving on my skills for future competitions. I would like to thank STTA, SSP, my coach, my team and my family for supporting me on this journey." Adding to Ming Ying’s bronze was the doubles’ pairing of Ser Lin Qian and Tan Zhao Yun, with the duo also having a run to remember, clinching joint-third in the U19 Girls' Doubles. These medals mark Singapore’s first medals at the championships since 2019, when the Cadet Girls team of Zhou Jingyi, Tan and Ser won joint-bronze in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia when the competition was still called the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships. Zena Sim is Singapore’s only gold medalist at these championships, having won the Cadet Girls’ Singles title in 2005 in New Delhi, India. Wong Xin Ru Announces Retirement from Table Tennis Meanwhile, Singapore national paddler Wong Xin Ru announced her retirement from the sport last evening. Despite being just 22 years-old, the multiple SEA Games medallist expressed her desire to move onto a new chapter in life, having been competing for 14 years in the sport of table tennis. In an Instagram post to her fans and followers, Wong expressed her gratitude to everyone and shared that "This journey has been nothing short of a dream come true, filled with unforgettable moments and challenges that have shaped me both as an athlete and as a person." Wong further added that it has been an honour to pursue her passion and represent her nation. "Looking ahead, while I close this chapter of my life, I am excited about what lies ahead of me. I will start university soon, and hope to continue contribute to the sporting scene in other ways whenever there’s an opportunity," said Wong. #TableTennis #SgTableTennis

We kick off our Running Shoes Review Series with local running content creators and athletes by looking at ASICS' latest daily trainer PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD As part of an ongoing collaboration with Singapore's premier running specialty i Run Singapore , SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators and Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear. To kick-off our first episode of this video series titled 'Sole Mates',runner and SportPlus.sg host John Yeong discusses the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 , launched in January this year and dubbed as the most comfortable pair of running shoes. Are these daily trainers really the perfect sole mates for runners? Read on to find out. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD Overview A quick look at the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 will tell that ASICS has really done a total re-design of the Gel-Nimbus series with this latest iteration. It doesn’t only look different but also feels entirely different from previous editions of the series. Noticeable Upgrades and Specs - A significant increase in overall stack height – 6mm in the forefoot and 4mm in the rearfoot, perfect for the rearfoot and heel strikers - A Synthetic Upper knitted tech with more space around the ankles and a knitted tongue and collar design, without sacrificing on having a good lock down - The biggest emphasis would be on the midsole and outsole – this is a very highly cushioned shoe that will guarantee you a very plush ride. Largely thanks to the FLYTEFOAM BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, similar to the NOVABLAST 3 - PUREGEL™ technology that creates a softer and smoother transition during your strides, and it is also placed on the rearfoot to improve shock absorption - It weighs approximately 299g in size US 10.5 PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD John's Personal Experience Running with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 running shoes What's your mileage so far and what do you like about the shoe? So far I have run about 70KM in this Gel Nimbus 25, in both dry and wet conditions. I found that it does not really soak up water too much, and the AHAR+ high abrasion rubber means it still has pretty good grippiness in rainy conditions. In terms of spaciousness, I would say it has a medium sized toe box, so it doesn’t squeeze or pinch on my foot, and wraps around the contours of my feet so it feels like my feet are wrapped in pillows. Noticeably I feel that the shoe is firmer at the front and softer at the back, possibly for better shock absorption for heel strikers. The plush cushioning should protect runners' knees when you hit those longer miles. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD What do you dislike about the shoe or think can be improved? It can feel a bit stuffy after a very long run, not to the point of discomfort but a bit warm as it traps heat. Might be best for those in colder climates, but yet to test this out. Who is this Shoe Most For? I feel this shoe is good for a wide range of runners, doesn’t matter if you are just a beginner just picking up running or a seasoned runner who has been competing in marathons. It is probably best suited for recovery runs and those long run days. It’s a safe shoe, with the cushioning guaranteeing that you will have a lot of protection when you do those road runs. It may not be a good fit for those runners who prefer firmer shoes that are more snappy and responsive and where you can feel the ground more. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD Sole Mates Overall Shoe Rating Comfort: 5/5 Stability: 4/5 Responsiveness: 3/5 Grippiness: 4/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Taking all this into consideration I would give the Gel-Nimbus 25 and overall rating of 4 Soles, and would recommend to runners doing their marathon training or multi-day races. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is currently going for S$249 and you can purchase them from any iRun Store or online or directly from ASICS. #ASICSSG #NothingFeelsBetter #GELNIMBUS25