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Cloudmonster 2 is officially launched in Singapore, and promises greater energy return catering to everyday runners On, the renowned Swiss sportswear brand, is thrilled to unveil the Cloudmonster 2, the latest advancement in maximum energy return shoes. This innovative release is part of a unique collaborative campaign that brings together scientists, music artists, and the vibrant running community in Singapore. The Cloudmonster 2 represents the next evolution in On's max cushioning technology, catering to the needs of everyday runners. Notable updates to the iconic CloudTec® sole include an elevated stack height, providing a more cushioned sensation. The introduction of a new dual-density midsole enhances performance, offering firm support at the back and a softer feel at the front for seamless yet energetic transitions. With a new nylon blend speedboard engineered between the dual density midsole components, it provides energy return when transitioning from forefoot to midfoot. The Cloudmonster 2 also comes with a drop of 6mm derived from a stack height of 35mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot, delivering an unparalleled performance for every runner’s journey. To mark the launch of the Cloudmonster 2, On has collaborated with Kinda Studios, the leading neuroaesthetics studio and lab to turn the neuroscience of sound into a custom track and music mix scientifically designed to energise runners. The collaboration involves specific BPMs, frequencies, and melodic dynamics aimed at enhancing the positive effects of music on brain waves, physiology, and neurochemicals. The science-informed design process included custom neuroscience testing, revealing increased energy and mood boosts in runners. Internationally acclaimed, DJ and producer Jayda G, along with NTS Radio, facilitated the collaboration, modifying sound dynamics for energy enhancement. Artist Yaeji contributed two original mixes, all streaming on NTS Radio, incorporating scientific findings from Kinda Studios and On's insights. Launched on 22 February 2024, the Cloudmonster 2 will be available for purchase at On Pop-Up Store (Wheelock Place), CHAMBER, Dover Street Market, Feder Sports, iRun, N-Zone Sports, Running Lab, Sports Factory and Sports Profile. #DreamOn #CloudMonster2

A former national runner, Loh Guo Pei has left an indelible mark on the running community, inspiring both beginners and advanced runners to practise their craft with an inclusive community As a former national athlete with several years of coaching experience and a Sports Science and Management education from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Loh Guo Pei is no stranger to the running community. In 2018, Loh was appointed as the Head Coach for the newly established New Balance Run Club Singapore (NBRC). As the head coach, he is in charge of developing an inclusive and diverse training programme ranging from intervals to tempo runs for participants of varying abilities. Training programmes aside, a head coach also has to ensure a sustainable, stimulating, fun, celebratory and safe environment for anyone and everyone aspiring to achieve their personal running goals and to help runners remain consistent in doing so. “As a coach, it is important to tailor a programme towards the needs of the participants and this is what I have been working on. NBRC welcomes participants of all levels, from individuals who aim to complete a 5km run, to someone who wants to improve their pacing ability, and even those who are striving to improve their 10km, half marathon or full marathon timings,” said Loh. From 40 runners to now over 150 runners signing up for the weekly Tuesday sessions, New Balance Run Club Singapore has grown exponentially since its inception in 2018. You can read up on SportPlus.sg exclusive feature on New Balance Run Club Singapore here. Coach Guo Pei shared with SportPlus.sg on his direction for the Club and how his sporting journey has influenced his life. Each NBRC session is strategically planned out to provide a realistic yet challenging programme for participants to achieve their objectives set. This is successfully achieved with the range of pace group options available. With its inclusive programme, new runners would not have to feel intimidated and can pace themselves based on their own comfort levels. The groups are led by experienced and passionate members who control the pace and at the same time look out for the safety of runners. “NBRC Singapore aims to be a leading community running group that promotes a healthier lifestyle by providing a supportive environment where runners motivate, share experiences and overcome challenges together," Loh shares proudly. With the turnout of runners every Tuesday and familiar faces returning consistently, it is evident that NBRC has come a long way to achieve this goal and more. Loh also firmly believes in the value and importance of equipping runners with proper running techniques and educating them on injury prevention and proper running footwear. Each session begins and ends with a thorough warm up and cool down, with drills and stretches included, offering a holistic and carefully crafted programme for attendees from start to finish. “As a national athlete, I’ve been through many types of training programmes, learned to manage performance pressure and how to maintain close communication with my coaches. Understanding how a runner feels at their different milestones allows me to motivate and guide them to overcome their personal obstacles and concerns,” shared Loh. Despite running a full-time photography business and also being a realtor, sport still serves as an anchor in his life. “Sport not only provides better physical health, but also teaches me how to set goals that I can apply to my work. Sports has also helped me to improve my ability to overcome challenges and persevere regardless of the situation.” Members of public can have a taste of Loh Guo Pei's programme by signing up for the first Sydney Marathon : Singapore Chapter Run Club activation happening on 7 April 2024, led by New Balance Run Club. We promise you’ll get in a good workout, leave feeling great, make a friend or two plus it's free! #Features #LohGuoPei

With sustainability as the main theme of the TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO 2024 exhibition, countless booths had on display their creatively green designs “We only have one earth. We must start the sustainability project every day,” Robert Wu, Chairman of Taiwan Bicycle Association boldly said in his address at the TAIPEI CYCLE and Sport and Fitness Taiwan (TaiSPO) opening ceremony. Sustainability took centre stage at the 2024 edition of TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO – and it was evident for all to see. At the entrances, stacks of ‘Green Map’ brochures made their TAIPEI CYCLE debut. Free for the perusal of exhibition-goers, the brochure charted booth locations of 68 key companies who featured sustainable designs under three categories – Green Manufacturing, Innovate Proudly and Corporate Sustainability. The SportsArt's ECO-POWR treadmill stood out prominently at TaiSPO. With its compelling tagline, "change the world one workout at a time," the machine guarantees an eco-friendly workout experience. Once plugged in, the generator and patented micro-inverter present in the treadmill turns energy back into utility-grade electricity, ready for immediate use. Cycling is often hailed as one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, yet many are unaware of the environmental hazards still inherent in the manufacturing processes of bicycles and E-bikes around the world. Norwegian tire company reTyre specialises in pioneering innovative tire designs, and they unveiled one of their latest and most environmentally sustainable creations at the exhibition. Developing a new production technology which managed to eliminate rubber entirely, their tyres are ones to look out for on the market. “We are the only producer in the world to produce rubber-free tires,” Mattis Norgreen Håklev, Global OEM Sales Manager and Member of Sustainability and Ethics Committee at reTyre told SportPlus.sg. “They are made entirely by bio-based elastomers. The elastomer tyres are reusable and recyclable after they are used. We are also using full automation in production so our tyres are made in a machine instead of a huge factory,” he added. reTyre’s elastomers are a direct substitute of rubber and can be sourced from renewable biological resources such as corn, sugarcane and cellulose. “The demand for sustainable products has been growing every year. We have been working on this project for the last five years. One tyre reduces carbon dioxide by 65% so if you take millions of bicycles and use these tyres, that’s a huge number,” he shared. “For the tyre industry, most recycle carcasses and fish nets. For us, we go a step further in eliminating rubber altogether. Rubber is terrible!” Many companies had recognised the potential of repurposing abandoned fishing nets into more sustainable bicycles, evident in the abundance of fish nets on display at numerous booths throughout the exhibition. Among these booths was Giant, who proudly showcased their 'Trail to Zero' section of their display. Founded in Taiwan in 1972, the brand is on track to help with the Taiwanese government’s goal to reach net zero by 2050. One of the items on display was one of its bicycle handlebars, where the middle was made of a mesh material made out of Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified recycled polypropylene. The handlebar’s bottom layer, on the other hand, was constructed out of bio-based foam, bamboo and rice husk powder. The most common theme amongst the companies was the recycling of ghost fish nets. While most companies used the abandoned nets to produce environmentally friendly tyres, Giant works with local recyclers who collect the nets to convert them into usable plastics. In turn, Giant produces green bottle cages. Formosa Taffeta is another Taiwanese company making use of waste fishing nets to pedal the cycling industry towards a greener future. Made in their factory close to Taichung City, south of Taipei, the orange glow of the company’s Etycord fibres catches the attention of all who walk past. Together with its parent company Formosa Chemical and Fibre Corporation, the Etycord fibres lower the carbon footprint of tyres by turning ghost nets into nylon fibres which are then woven into the tyres. Speaking to Taipei Cycle Daily Show – the exhibition’s daily magazine – Edward Lung, Formosa Tafetta’s sales and marketing representative in the company’s tyre cord business division said: “We take sustainability very seriously and are very proud that the first industry players have implemented this material into their portfolio.” A total of nearly 5,000 visitors from 80 countries attended both exhibitions with Singapore as one of its top five buyers. TaiSPO, which boasted booths of a variety of sports ranging from deep-sea diving to pickleball, hosted procurement meetings with buyers from eight countries. With TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO 2024’s success at showcasing the industry’s latest sustainable innovations, one can only anticipate what next year's edition will bring to the forefront, especially with climate change only getting worse each passing year. Read here for just some of the booths that caught our eye. #TaiSPO #TAIPEICYCLE #Cycling

1,475 participants took part in the 2022 Desaru Coast 70.3 Ironman, with an overwhelming show of love by friends and family driving them to the finish line Elaine Young crosses the finish line as the first female. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Desaru, Malaysia, 24th July 2022 - Despite the pristine beaches that line Desaru coast, the town in Bandar Penawar was anything but relaxing for 1,475 70.3 Ironman participants. Blood, sweat and tears were shed as they put their bodies on the line to complete the race. Having to dig deep to find a means to push themselves to the finish line, a common theme was the love waiting for them at the end. Canadian-born Elaine Young was met by her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Haley cradled in her husband’s arms at the finish line. After lifting the banner in the air as the first female to cross the finishing line, she was made to sit on the wheelchair to recover but no form of fatigue could stop her from holding her beloved daughter. “It was everything. It was amazing to have her see me cross the line. Having her there makes the race so much more amazing,” she said with the love she had for her daughter radiating as she held back tears. Based in Singapore, Young trains with Elevate Performance Coaching and had already qualified for the World Championships in Kona through her race in Langkawi in 2019. “This was definitely a warmup race for my big race this year in October. It was nice to come here and experience racing again after a 3-year hiatus.” More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here. Elaine Young is greeted by a marshal waiting to escort her as she begins her run in poll position. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG At every corner in and around the transition area, loved ones lined the routes with signs and bells, their voices hoarse as they rallied the participants on. Sheng Thong Yin, part of the Singapore Women’s Triathlon Club came in first in the 50-54 age group, earning a spot in the Finland World Championships. Little did she know, her son had taken the 8.30am ferry from Singapore to surprise her as she came around the bend of the roundabout where the run began. “He was waving and I was like ‘Ryan! My god, you’re here!’ I almost teared up. When he was young, I always said that every race I raced for him.” Sheng Thong Yin with her son, who surprised her with a poster he made on behalf of the rest of the family. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG It was no different for some of the Singaporean participants who completed the grueling race that consisted of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike route and a 21.1km run. Triathlete Cheryl Tay, just completing her bike ride, where her lower back seized up. In the face of agony, she thought of Grace Huang, her wife who was supporting her at a triathlon for the first time. “When you dig deep and question your why, you think about who is cheering for you,” she kept her tears from falling before going on to say, “I didn’t want to make her stand in the sun for too long because she has a stiff neck but it makes me feel special because there’s someone waiting for me at the end. I just want to get back to her as soon as I can.” Cheryl Tay with her wife, Grace Huang as they celebrate after the race. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG In the second transition, Cheryl bumped into a familiar face, Neyton Tan. The Desaru Coast 70.3 Ironman was the first triathlon Neyton took part in since the Covid Pandemic but had prepared by racing in the L’etape Desaru. Managing his expectations, he only hoped to finish with a personal best. Known for racing in a multitude of Spiderman suits at running events in Singapore, he decided to leave his superpowers at home this time. “The suit is in the laundry. Spiderman does have to save the world sometimes but not every day! I’ll be racing as Neyton Tan this time round,” and race as Neyton Tan he did. He achieved his goal by clocking in a personal best at 5:41:14. “If I have to summarize it in one word, it’s brutal,” he recalled. “The rain was a blessing. Although I cramped up in the first kilometer of the run, it managed to ease off and I finished within my expected time.” Full pre-race interview with Neyton Tan. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Team Singapore duathlete, Yong Man Yun, shared the same sentiments regarding the weather. The 34-year-old never thought she would ever check going for a 70.3 Ironman off her books. “When I was collecting the race pack yesterday, it felt very surreal,” she shared. She was most afraid of the open water swim leg, as running and cycling were her forte. Unfortunately, the race didn’t go quite as planned as ironically, she swam well but crashed 2km into the bike leg. “I spent 35 minutes getting attention from medics and bike mechanic. With that, I knew it was all about completing the race, not results.” Man Yun bled profusely from her knee and elbows but powered by adrenaline, she completed the remaining 82km and the half marathon run to the finish line before having to get further medical attention. “I think the scariest part was that I pictured myself crying back in the hotel room because of DNF (did not finish).” Full pre-race interview with Yong Man Yun. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Another half Ironman debutant was Ryan Wong, who was one of the youngest participants at only 18 years of age. The third-year engineering student finished 4th in his age group after a little over six hours of racing in his first ever half Ironman. “I think I used too much energy on the bike. I had a cramp after the first km of running so I decided to walk the first 2km. After that, I managed to run the rest even though my leg was numb, I couldn’t feel my legs.” Before the race, the nerves were evident, but a smile seemed to be permanently etched on his face after. Ryan Wong with his mother after completing his first 70.3 Ironman. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Despite his busy schedule of a final year polytechnic student, Ryan found time to join his father on his cycling groups during training. Before becoming a triathlete, the youngster wasn’t keen on exercise, but it was none other than his father, an Ironman himself, who introduced him to the world of endurance sports. “Out of nowhere he just signed me up for these events like MetaSprint and after a while I liked it.” Full pre-race interview with Yong Man Yun. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG There were plenty of other participants who also did Singapore proud. Benjamin Khoo was the first Singaporean and 5th overall participant to cross the finish line. Claudia Lim joined the significant number of Singaporeans going to the Finland World Championships in the roll down after finishing second in her age group. Jinella Chua, a sports massage therapist, was in the top 10 of the 45-49 age group. The mixture of jubilation, pain and pure relief in every finisher is a clear sign of how annihilated a triathlete’s body can get during a race. What’s clearer is why they put their bodies through such pain. The huge amount of passion emitting from each participant engulfed the coastal town and was felt by everyone part of the event and the most important driving force was the support from loved ones. Full post race interviews with Elaine Young, Cheryl Tay, Neyton Tan and Ryan Wong. VIDEO: HANA BASIR AND HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG More photos from the Desaru Coast 70.3 IRONMAN in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here. #SportPlusSG #Football #IM703desarucoast #Triathlon

Months of dedication unleashed as three inspirational women gear up to race with heart in the Nagoya City Marathon and Nagoya Women's Marathon this weekend Team Singapore and New Balance athlete Vanessa Lee , together with lifestyle and fitness influencer Shannon Taylor Wong will be racing the Nagoya City Half-Marathon, while running enthusiast and content creator Melissa Foo will be taking on the Full Marathon in the Nagoya Women’s Marathon as the three women, together with a wider Singapore travelling contingent finally arrived in the vibrant city of Nagoya. The trio are gearing up for their respective races as part of New Balance's 'Run Your Way' Campaign, and spent their first day in the city differently - heading out for runs and taking on different experiences. After landing, they decided to take a walk in the cool weather, staying awake with some hot coffee and enjoying tasty ramen to keep warm. The group then stayed energised and quickly moved on to explore the area around the hotel after checking-in, running to build momentum for their big day, or 'Race Day' as we call it, on March 10 this Sunday. New Balance's 'Run Your Way' philosophy, focused on breaking stereotypes and celebrating individuality in running, takes centre stage in this collaboration feature with Nagoya City Marathon, as SportPlus.sg delves into how this approach aids individuals in race preparation. Approaching their race day, we take a final look into their journey. With just days left until the big race in Nagoya where the city is expected to come to life, we aim to uncover insights into their training, motivation, goals, race strategy, experiences, expectations, community support, and their current emotional state. How are you feeling now that you've reached Nagoya? Melissa : I’m feeling pretty excited and I love the weather here, it’s cold but not too cold. Nagoya is also pretty quiet compared to bigger cities like Tokyo and I’m loving the small town vibes. Shannon : I think now that I've reached Nagoya, I feel the adrenaline rush in a sense that it’s finally time. I've been training for so long, I've been training for months. So I feel a bit of excitement as well as nervousness because I guess this run/trip actually proved to me that training paid off. Vanessa : I'm tired but excited at the same time! It was a short flight so didn’t get much sleep but really looking forward now that we've finally arrived in Nagoya. What specific challenges did you face during your training, and how did you overcome them? Melissa : My biggest challenge would have to be falling sick during the last 3 weeks of my training. It’s been tough trying to balance recovery and still keeping up with training, and the weather also got pretty rainy toward the end which meant running in the rain as well. I guess it helps having friends to push me during those long runs! Shannon : I think it’s the mental aspect whereby if i’m running a long distance, i will feel very tired or bored halfway and i feel like that is something i haven't overcome yet. But so far what i do that helps, is listening to music or just meditating during my runs so it’s not too bad. Vanessa : It was more difficult to run longer intervals because I don’t have a group to run this specific pace with and I didn’t manage to do so cause my mental strength cannot take running long intervals alone. I kept my weekly mileage high and hopefully that’ll be enough to bring me through endurance wise. Do you have specific goals or expectations for this race? Melissa : I wanted to complete the marathon in under 4 hours but considering I’m still recovering I’ve adjusted my target to completing within the cut off time and just enjoying the sights! Shannon : I’m hoping to get between 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes. But at the same time, I'm trying to remind myself that I should be having fun during my half marathon considering this is going to be my first one. Vanessa : I’m hoping to get a personal best. Find a group, run with friends, the competitiveness drives you and motivates you to finish the workout. The conditions at Nagoya are much better than Singapore, so I'm optimistic that I'll run a good time. How do you stay motivated during long training sessions and the actual race? Melissa : I break down my long runs into fartlek intervals (for example, 4 sets of 4 km at race pace followed by 1km of recovery jog) so that psychologically it’s easier when I have a “break” to look forward to. I also try to run with friends even if it means just meeting them halfway. Having various “checkpoints” where I meet up with friends also gives me the motivation to continue. Shannon : The race is coming up and it's a chance for me to prove to myself that I am able to finish this 21.1km run. Running with New Balance Run Club was my motivation during trainings, but finishing the actual race has got to be my greatest motivation. Vanessa:  Staying focused on my goal is my biggest motivation. How do you plan to pace yourself throughout the race? Melissa : I plan to be more conservative at the beginning since I’m still recovering and seeing how I feel after 15km before deciding if I can speed up, otherwise I intend to maintain more or less the same pace throughout. Shannon : I’m planning to run at a controlled pace for the first 15km. Maybe 6 mins/km. After which for the final few km I will try to speed up a little bit, maybe a 5.30 or 5. See if I'm able to meet my goal. Vanessa : Probably just go out at 3.50min/km and try to hold the pace, find a group to follow and what not. A lot of these things have to be played by ear during the run itself but I’m definitely trying for a personal best. What are you looking forward to the most about the Nagoya Marathon now that you reached Nagoya? Melissa : Of course the finisher medal is the Tiffany and Co necklace for the Nagoya Women’s (Full) Marathon.! I think it’s a pretty unique memento. Shannon : I’m looking forward to completing my half marathon the most. It only makes sense if I’m able to complete my run. Vanessa : The food, it’s Japan! How has the running community contributed to your preparation for the Nagoya Marathon? Melissa : Joining various running groups to get through my easy runs and tempo runs where the pace is set definitely helps! It would be too easy to slow down or take more breaks during long runs as well but my running friends have helped to push me through them. Shannon : The running community such as the New Balance Run Club honestly helped me so much in terms of preparation because they motivated me by helping me with my training schedules. Some people gave me a lot of advice in terms of how I should train, what kind of pacing I should keep up, what kind of gels I should be consuming for the run etc. Also to have a community like minded people who have taken part in the marathon before. Just there to give you advice and moral support, to give you real life proof that these people have run their half marathon or full marathon and so can you. Vanessa : Doing my runs with friends make me look forward to runs more as I hate running alone. Having my teammates with me to push me particularly during hard runs makes it more mentally bearable and helps us to complete training sets together. 3 words to describe how you are feeling right now. Melissa : Happy, excited and nervous. Shannon : Excited. Nervous. Really grateful. Vanessa : Cold. Excited. Goofy. #NewBalanceSG #RunYourWay #NagoyaMarathon

With over 3,000 booths displaying the industry's best creations, it is easy to get overwhelmed. So, what were some things that caught our eye? Find out here. Just as you enter the huge TaiNEX 1 Exhibition Center, you're immediately drawn to the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i Awards 2024 booth, featuring groundbreaking innovations in the form of complete bicycles, tyres and even helmets. ‘What could possibly be interesting about a bicycle tyre?' you may ask, but that's exactly what makes these innovators stand out – making something ordinary extraordinary. The awards were organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Bicycle Association, aiming to showcase the industry's best innovations. With over 150 global entries, seven took home gold. Let’s take a look at three of the most interesting winners. Terreno Pro T60 Mixed (Gravel Race) Sustainable Bicycle Tyre – Vittoria Earning gold in the Parts and Components category is this first ever high performance gravel bicycle tire made up of 92% renewable and recycled materials. Not only are the tires greener, they are also puncture resistant and increase performance and speed. What exactly makes the Italian-made product sustainable? Firstly, nylon that’s usually used was replaced by organic cotton casing and any necessary nylon was swapped with yarn made from recycled fishnets. Secondly, the oils needed to bind the tyre materials together were instead replaced by soybean oil, which is one of the most bio-renewable and abundant materials. With these materials, Vittoria guarantees a 10% improvement in rolling resistance and grip. Bicycle Helmet - Strategic Sports Hailing from Hong Kong, Strategic Sports is a global leader in helmet manufacturing with a focus in advanced technology and sustainability. Believing that bike helmets could serve a bigger purpose than only absorbing impact – which is arguably already a huge purpose, considering it’s lifesaving – Strategic Sports set out to manufacture a helmet that records data. Fit for mountain biking, the full-faced helmet tracks and records telemetry and crash data with the help of the integrated Quin Sensor. With this, if an accident or emergency were to unfortunately occur, it would be communicated in real time to first responders. We know what you’re thinking, where in Singapore can you even do ride trail? According to Shimano, Chestnut Nature Park and Mandai are popular places for mountain biking. If you look for it, tranquil mountain biking trails do exist in our little urban jungle. Silex All-round Gravel Bike - Merida Taiwanese company, Merida made their country proud by earning gold on home soil with their versatile invention. Whether you want to experience Chestnut Nature Park’s dirt trails or Lim Chu Kang’s popular flat roads, this bike is perfect for both terrains. Awarded for its simplicity, aesthetics and component selection, the Silex All-round Gravel Bike will only allow you to ride with style. A VARIETY OF INNOVATIONS With Singapore’s scorching heat and long working hours, cycling and running at night is one of the most popular workout activities. In the dark, this comes with its dangers especially if your route consists of pedestrian crossings. Taiwan Smart Textiles Association specialises in combining technology and wearable materials. They have created several innovative products promoting safety and recovery. Some of their products such as calf sleeves and motion capture devices records the amount of energy generated. Through this, users can take note of their muscle strength and dynamic data, allowing them to plan their future workouts and track their progress. Singapore’s waters are known for being clean and safe to drink. While it is highly unlikely for anyone to be stranded in our nature parks, water filtration products can be useful for those who love going overseas to hike. Just this year, Singaporeans participated in the Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race, an overnight endurance race spanning 100km in the mountain trails of the Sai Kung Peninsula. Perfect for such races, Mbran Filtra’s compact water filtration system turns the brownest of waters clear and drinkable. Trust us, we tried it out and our organs survived! The exhibition didn’t just consist of cycling innovations. Held in conjunction with TAIPEI CYCLE, Sports and Fitness Taiwan (TaiSPO) also showcased booths and products of a variety of sports. The most prominent sport on the first floor of TaiNEX 2 was deep sea diving. An increasingly popular sport, many Singaporeans travel yearly to dive in the crystal clear waters of the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. It was no different in Taiwan, as exhibition-goers flocked to the booths to check out the latest suits, gear and merchandise. While E-bikes are generally monitored and discouraged in Singapore, the E-Bike demo was one of TAIPEI CYCLE’s most anticipated activities. There was a diverse selection of E-Bikes from different companies available for tryouts. Some were the usual, some were pet-friendly and some just downright quirky. Today marks the culmination of the four-day renowned cycling exhibition nestled in the heart of the Nangang District. As one of Asia's premier cycling showcases, it has unfolded as a global extravaganza, showcasing the industry's finest innovations and creations. #TaiSPO #TAIPEICYCLE #Cycling

Over 100 participants turn up for 2024 shirtless run, as Body Positivity Movement sets eyes on making event an annual occurence Whilst Kona has its famous Underpants Run, Singapore has its own "Shirtless Run", held by body positivity movement Rock The Naked Truth. First created in 2023 on Sentosa Island, with the purpose of helping individuals accept their bodies, and gain self-confidence, the shirtless run made its return again in January this year at Home Team NS Bedok Reservoir. The concept is simple – take off your shirt and run. Rock The Naked Truth founder Cheryl Tay shares that the event is likely to be an annual happening, with this year's edition done in conjunction with RTNT's 8th anniversary. “When I first conceptualised it, I was worried that people might be too shy. However, I’ve received a lot of support and positive feedback, with many people stepping forward to do this," said Tay. “This year, with the support of HomeTeamNS and Sengkang East CSN, we held it at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir and over 100 runners turned up. They ran a loop around the beautiful reservoir, came back for a buffet breakfast with 100PLUS drinks, got a tarot card reading, played games and then waited for the lucky draw which had prizes from Therabody, Asics and Red Dot Running Co." She added: “With the continued positive response we have been getting for this run, I’ve decided to make this an annual event for the community and it will be held every year on the first Saturday of January.” #RockTheNakedTruth #ShirtlessRun

A deep desire to create a platform that could help address the pressing issue of mental health in our society propelled fitness enthusiast Brandon Porle to kickstart the movement Miles for Minds The latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) found that the prevalence of poor mental health in Singapore rose from 13.4% in 2020 to 17% in 2022. The infographic published by the Ministry of Health also reported that willingness to seek help from informal support networks referring to friends, relatives, colleagues, religious leaders or teachers in school rose from 69.1% in 2021 to 79.7% in 2022. With Miles for Minds, Brandon hopes to raise awareness, foster supportive communities for those in need, prevent tragedies, and ultimately improve lives by prioritising mental well-being. The movement aims to achieve this through a multifaceted approach that includes fitness-related fundraisers, educational talks, community outreach initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships with NGOs and fitness communities. Miles for Minds inspires to offer a safe space for anyone looking to engage in physical activity surrounded by a supportive community or to provide an informal support network for anyone who needs it. “Mental health awareness and resilience are paramount to me. Having experienced first hand the transformative power of prioritising mental well-being, I’ve seen how cultivating resilience and understanding mental health can empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with strength and grace,” said Brandon. Sport and fitness have played a significant role in Brandon’s mental health journey. He describes exercise as being his anchor during challenging times, providing him with a sense of purpose, accomplishment and resilience. For Brandon, the discipline, focus and endorphin release that comes with physical activity have been instrumental in managing his psychological and emotional states. “My journey with sport and fitness began during my time studying in the United Kingdom, where I initially struggled with insecurities and lacked confidence due to being chubby,” he recalled. “Exercise became my sanctuary, a space where I could channel my emotions positively and find solace. What started as a necessity soon transformed into a passion, driving me to explore various forms of physical activity and pushing my limits to new heights.” Brandon’s weekly workout schedule includes strength training, running, some form of a group class with friends and family such as CrossFit or HIIT. Believing in the importance of balance and diversity in fitness to achieve overall well-being, Brandon regularly changes up his routine with martial arts, yoga or even trying out a new sport, most recently being Pickleball. “The only reason I believe in love is because of the way I love” – is a quote that Brandon saw first on social media and holds close to his heart. It reminds him that through acts of compassion, empathy and understanding, we can create meaningful connections and positively impact those around us. Brandon’s vision for Miles for Minds extends beyond borders. He hopes to establish Miles for Minds as an official NGO/Foundation in Malaysia, formalising the movement’s commitment to mental health advocacy and replicating this success locally in Singapore. Join or contribute to the cause in various ways such as participating in Miles for Minds events and initiatives, volunteering your time and expertise, spreading awareness through social media and making donations to support the movement’s programmes. Miles for Minds is currently raising funds for Do You M.I.N.D Singapore, a mental health initiative by Touch Community Services. With a vision to expand its reach, organise more events and activities, and strengthen partnerships with like-minded organisations, Miles for Minds is running towards making a positive and lasting impact. Follow @doyoumindsg and @brandonporle to stay up to date on how you can be a part of this meaningful cause. #MilesForMinds

Bound for Nagoya fresh off a successful 2023 season after clinching both the Great Eastern Women's half marathon and Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon women's half marathon titles, Vanessa Lee is looking to break new limits. She is a double winner of the 2023 Great Eastern Women's Run Singapore Half-marathon at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Women's half marathon. While many in the running community acknowledges Vanessa Lee is in the ascendancy and on a hot streak, Lee acknowledges that she still has a long way to go and hopes to overcome bigger challenges in 2024, beginning with the Nagoya Marathon half-marathon. Just how much do you know about Singapore's rising distance runner? SportPlus.sg attempts to help you break down the pieces and find out what makes Vanessa tick in this special New Balance x Nagoya Marathon collab feature. How many times do you run a week? Vanessa : I run about six times a week. What does a typical training day for you look like? Vanessa : Every day is different - I've got intervals, I've got easy runs, tempo runs. You obviously don't put intervals back to back, that's just crazy. So everyday is different, I live with the program and mix it up a bit. What is your least favourite type of run and why? Vanessa : The least favourite type of run is the run that I do alone, because I really thrive off others' company, it makes the entire run a lot easier physically and mentally. Tell us one fact about you that people don't know yet? Vanessa : I can touch my nose with my tongue. *laughs What do you listen to on your runs? Vanessa : I know this is a bit unusual, but if I was doing easy runs by myself, I will usually carry my phone and watch Netflix shows. Who is your favourite running idol? Vanessa : Sha'Carri Richardson, she is the best. I love her nails, her wig, her long a** lashes, and she still is the GOAT. Any favourite cheat day meals? Vanessa : Fried food and pizza. What is your pre race ritual (if any)? Vanessa : Not necessarily, I don't really believe in rituals but if I was really nervous, I will listen to music and talking to any of my friends who are at the race venue really helps a lot. What is your goal for the Nagoya City Marathon? Vanessa : Hopefully I can achieve a new personal best! My current is 82:25. What sets this race apart from the rest you’ve competed in? Vanessa : This time, I’m really looking forward to having team New Balance members there to watch and support me! What’s next in your running journey? Vanessa : I will be reducing my race distance after the Nagoya City Marathon to work on my speed instead. I’ll then start to increase my distance again and work towards a half marathon towards the end of the year. What’s your next goal after the Nagoya City Marathon? Vanessa : After the Nagoya City Marathon, I’m looking forward to running at the Singapore Open. I haven’t decided what distance to participate in though! What does run your way mean to you? Vanessa : Run your way means that anyone can run, no matter what size or shape, or what you do. The key is to be comfortable with your own pace and simply enjoy the run. #NewBalanceSG #NagoyaMarathon #VanessaLee

Changing the perspective about women who run, Melissa Foo hopes to push the mental limits for women and encourage more females to take up running as a sport. New Balance’s new running philosophy, ‘Run Your Way’ has been at the forefront of removing sterotypes, giving anyone who wants to run — be it socially or competitively — a means to celebrate their individuality. Pace and distance aside, ‘Run Your Way’ shows that there is no wrong way, only your way. In this collaboration feature between New Balance and Nagoya City Marathon, SportPlus.sg finds out how this philosophy has helped with preparing individuals for their races. Running a marathon is no easy feat, but Melissa Foo manages at least one every year. The social distance runner shares with SportPlus.sg  about the highs and lows of being a female runner ahead of the all-women's Nagoya Marathon. Being a female athlete comes with its own set of unique challenges. While some such as battling stereotypes may be more commonly acknowledged, there's a plethora of other lesser-known hurdles a female runner must confront. An avid long-distance runner, Melissa has been in the scene for six years now. She has participated in numerous marathons around the world including Sydney Marathon and our very own Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, where she encountered a particular problem that only women can empathise with. In a special New Balance x Nagoya Marathon collaboration, SportPlus.sg sat with Melissa to delve deeper into the nuanced joys and tribulations of being a woman in the sporting space, including navigating the intricacies of performance during the dreaded time of the month.   Can you share a little about your running journey? Melissa : I never really liked running as a kid. I would often skip P.E in secondary school so some of my older friends are amazed when I tell them that I run marathons now. I only really started picking up running after I started work. I started out on a treadmill and when I first started, I couldn't run more than 10 minutes and I slowly increased that minute by minute. When I realised I was able to run for about an hour on the treadmill, I started running outside. I started at about 5km and 6km and slowly increased that too. The first running group I joined was Superhero Runners and they really opened me up to the world of running because I met so many friends. It is a very supportive running community. How do you feel times have changed since you were younger when it comes to women in running? Melissa : I think there are a lot more girls who are into running now as compared to previous years when it seemed to be more of a guy’s sport. I often get my girlfriends to come running with me as well. I want to make running fun and accessible for everyone because I think the reason a lot of girls are afraid of running is everyone runs so fast and for so long. Even with running groups like at New Balance Run Club, 'Happy Pace Group' which is deemed for slower runners usually has to run a minimum of 5km. A lot of girls think they can only run a maximum of a kilometer or two so that's something I'm trying to change. I think a lot of the time, girls limit themselves to that but it's not true. It’s not that girls can't run or that girls are weak, you just have to be consistent and motivated to keep doing it. Moving on to some women-specific challenges, there’s been a lot talk surrounding athletes playing while on their periods. What are some ways you adapt? Melissa : You definitely have to change your running schedule. One of the most common questions I get asked is if I still run long distance while on my period. The answer is yes. Going back to what I said about girls limiting themselves, we may think we can't do it but you don't know until you try. I’ve done 21km and 25km even while on my period. I mean, you’ll definitely be affected to some extent. You may feel a little more tired but you can definitely still train so don't let that limit you. Of course, you still do need to adjust your schedule and not overdo it because after all, you are losing blood! Maybe lower the intensity of your runs and take more breaks in between. Have you ever gotten your period on race day? Melissa : Yes, during last year's Standard Chartered Marathon...that's why I died halfway! I did finish it though. You don't have a choice. You already started correct? How is it going to be different this time running at an All-Women’s marathon? Melissa : My first all women’s race was the 10km Great Eastern Women’s run last year. It was interesting as everyone around me were women and I thought it was quite empowering. I had all my girlfriends with me and we were all supporting each other. I'm excited to see how different it will be in a full marathon where you’ll be running with women for a full 42km. There’s just something different when it’s all women together. You know, with girl power and women helping each other, there’s a sense of support. Not forgetting that at the end there’s a Tiffany & Co. necklace everyone is talking about! I’m excited to see what it looks like. What do you hope to achieve in Nagoya? Melissa : For any race, I’m always trying to do better. I've been trying to go under four hours for the past two years. I’m not sure if I can do it this time, but I'm trying my best. Hopefully I can at least get a personal best but if not, I just want to enjoy myself and enjoy Nagoya! What does 'Run Your Way' mean to you? Melissa : It means I'm only just running at my own pace and not really competing with anybody. I'm really just competing with myself. It’s to just improve and do better each time. #NewBalanceSG #RunYourWay #NagoyaMarathon #MelissaFoo

Looking to push herself beyond her comfort zone in 2024, Shannon Taylor Wong decided to challenge herself by taking on her first half-marathon New Balance’s new running philosophy, ‘Run Your Way’ has been at the forefront of removing sterotypes, giving anyone who wants to run — be it socially or competitively — a means to celebrate their individuality. Pace and distance aside, ‘Run Your Way’ shows that there is no wrong way, only your way. In this collaboration feature between New Balance and Nagoya City Marathon, SportPlus.sg finds out how this philosophy has helped with preparing individuals for their races. Be it effortlessly thrusting 100kg with her hips or doing rep after rep of strength training, you may have seen her on your social media feeds. Soon, Shannon Taylor Wong will be swapping indoor gyms for the streets of Japan as she prepares for her first half marathon. As a strength training connoisseur, the fitness, lifestyle and travel content creator prides herself on her physical strength. Her journey towards her toned physique and a healthy lifestyle saw her trudge along the paths of HIIT, CrossFit and every arm, back and leg workout known to man. Having pushed her physical limits in gyms across the country, there was only one thing left which Shannon wanted to conquer, and that was a long-distance race. Her wish finally came true when she was offered the opportunity to participate in the Nagoya City Marathon, and the 25-year-old is excited to be Nagoya bound. So, what does it take for a strength focused athlete like Shannon to compete in her first 21. 1km race? SportPlus.sg sat down with Shannon to have a chat and find out about her preparations for Nagoya. What made you want to join your first half-marathon? Shannon : I wanted to push myself beyond what I was comfortable with in terms of my fitness levels. Being someone who is experienced in strength training, HIIT, CrossFit and maybe even yoga, I've never really pushed myself to finish such a long distanced run. This is my time and year to push myself beyond what I'm already familiar with. Can you share a little about how it’s been going from strength training to long distance running? Shannon : Honestly, it's been so difficult! People may think if you've been doing HIIT for a long time, running should be easy since you have the cardio and stamina aspect settled but no! Running is so much more than just a physical kind of game which we’re a little more used to in HIIT. There is a huge mental side to it. Running long distances is hard for me because I have nothing else to think about and distract myself. To help, I make up scenarios in my head! If I see a couple running past, I make up a love story. If I see a dog, I imagine what they're thinking. What kind of adjustments did you have to make to your lifestyle going from CrossFit to running? Shannon : Firstly, my diet. I realised that because I have been running pretty much every day, my energy levels and my hunger levels have increased significantly. One lifestyle change is that I have been eating way more carbs than usual. Previously, I used to be more focused on protein because when it comes to strength training, you're looking at muscle growth. Secondly, the frequency in which I run has definitely increased. In the past, I think I only ran once every two weeks. Now, because I'm training for Nagoya, I think I run six times a week which is a steep learning curve for me. But it's good, I love the change. How has your running journey been so far? Shannon : My running journey has been pretty good in terms of my progress. I've been quite happy with it actually! When I first started training for Nagoya, to be really honest with you, 5km was already my max. Previously, I never ran anything more than that. Now, I'm able to run 10km which I'm really proud of. I mean, okay it's not 21. 1km yet but baby steps! You can't just all of a sudden run 15km in one day. You always have to progress slowly. I have three more weeks to the marathon and you know what, I'm really excited! Is there anything that you’ve learned about yourself while training for your first half-marathon? Shannon : I learned that I am not as mentally strong as I thought I was. When it comes to strength training, people are like: “Come on, two more sets! Five more reps!" Easy. You want 15 more? I can give you 20. But asking me to run almost every single day…six times a week… and long distance? The mental strength training is crazy!  I think the biggest change I saw in myself since starting to train is my mental strength. You have to get used to running such a long distance while listening to the same songs. Actually, maybe I should make a playlist huh ? Can you share with us your biggest motivator? Shannon : My biggest motivation was the need to better myself one percent each day and to be a better version of myself than the day before. What's it like being part of a team of ladies heading up to the Nagoya Marathon from Singapore? Shannon : It will be really empowering. Not only will it be my first actual half marathon, it’ll be alongside all these physically and mentally strong women. I feel like it’ll be very powerful and refreshing to know there’s so many other women going through this journey with you. What are you looking forward to most in Nagoya? Shannon : Two things! The weather, firstly. Singapore is just too hot. I cant wait to experience my first half marathon in the cooling weather. It’s going to be a completely different experience. Number two, the food! I love Japan. Sushi, sashimi, you name it. They're all my favourites so I just can't wait to eat. What do you hope to achieve for yourself in Nagoya? Shannon : I set a goal of between two and two and a half hours to complete it. I know it may be easy to some but for such a long distance which is something I'm not really used to and considering my short training time, i think its a reasonable goal for myself. What does 'Run Your Way' mean to you? Shannon : ' Run Your Way' is something very personal to me. Whether it's running your way, strength training your way or CrossFitting your way, it’s a very powerful message that says 'this is your own journey'. It's a competition between me, myself and I. You're trying to progress everyday and even if it's just by one percent, you're pushing yourself to get better. The beautiful thing about it is you're not using someone else, but yourself as your motivation. #NewBalanceSG #NagoyaMarathon #ShannonTaylor

A re-designed full marathon course and new 7-hour cut off time are just two of many reasons to join the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS Runners the world over have all heard of the six prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. While there are over 800 marathons organised annually around the globe, only six are granted the most prestigious and sought-after star. The six World Marathon Majors are Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and New York City Marathon. Each of the six require an annual balloting process to gain entry for participation, while the Boston Marathon also requires a qualifying timing that needs to be met outside of gaining entry via the running for charity or fund donation program. In July last year, the Abbott World Marathon Majors announced its intention to expand to a seventh marathon by 2025, and shared that three races are in the running with Australia’s Sydney Marathon as a firm favourite for candidacy. South Africa’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and China’s Chengdu Marathon make up two of the other three candidates. So what makes the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS so appealing and such a strong candidate to be the seventh World Marathon Major? SportPlus.sg examines five reasons that make Sydney a great marathon choice and the city to host a World Marathon Major. 1. Unquestionable Popularity and Credibility To qualify as a World Marathon Major, each candidate needs to meet strict criterias on participation, organisation, certification, sustainability and legacy. Not only has the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS traditionally been an extremely well-organised event, it has consistently achieved IAAF Road Race Gold Label status and is the only Australian marathon broadcasted LIVE on television each year. The event is also hugely popular among runners of all levels - from beginners to elites, with over 40,000 participants from over 66 countries, raising over $23 million dollars for charitable organisations since its inception. As of time of writing, the 2023 Sydney Marathon is Australia's biggest ever marathon and already has over 15,000 sign-ups for the full-marathon category, and is sold out for its 21.1km half-marathon category where you can't even get a slot via the wait list. 2. One of the World's Most Scenic Courses While some may say that the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has a slightly more hilly course profile than others, few can argue that it isn't one of the world's most scenic courses. From running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to finishing at the Sydney Opera House, runners can expect breathtaking skylines and stunning views. In April 2023, organisers of the Sydney Marathon announced some major changes and a new course compared to its usual route that has been done over the years. Race Director Wayne Larden explained the reason for the change. "The original marathon course that we’ve been running for a number of years was set up to maximise the views for runners and wasn’t set up to maximise the experience that people could enjoy, nor their own comfort. And that’s an important distinction for us as we look to qualify for the Majors over the next two years," he said. 3. Melting Pot of Cultures and Heritage Undoubtedly Australia's largest and most well-known city, runners who join the Sydney Marathon will have the chance to experience the beautiful white sandy beaches of Bondi Beach, Instagramable picturesque photos and videos against the Sydney Opera House, the ever-fascinating vibey harbour, and majestic and iconic steel arch of the Harbour Bridge. 4. Incredible Array of Course Entertainment A world class event, the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS now boasts 27 live entertainment zones on course, making it a real party for runners to enjoy the world over while trying to complete those arduous 42.195 kilometres. From live music to performances, runners can now expect more than just fans and cheer zones to push them on to the finish line. 5. Family-Friendly and Inclusive Running Event for All Walks of Life The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is part of a running festival, and was formerly known as the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. The event boasts four unforgettable courses, across four distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and the Family 3.5km Fun Run. Starting from 6am with the half marathon, followed by the 10K, marathon and 3.5k fun run it has a race for everyone, and now features a very generous 7 hour time limit for the full-marathon to allow all runners to participate and enjoy the marathon route. The Marathon itself now features a fresh new course that flows better with more roadways and less 180 degree bends for a more enjoyable marathon experience. Looking to join an overseas race? The Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS, is a candidate race to become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major. Offering one of the world's most scenic courses, participants who join the Sydney Marathon from 2022 to 2024 will gain automatic entry into the event when it becomes a WMM major in 2025. Sign up for the Sydney Marathon and find out more about Australia's biggest marathon here. #Running #Marathon #SydneyMarathon