SINGAPORE – Over 3,500 runners took part in the Men’s Health Urbanathlon (MHU) today – Singapore’s original obstacle race organised by SPH Magazines. Amongst them were Singapore’s leading radio personalities and local sports stars racing on alongside fellow Urbanathletes.
One of the toughest obstacle races in Singapore, the annual Urbanathlon was the weekend’s most talked about fitness event on social media with the #sharethepain campaign. The hashtag was kick-started by ONE FM 91.3 DJ Glenn Ong, who challenged a close buddy and his fellow colleagues to run the Urbanathlon.
Joining Glenn in the race were ONE FM 91.3 personalities Cheryl Miles, Elliot Danker, Harry Corro, Andre Hoeden and Shaun Tupaz – along with Fox Sports presenter Kelly Latimer, S-League footballer Fabian Kwok and local football icon Aleksandar Duric.
But they were not the only ones inspired to be part of the Urbanathlon – ONE FM 91.3 DJs Melody Chen and Desiree Lai were also broadcasting live at the race village.
Fuelled by camaraderie and competitive fun, this year’s MHU introduced a unique CrossFit element – never before seen in any run in Singapore. Named Metcon Madness, participants were tasked to complete five popular exercises from one of the toughest sports right now.
Challenging both experienced Urbanathletes and newcomers alike were new obstacles like Barrier Breakers, where Urbanathletes conquered a series of straight and sloping walls; Side Walk, where participants spidey sideways across a metal structure; and the spectacular Final Obstacle, where runners zip-lined into a pool of water and ended the race high – and not dry.
Men’s Health
Men’s Health Urbanathlon winners
Following a morning full of grit and endurance, Jason Lawrence, who came in first, blew away spectators with an impressive timing of 58 minutes and 1 second. He walked home with $11,653 worth of prizes. Runner-up Jite also left the crowds cheering as he crossed the finish line in 58 minutes and 37 seconds, followed closely by Bijay Kumar Sunuwar, coming in in third place, who completed the Urbanathlon in 59 minutes and 7 seconds.
Running together to #sharethepain
The Men’s Health Urbanathlon 2016 featured six of Singapore’s leading radio personalities competing in the event for the very first time. While they each have their own personal goals and motivations, which are as varied and unique as the Urbanathletes themselves, the ONE FM 91.3 DJs all shared the same desire to challenge themselves at the MHU and inspire listeners to follow suit.
For Glenn, ONE FM’s #1 Breakfast Show DJ, his experience proved to be a rewarding one. “I talked to people who had taken part in previous six Urbanathlons, and all agreed this was the most challenging Urbanathlon so far. So, I’m glad to have been a part of the toughest of them all.”
Radio DJ Cheryl Miles was equally pumped up. “I think all of us made it to the finishing line because we stuck together. We weren’t competing for speed or time; we wanted to do it together. If you have the right group of people, take your time; it’s more about finishing the race together.”
Unsurprisingly, ONE FM producer and former commando Shaun Tupaz was amongst the fastest in the group, joking that, “It was easy!” He adds: “Come with your best friends, it’s very fun, nothing to be scared about. It’s a social thing yet you still challenge yourself. Forget every marathon, every other race, this is the race to be at.”
Ms Pang Lee Cheng, General Manager, SPH Magazines said: “It’s great to see everyone have fun at the Urbanathlon, and meet loyal readers and participants who return year after year. We’re proud that the Urbanathlon has always been an exciting place for Men’s Health and its partners to engage our readers, Singapore runners and die-hard Urbanathletes. The well-designed concept and race village connects sponsors to an audience keen on health, fitness and fun activities they can experience with friends.
The excitement did not end after runners completed their race. After collecting their finishers’ T-shirts and medals, the participants were rewarded with complimentary beer and light bites, while participating in exciting booth activities.
About The Men’s Health Urbanathlon
The Singapore Men’s Health Urbanathlon is organised by SPH Magazines, presented by Tigerair and Scoot, and supported by Sport Singapore. Adidas is the official apparel and ONE FM 91.3 is the official media for Urbanathlon. Main sponsors include 100Plus, Lab Series and Goodyear. Partners include Isagenix, Mount Alvernia Hospital and Virgin Active.
For more information, please visit http://urbanathlon.menshealth.com.sg/2016/.
