The Men's Health Urbanathlon celebrates Singapore's 50th birthday bash, News

PUBLISHED ONJanuary 06, 2015 9:17 AM

The Men's Health Urbanathlon, a highlight on the Singapore running calendar, takes things up a notch in 2015, with several personalities looking to display the mental toughness and physical endurance that is the cornerstone of five decades of nation-building.

With brand new obstacles like Tipping Point, Bottom Line and Wheel & Deal awaiting them, and revamped versions of old favourites like The Network, Workload, Balance Sheet and Leap of Faith, all Urbanathletes will have to dig deep into their physical and mental reserves to conquer these challenges.

On top of this, following last year's popular Mystery Obstacle is another that will test their bodies and minds like no other run can.

Ms Pang Lee Cheng, General Manager, SPH Magazines, said: "The Men's Health Urbanathlon is back once more, and this sixth edition will be a special one. We're dedicating it to Singapore's Golden Jubilee celebration, symbolic of the grit and determination that has helped the nation come so far."

Ms Pang added: "The obstacle race has always been an exciting platform for Men's Health and its partners to engage our readers, Singapore runners and, of course, die-hard Urbanathletes. Surely, 2015's race is one unique birthday bash not to be missed!"

Amongst the personalities who have confirmed their attendance are: Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, Singapore mountaineer Edwin Siew, SCDF personnel Francis Tan, special forces commando Ewin Teo, and para-athletes such as "One-Armed Runner" Adam Kamis and " Blade Runner" Shariff Abdullah. In addition, there will also be runners who share our nation's birth year, whose sprightly enthusiasm for the Men's Health Urbanathlon belies their age.

A true test of endurance

Despite being battle-hardened from their nation-building exploits, several of the personalities still expressed enthusiasm at how the 2015 Men's Health Urbanathlon could challenge them.

"I'm looking forward to the anaerobic endurance coupled with the test of strength, balance and psychomotor skill," said mountaineer Mr Edwin Siew who was the first from a Singapore team to reach the summit of Mount Everest. "It's a holistic fitness event worth waking up for!"

Mr Francis Tan, a former firefighter, who represented Singapore at the 11th World Firefighters Games held in Daegu, South Korea, agreed: "It's tough, man! This event not only combines the aerobic and anaerobic aspects of an athlete, but also tests the perseverance and character of a person."

In fact, Mr Teo Ser Luck noted some similarities between the Ironman races he has completed and Men's Health Urbanathlon. "Both require endurance and mental strength, though on a different scale. The first is about consistency, the latter variety."

Mr Khairil Anuar, an oil and gas executive who, like Singapore, turns 50 in 2015, shared why fellow Singaporeans should take part in tough runs like the Urbanathlon. He said: "I've always been interested in keeping my health and fitness levels up. The Men's Health Urbanathlon is one of the best ways for me to make sure I stay fit as the years go by, as it's not a run one can take part in without training beforehand!"

The Singapore Men's Health Urbanathlon is jointly organised by SPH Magazines and HiVelocity, and supported by SportSG. Adidas is the official apparel of this race. The main sponsors include 100Plus, Casio Exilim, Lab Series, Nautica, Polar, True Fitness and Urban Homme. The partners are Swiss Oats and Jermyn Street.

The Men's Health Urbanathlon will be held on 1 March 2015. Registrations are now open at a price of $128. Each Urbanathlete will receive a race pack worth over $400, including an adidas race tee and a complimentary six-month digital subscription to Men's Health. The race is open to male and female runners 18 years old and above.

For more information, please visit https://urbanathlon.menshealth.com.sg/2015/

OBSTACLE 1: BALANCE SHEET [MODIFIED]

Balance yourself across 4-inch wide beams.