Take on new challenges for SG50

SINGAPORE- To celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday this year, the Men's Health Urbanathlon will roll out three new obstacles while refreshing some old favourites.

In addition, following last year's successful introduction, the mystery obstacle which will be revealed only on the day itself, has been retained for the sixth edition to be held on March 1.

The 14km, nine-station race is jointly organised by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Magazines and HiVelocity.

Said Pang Lee Cheng, SPH Magazines' general manager: "We're dedicating it to Singapore's golden jubilee celebration, symbolic of the grit and determination that have helped the nation come so far."

Fans can look forward to new hurdles to overcome like the Wheel & Deal, where contestants have to squeeze their way through hanging tyres of different heights, and Bottom Line, where they have to negotiate their way across a slackline (a modified tightrope).

Last year's event, held at Marina Bay in March, attracted 3,500 participants. Umesh Rai of Nepal was the winner in the individual category, with a time of 55min 17sec.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who has competed in Ironman triathlon races, has signed up for this year's event, to be held at the Kallang Practice Track.

He will be joined by local adventurer Edwin Siew, 44, who was part of the first Singaporean team to summit Mount Everest in 1998.

Said Siew: "I'm looking forward to the anaerobic endurance coupled with the test of strength, balance and psychomotor skill.

"It's a holistic fitness event worth waking up for."

jonwong@sph.com.sg

Registration is open at $128 for the individual race category. Each participant will receive a race pack worth around $400. Sign up at urbanathlon.menshealth.com.sg

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