National Stadium opens track to runners

Participants of The Straits Times Run at the Hub will get the honour of being the first to finish a race under the new National Stadium's dome roof.

And, ahead of the Sept 28 event, runners can get a feel of the stadium's red track.

The track, which was made available to runners yesterday, will be open for public use daily from 7am to 9pm until Sunday, as part of the Singapore Sports Hub's initiative to make its venues more accessible to the masses.

The opportunity to try out the track ahead of the big day is an experience Mr Saravana Kumar is looking forward to.

The 41-year-old engineer has signed up to run in the 21km category of the ST Run at the Hub, and is relishing the chance to explore the stadium at his own leisure. He said: "I usually run only in marathons, but I'm making an exception with the ST Run to experience finishing at the new National Stadium.

"It's good that I have a chance to try out the track, so that I won't get overawed by the majestic arena when I see it for the first time on race day."

More than 22,000 runners are expected to turn the Sports Hub into a sea of blue on Sunday week. With all three categories - 5km, 10km and 21km - set to finish in the National Stadium, many are expecting a good atmosphere inside the arena.

Runners will get to run on a portion of the 400-metre track, and end their race close to where the finishing line is for athletics races.

Said research scientist Amelia Tan, 28: "Getting to run on the track inside the National Stadium is something that is quite exciting.

"Since I live near the stadium, I'll pop by to experience the new track if time permits."

Runners keen to try out the track are advised to come in proper sports gear and appropriate running shoes.

The Sports Hub is also offering free tickets for events at its venues to those who take a selfie and post it on the Hub's Facebook page.

More details of this contest can be found on the page.

terong@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Sep 18, 2014.
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