Run to the light

Like moths to a flame, they descended on the F1 Pit building, attracted by the bright lights.

But while the moths had their wings singed, only calories were burnt during the Skechers Electric Run that was held over the weekend.

The 5km run, which started in the US in 2012, made its Asian debut in Singapore and attracted tens of thousands of participants here.

The route was pumped with music and lit with bright, colourful lights.

And judging by the way some of the participants were dressed, it was no ordinary running event.

Many women were dressed like ballerinas, in fluffy tulle tutus. Flora Ng, 17, and her two friends were among those who looked like they had just stepped off the set of Swan Lake.

"We just want to stand out in a crowd," the student said with a giggle.

American tourist Ron Barnson, 23, caught everyone's attention when he appeared dressed as a dinosaur.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he said: "I bought this onesie online for US$75 (S$94) just for this event."

The participants, who decorated their bodies using items like glow-sticks and body paint, waited for the sun to set.

FAIRYLAND

The run flagged off at 8pm and the area was soon transformed into a glittering fairyland.

Thumping dance beats accompanied the participants as they ran through Marina Promenade Park - past neon-hued signs and underneath multi-coloured paper lanterns - towards the finish line back at the F1 Pit building.

Surprisingly, many were still full of energy, even after completing the run.

They made a beeline for the stage, where the party continued. For many, the night had just begun.

ashaffiq@sph.com.sg

This article was published on April 14 in The New Paper.

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