Message From Chairman EXCO

As I am writing this message, the number 30 appears ever bigger in front of me on the calendar. It was 152 days when we had our first Visioning Session in December and now we are only 5 days away from the event.

The 3rd and final EXCO meeting came and went. In the blink of an eye, we are already approaching the ‘big day’. Very soon, on the 30th of May, our efforts will all be paid off as we witness the beginning of a very fruitful and successful event.

Within these few months, there have been various Focus Group Meetings where committees and the Route GRCs came together to solve problems as well as update all EXCO members on the individual committees’ progress. These meetings are vital towards the construction of the concrete plan that all of us have been working on for the past 5 months.

The multiples day and night reccees conducted by the GRCs and sub-committees have also proved useful in planning the operations and to prevent any complications that may arise. Safety is of our top priorities and there is no better way to understand the potential hazards but to walk the grounds itself. Reccees also took place not only in the day, but also at night. It was indeed time consuming, but it was all necessary to gather a clear understanding of what difficulties we could face. With the information gathered, we were able to formulate various solutions to the issues that presented themselves.

All the plans were discussed thoroughly in the AOP sessions that were conducted in the previous months. These sessions were taken seriously to ensure the entire event would run smoothly and according to schedule.

We had also had meetings with the stakeholders meetings and Meet-the-Ambassadors sessions. These meetings provide opportunities for EXCO to update the stakeholders on our progress and keep them informed of any changes that have taken place. Meet-the-Ambassadors sessions served as a platform for EXCO to engage and interact with the ambassadors and also to give a brief on the overview of the event and their job scopes. By constantly updating these two groups of people, it was ensured that everyone was kept in the loop and no confusion would arise.

Last weekend was the 1st time we met all the participants at the Race Entry Park Collection (REPC) which took place at the Milennia Walk. Participants collected their Race Entry Pack, adidas sundown running singlet as well as a goodies bag in preparation for the run the following week. This would be the final milestone before the actual event takes place.

As Chairman EXCO, I am very pleased and honored to be working with such a dedicated and success-driven team. It is only through your efforts that I can confidently say that this Sundown Marathon would not only be a successful one, but a memorable event as well.

Superhero Movie Marathon @ adidas Sundown Marathon

Calling all supporters!

Come watch your Superheroes on the big screen while supporting YOUR marathon heros at the adidas Sundown Festival Village at Changi Point on 30 May.

Spend your night with the Superheroes in three awesome movies Iron Man, Transformers & The Incredible Hulk.

First 100 people who arrive will get a free picnic mat!

Movie marathon starts on Saturday night at 12midnight. See you at the Race Carnival.

(Sources: adidas Sundown Marathon 2009 Official Website)

The Unique Team - Singapore Management University

The East Coast Team

The 2009 edition of the adidas Sundown Marathon at East Coast GRC comprises of a unique team. Fully managed by a dedicated team of Singapore Management University (SMU) students, it is the only GRC in the entire executive committee that is solely represented by one of the renowned university in Singapore.

East Coast GRC Mayor, Soon Heng said, "Having been a part of the AVIVA Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Executive Committee for two consecutive years, I have learnt a lot from my fellow peers and grown up to become a better person. This prompted me to recruit my friends from SMU into the adidas Sundown Marathon to share the same experience as I did, and thus giving rise to this unique team."

Making up the East Coast GRC Team are Amrit and Shiyun, who are the Deputy Mayors. The Sector Managers are Jeremy and Limei. Anthony is the Manpower and Logistic Manager for Route Operations while Linda is the Manpower and Logistic Manager for Aid Stations. Shiyun, Amrit and Linda have previously volunteered their time for the AVIVA Ironman 70.3 Triathlon while the rest are new to organising sports events!

Such a unique team certainly has its advantages. "We can coordinate our time better as the GRC members share similar schedules. Meetings, recces and brainstorming sessions were also carried out more effectively as we are used to one another’s working style. What was most amazing was that the SMU administration was supportive of our manpower recruitment drive held in SMU!! We concluded our search for 121 Ambassadors in just two days!!!"The East Coast GRC is the longest segment of the adidas Sundown Marathon. It covers an approximate 18km, stretching from the East Coast Park to the Bedok Reservoir. “To give the participants a good and safe race experience, the East Coast GRC will split the route into different sectors, each to be focused and managed by respective Sector Manager. And of course, not forgetting the welfare and well-being of our Ambassadors who will be managed by our two Manpower Managers."

Without the support of the Ambassadors, an event will not bear success no matter how detailed and well-made the plans are. There are certainly obstacles in overseeing this large area of operation. But the East Coast GRC Team is confident that they will make Adidas Sundown Marathon 2009 a stunning success!

Barucuda Rocks The Way!

Baracuda Batucada is their name and grooving is their game. The samba ensemble from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, who started out performing on their campus, has gone on to rock and wow crowds with their addictive samba percussion tunes at many public events.

Baracuda Batucada has also performed at previous events organized by HiVelocity Pte Ltd, including the Suburban Run 2009 & RAW Duathlon 2009. And we will see them again in action on 30 May 09 at the adidas Sundown Marathon 2009!

Since their inception in 2004, these young and passionate musicians have added to the vibrancy of the local music scene. Every member of the group possesses a strong calling towards making music; their fervent desire to rock and perform in front of an audience binds them to produce a compelling performance. With an authentic style that is “Heavier than samba, Lighter than ROCK”, the group will definitely surprise and entice you with their rhythms!

So, be sure to catch a pumped-up Baracuda Batucada and their majestic, high energy performance at the Changi Beach Park!


Click here and become a fan of Barucuda Batucada from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

My Reflections: Why I Volunteer?

Jun Jie was the Coordinating Manager, Bedok GRC for adidas Sundown Marathon 2008.

Sometime I stop and wonder, why do I do something that requires long hours of planning and preparation, commitment and sacrifice without having much tangible reward? Why do I commit so much of my precious time and effort when in name I am only just a ‘volunteer’?

Sporting events have been on a tremendous rise in recent years and the effects of it are hard to ignore. I am deeply impressed by the positive vibe and sporting culture that these events are bringing to the masses and the community in Singapore.

In the first event which I volunteered for, the inaugural Aviva Ironman 70.3 Triathlon 2007, I was awed by the runners’ single-minded determination to get to the finish line, regardless of the pain and suffering they were experiencing. As participants, my friends and I were overwhelmed with joy when we completed our first full marathon at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in 2007.

Fortuitously, I was offered the opportunity to take on greater roles in organising subsequent events, like the adidas Sundown Marathon 2008 and the 2008/2009 editions of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in which I was the Project Director this year. Since then, I have not looked back!

It’s amazing to think that all these events are planned and executed by volunteers, slogging without the promise of great rewards but just for the spirit of sports and their burning passion in their hearts. I am glad to have been part of this dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate and highly capable in what they do.

Personally, it has been a great learning experience being part of the process of planning and running the event. It’s also great fun working with friends whom are like-minded people. It heartens me to know that with each event, we continue to put a smile on the face of everyone involved!

I hope the 2nd edition of adidas Sundown Marathon will be a roaring success!!


Lim Jun Jie
Dy Chairman EXCO &
Organising Secretary

Jun Jie is currently studying at the Singapore Management University, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, pursuing in Business Management. He likes skating, running and volunteering for sport events and other charity works. He is also involved in the upcoming "Bare Your Sole 2009" Barefoot Walk, jointly organised by SMU and Habitat for Humanity Singapore as the Director, Logistics.

adidas Sundown Marathon 2009 Ambassadors Facebook

Why wait? Become a Fan of Sundown Ambassadors in the facebook today! Join us and catch the glimpse of all the excitement instore for our Ambassadors.

A Diary of the adidas Sundown Marathon 2009 Ambassadors

We will be unveiling the stories and snapshots of what goes on behind the scenes in “A Diary of the Ambassadors”. This diary will show you the long journey leading up to the big day, and will capture the insights of our Sundown Ambassadors. We’ll be presenting this to you soon… so....Stay Tuned!!!