Running Group

Kilometers of Friendship and Fun

by Keri Matwick

The AWA Running group pushed themselves to the max these past two months. Besides regularly meeting four times a week, the women participated in endurance races. Here are the highlights:

In the Great Singaporean Whatever Race, five teams competed in the annual relay event created by the brilliant and ever creative Bernie Tretta. In teams of five, the members alternated running race legs to complete the hilly 25km course from Bukit Timah Park to West Coast Park. There were challenges along the way that could help the team win, such as taking a photo of a dog in a stroller (extra points for cats!), eating donuts, or taking selfies with tigers.

The Great Singaporean Whatever Race

The Coast Busters, led by team captain Yvonne Suttles, just edged out the Nameless Beaumonts for the big win. Coming next were the Singapore Tigers who rocked on the pull-up challenge and Rum Runners who gave the best Tik Tok with Hawaiian leis and hula dancing. Scrambled Legs had the best name, don’t you agree?

The 30th Miami Marathon was a rewarding and memorable reunion for current member Keri Matwick and former member Marangeli Wouda. Joining them in the race were Kelsi, Keri’s sister, and Tito, Marangeli’s husband. Ocean views, palm trees, and diamond-studded medals made the 26.2 miles that much sweeter.

Miami Marathon, Kelsi, Tito, Marangeli, Keri

In spirit of this issue’s theme on “Singapore’s Hidden Gems,” a few of our running group favorite runs + coffee/ breakfast combinations are: Botanic Gardens + De Paolo Gastronomia-Bukit Timah; Marina Bay Sands loop + Miami Marathon - Kelsi, Tito, Marangeli, Keri Common Man Coffee Roasters; Green Corridor from King Albert MRT to Plain Vanilla at Neil Road or Jimmy Monkey.

The ladies said farewell to long-time group member Ellie Doyle and wish her a wonderful new start in the UK.

Join in the camaraderie: Tuesdays, at the Botanic Gardens, three different times, 7am, 7:30am, and 8am, 5KM; Wednesdays, 7:30am, Iron Strength; Thursdays, varying locations, 7:30am, 8-10KM; and Saturdays, varying locations, 7am or 7:30am, 10-15KM.

Keri is a linguist and teaches writing at Nanyang Technological University. Active in the AWA Running Club and Java Junkies, Keri enjoys running and meeting up friends at cafés.