I first heard of the Safeguard 2XU Run early this year. It sounded very promising and the freebies were enticing. Some people thought that the registration fee was too high, but personally, I thought the fee was just right, given the amount of freebies. I mean, just the 2xu calf guards were already enough! Moreover, it’s a RunRio organized race. I no longer question Rio’s expertise in the field of running. If he organized it, it’s bound to be good.
I arrived at MOA around 15minutes before gun start. Given that this run only had a 21km category, the place was already filled as early as 4. It was fun though to see “serious” runners all around. Everyone was stretching and really preparing for the run.
What I Liked About the Safeguard 2xu Run: Unexpected but Good!
1. No Plastic Cups were provided
I didn’t really read the rules earlier and just read it the night before That’s when I found out that plastic cups will not be provided throughout the race. Runners are to bring the RunRio water bottle provided upon registration. I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t that be chaotic? Runners will all be lining up by the water station, waiting for their bottles to be filled.” I expected the worst but got the best.
There were absolutely NO LINES at the water stations. The people in charge at each station came prepared. They greeted runners and were ready to pour water into the bottles as soon as the runners passed. We barely had to stop. There were enough water stations and marshals manning each station. Hydration and bananas were however provided AFTER the run. Good job to the marshals and RunRio!
2. Returning the Timing Chip
Before you are given the timing chip on the race kit claiming day, you are asked to sign a waiver that states you will pay a certain amount if you are unable to return the chip immediately after the run. Again, I thought to myself, how will they even keep track of this. Other runs provide loot bags after the run and this is where they can cut off the timing chip, but in the Safeguard 2XU run, loot bags were already given prior to registration, hence, what’s to stop runners from just leaving the area once they’re done right. Personally, I forgot all about the timing chip after the run.
Again, Rio provided several marshals who awaited runners to cross the finish line. These marshals came ready with their scissors and immediately greeted runners with a warm smile and asked permission to cut off the timing chip. There were no lines at the finish line despite this and the entire thing was finished in just a few seconds. It’s definitely easier said than done, but Rio and his team once again pulled it off.
3. Running Against Nature
Ok, so this part had nothing to do with the organizers but it definitely made this run twice as fun! The day was gloomy and it was the perfect weather for running… at least for me. There were mild drizzles during the first 30minutes of the run, soon after however, the rain started to pour like crazy!! I found it to be really fun ‘coz it was just like playing in the rain. Only thing was, I couldn’t see clearly ‘coz it was just too strong. Moreover, I had my iPhone with me and I was so afraid it would break! (Luckily it didn’t). The rain lasted for around 15 minutes and left us on our way.
Overall, I thought the run was well organized and planned. Everything went smoothly and better than I expected. I now regret not registering for all legs of the Safeguard 2XU run! It’s not yet too late to register for the 3rd leg though, so if you want to experience a long run like this, then better register before it’s too late. You won’t regret it. Trust RunRio’s skills!
Stay updated by following Little Running Teacher on Facebook
or follow me on Twitter
