Organiser of Decathlon’s Kiprun S’pore shortens half-marathon to 10km due to hazy conditions

Kiprun Singapore’s half-marathon changed to 10km due to haze

The half-marathon at Decathlon’s Kiprun Singapore race was shortened from 21.1km to 10km due to hazy conditions last Sunday (27 Sept).

Kiprun Singapore’s half-marathon modified due to haze

The organiser, MetaSport, announced the changes in an Instagram post in the early hours of 27 Sept.

The decision followed a review of air quality conditions at 2am, when readings had exceeded the event’s predetermined action thresholds.

“We know many of you have invested significant time and effort in preparing for today, and we understand that these changes may be disappointing,” MetaSport said.

They added that the modifications were made  “in the best interests of participant health and safety”.

Under the revised format, participants who registered for the half-marathon would run 10km instead.

Other race categories unaffected

The other race categories, the 10km, 5km and 670m Kids Dash, were unaffected by the changes.

However, all categories would be non-competitive, meaning there would be no official rankings or results.

The awards ceremony was also cancelled. Despite the changes, the organiser said all race start times would remain unchanged.

The half-marathon was scheduled to flag off between 5.10am and 5.25am, followed by the 10km race at 6am, 5km at 7.25am and Kids Dash at 9am.

MetaSport also thanked participants for their understanding and cooperation.

“These measures have been taken to reduce prolonged and strenuous physical exertion while still allowing participants to enjoy the event safely,” they explained.

Mixed reactions by participants, some upset by change

The Instagram post quickly drew responses from participants, with some expressing their displeasure over the changes.

A netizen thanked the organiser for making a tough decision and demonstrating their “priority for health and safety”.

A race participant also asked if there would be a full refund for the half-marathon, as they felt that it was “not very fair”.

Another participant also questioned the difference between running 10km and 21km in hazy conditions.

Another runner thanked the organiser for prioritising the runners’ well-being.

Half-marathoners share post-race thoughts

One of the half-marathon participants, @shiqispace, shared in an Instagram post that she managed to achieve a personal best for 10km despite the changes.

“Really love the race vibes omg I was so full of adrenaline!” she said in the caption.

A first-time half-marathoner, @hi.roxnroll, also shared how her first 21.1km run became a 10km run instead due to the haze.

“So incredibly proud of everyone for showing up despite the haze and for coming down to support as well,” she said.

MS News has also reached out to MetaSport for comment.

Also read: ‘I felt so relieved’: Participant thanks organisers for postponing swim race due to Sentosa crocodile sighting

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Featured image adapted from Decathlonsg & MetaSport on Instagram.