Action Asia Challenge

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Action in Singapore

Wilson Low / 25.11.2004

For the first time ever, the Action Asia Challenge came to the shores of the insular city-state of Singapore. Race Director, Michael Maddess promised an ambitious route for the Singapore edition, incorporating popular tourist locations, attractions and key landmarks. His plan involved more than 300 international participants swimming, climbing, running, abseiling, cycling, paddling, and jumping across the local landscape towards the finish line party, a key mainstay in all his races thus far.

Along with my army buddy and good friend Hui Quan, I was inspired to give it a try. It wasn’t the first adventure race to grace our island – but it was the most publicized, daring and high-profile race so far. We gamely paid the US$120 entry fee as early as we could, then started worrying about other details like equipment, training and logistics as the date drew nearer.

H.Q. had taken part in only one full-on AR event prior to this Action Asia Challenge, the first AXN Challenge Singapore held more than 3 years earlier. He was a substitute for a team at the 2001 Adventure Quest as well. So this inaugural Action Asia Challenge Singapore would only be his second ever adventure race. We had no doubt we would get along just fine without jeopardizing our friendship. Our time in the armed forces together, spanning well over two years, had built a robust camaraderie and team spirit between that would stand us in good stead.

Daybreak on race day: the start line was abuzz with activity. Racers, marshals and officials, supporters, and the media were out in force. A media helicopter hovered over the Bay, anticipating the start where racers would plunge lemming-like, into the sea. Our race started with the ubiquitous clanging of the starting gong at the One Fullerton seafront steps. With the seeded teams out in the front leading the way, the racers, most of them already wearing their climbing harnesses, dived into the water, making a short swim across the front of the Merlion and, most intriguingly, under the adjacent jetty. We then clambered back onto shore, only to have to leap off the Esplanade Bridge back into the sea a short while later and swim a distance of 300 metres to our bike transition. We were told to hold onto the top of our helmets as we plunged in, so the force of the water didn’t rip them off our heads.See All Event Posts