READY, GET SET, GO!

The air at MacRitchie Reservoir was filled with tension and anticipation, as more than 350 eager participants waited behind the starting line for the flag-off of the annual SAFSA Cross Country Championships on 18 Jan.

Miss Tan Chui Chin from the Army Fitness Centre (AFC) was among the participants.

The Physical Training Programme Doctrine Officer, who was representing 9th Singapore Division/Infantry (9 Div/Inf), told cyberpioneer that the delayed start, due to inclement weather, made her a little nervous.

"But I'm relieved to have finished the race," she said, after storming home in a winning time of 24 mins 20secs.

Not only was Miss Tan the winner of the Women's category, she was also the fastest Defence Executive Officer (DXO) of the championships.

"Keeping a good pace throughout the race was the most difficult part for me," she said. "I wanted to complete the race under 25mins, so the cool weather helped."

Although this was not her debut at the championships, this was the regular runner's maiden win.

But the humble Miss Tan said: "I'm just glad to have the chance to represent my division and won the race."

Torrential rain threatened to disrupt the winners' celebrations but nothing was going to dampen their spirits.

First Sergeant (1SG) Eng Yew Kiang from the Commandos came in tops in the Men's Open category, while Combat Service Support Command's (CSSCOM) Master Sergeant (MSG) Tan Tiong Yit won the Men's Masters.
The Commandos retained their Challenge Trophy convincingly. They also won the majority of the prizes.

Coming in second and third positions were the Republic of Singapore Navy and MINDEF teams.