I Got Into the Prague Half Marathon 2027 | My Running Journey

Well… I wasn’t expecting this.

I entered the ballot for the Generali Prague Half Marathon 2027 not really knowing what would happen.

And today, I found out:

I GOT IN. 🥹🏃🏻‍♀️

So, apparently, I’m going to Prague on 3 April 2027 to run 21.1 km through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. 🇨🇿

And there’s an even bigger reason I’m excited about this one.

Prague is part of the SuperHalfs series — six iconic half marathons across Europe, with runners taking on Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia.

And somehow, I’ve already started my own little SuperHalfs adventure.

Cardiff Half Marathon — October 2026 🏃🏻‍♀️

Lisbon Half Marathon — I got in! 🇵🇹

Prague Half Marathon — I got in! 🇨🇿

Three races on the list. Three cities to run through. And potentially the beginning of a much bigger challenge.

I never really set out thinking, I’m going to complete the SuperHalfs.

But now that I have Cardiff, Lisbon and Prague lined up… well, maybe I should see where this takes me. 😂

No big goals yet. No time target.

Just another race to train for, another city to explore on foot, and another finish line to look forward to.

Sometimes you enter a ballot thinking, let’s see what happens.

And then… it happens.

Prague, I’ll see you in April. 🇨🇿❤️

One more race added to the calendar.

One more reason to keep showing up.

May xx

SCORE Marathon 2026: The Half Marathon I Ran Without Any Expectations

Score Marathon 2026

Last weekend, I flew from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur for a half marathon. I arrived on Saturday, collected my race pack, rested and prepared for the race the following morning.

On Sunday, I stood at the starting line without any expectations because, honestly, I wasn't sure how my body would cope with 21.1km.

I hadn't been training consistently, and my plantar fasciitis was still recovering. I knew I wasn't properly prepared for the run, and I didn't want to push myself so hard that I ended up aggravating my foot again.

So, I decided to take a different approach.

I would run when I felt like running, walk when I felt like walking and simply enjoy the experience.

And surprisingly, I did.

There was no pressure and no chasing a particular time. I just listened to my body and enjoyed the run.

And I'm really proud of myself for that. 🥹

I used to be the kiasu type who put so much pressure on myself to run faster and finish within a particular time I had set for myself. This time, I didn't. I simply wanted to get through the run safely and enjoy the experience.

One thing that made me feel surprisingly good throughout the race was carrying a small bottle with me.

And yes, thanks to Thai Airways. 😂 I took the small mineral water bottle with me because it was just the right size and handy to carry. I'm just recycling the bottle.

It kept my hands busy while running, and I was able to drink water regularly instead of waiting until I reached the next water station.

But most importantly, I didn't have to throw away any cups along the route.

There were reminders made to all runners about not littering. Unfortunately, I still saw runners throwing their cups onto the road.

I know it may seem like a small thing, but I do think we can all do better. The volunteers are already working hard to support the runners and keep the race running smoothly. They shouldn't have to spend extra time cleaning up after runners who simply throw their cups onto the road.

Now, about the route…

Was it just me, or did it feel like I was constantly running uphill? 😂

I hate elevation.

Every time I thought I had reached the top of a “hill”, there seemed to be another one waiting for me.

Perhaps it felt more challenging because I hadn't trained consistently, but I definitely noticed the elevation throughout the route. Thankfully, I had no target time to chase, so whenever I felt tired, I simply slowed down or walked.

The toilet situation was probably one of my biggest frustrations during the race.

I was holding my pee from around 3km until 12km because every portable toilet available at the water stations had a queue of at least 10 people.

There simply weren't enough toilets at the earlier stops.

Eventually, I gave up and joined the queue. I probably wasted about three minutes waiting.

Three minutes may not sound like much, but every minute counts when you're trying to get to the finish line.

Hopefully, future races can consider providing more portable toilets at the busier water stations.

One more thing I noticed was the lighting in some areas of the route.

There were sections where spotlights appeared to be shining directly towards the runners. I have astigmatism, and the glare was really intense. There were a few moments when the lights were shining directly into my eyes, making it difficult to see clearly while running.

I'm not sure if other runners experienced the same thing, but perhaps the positioning of some of the spotlights could be reviewed for future events.

Overall, I thought the SCORE Marathon was a well-organised event, from race pack collection to race day itself.

I went to the expo quite late, so I probably missed out on a lot of the freebies. 😂

Congratulations to SCORE Marathon on a successful event and on achieving the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest running event in Malaysia! 

A huge thank you also goes to all the volunteers and photographers who made the event possible and captured so many moments along the way. 

Race day through the lens of VE Pictures.

This was not my fastest half marathon.

I didn't chase a personal best or have a target finish time.

But I enjoyed the run.

I ran when I felt like running, walked when I needed to walk and listened to my body throughout the race.

And I'm proud of myself for that.

21.1km done, with a few “hills” I definitely didn't ask for, no expectations and a reminder that sometimes the best runs are the ones where you simply enjoy the journey.

And for where I am in my running journey right now, that's something worth being proud of.

May xx

My First Queenstown Parkrun – Running Around Queenstown Gardens, New Zealand

This is a slightly late update, but I wanted to record this because it was quite memorable.

I did my 7th parkrun on 14 February in Queenstown — Event 354. The Queenstown parkrun takes place near Queenstown Gardens, with beautiful lake and mountain views.

It was freezing cold, but whenever I travel, I try to join a parkrun if timing allows. It’s my way of saying, “I’ve been here.” 😅 And parkrun is free — you only register once, and you can join events anywhere in the world with the same barcode.

I was staying about 10km away, so transport was tricky. It was either Uber or bus, because the water taxi only runs at 8.15am and parkrun starts at 8am 😅 I checked Uber and the price was crazy, so I decided to walk 2km to the bus stop. After 1km in 9°C cold, an Uber notification suddenly pinged — the price dropped! Since it was freezing, I booked it quickly. No more hero mode 😂

I reached early with numb fingers and joined the first-timer briefing. Funny thing, most runners were tourists too, so I didn’t feel alone.

The route around Queenstown Gardens was beautiful with gentle elevation. I was proud to finish in a reasonable time, even though I haven’t trained much on hills lately. As a runner, finishing a run in a new place always feels special.

Parkrun is every Saturday morning. No pressure, just people running and walking together. Different countries, different faces, same spirit. Volunteers cheering, people smiling. Thank you to all the volunteers who made the run possible — you really made my morning.

On the way back, I discovered you need a Bee Card for the local bus. They don’t accept credit cards! I only found out when I boarded the bus to go back to the hotel. The kind driver gave me a free ride. I felt very grateful that day.

Small reminder to myself: always check public transport payment methods when travelling.

Next time I travel, I’ll still try to join a parkrun if timing allows and it's not far and easy to get to. Parkrun makes travelling more meaningful.

If you’re visiting Queenstown, you can check details at parkrun website. And they even have photographers taking amazing photos — thank you for the lovely memory ❤️

Photo credit: Queenstown parkrun (Facebook album

)

May xx

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026

A race with about 74,000 runners participating.

I flew into Hong Kong on the night of 15 January, just a few days before race day. It felt familiar but different at the same time — the kind of trip where the purpose is clear, but you still allow yourself to take things slowly. No matter how many I’ve done (this was my 15th full marathon), race weekends still feel a little special… and a little unpredictable.

Race pack collection was on 16 January, and I took the MTR to Kai Tak Arena. Honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. For someone who always struggles with “GPS signal loss”, this was a pleasant surprise — very well signposted, straightforward directions, and super convenient. No stress, no confusion.

The whole race pack collection was well organised, though I didn’t expect the crowd on a Friday. It was busy — very busy. Once I collected my race pack, I spent some time wandering around the expo. Played a few games, queued for some freebies, and took my time looking around. I guess I’m getting a bit aunty lately — more patient, more willing to queue, and slightly more excited about free stuff than I used to be. Still, it was all part of the experience, and everything ran smoothly.

Race pack collection at Kai Tak Arena

After I received the news that I was accepted to run SCHKM 2026, I was so happy. Then I started researching the course, reading other runners’ comments… and I panicked a little. Bridges, elevation, tunnels — all in one race. But it turned out to be a really nice and manageable run. The temperature was great, and I was never running alone. There were always runners around my pace, never more than a metre away.

The 7:20 am sunrise

The only downside came in the last ~5km when we merged with the HM runners. There was a lot of zigzagging to avoid walkers, which broke the rhythm a bit.

Still, I’m very happy with my performance. Shin and plantar behaved (mostly), though things got a bit painful from 38km onwards — but no major drama, and I’ll take that as a win.

I enjoyed the run, took a few photos along the way, made some necessary pee stops, and stayed well hydrated at every water station (plus some cheeky walks 😌).

Garmin: 4:58:30. SCHKM app: 5:00:17.

I won’t lie — that one stung a bit 😅 I thought the app was showing net time! Thankfully, the certificate came out the next day with my net time: 4:58:27.

A sub-5 after many years. Not something I went in chasing, but a nice outcome of staying consistent — and 35 minutes 6 seconds faster than my SCSM 2025.

More than the timing, though, I genuinely enjoyed the run — and that’s what counts.

What stood out most about this trip wasn’t just the marathon. It was the experience of travelling for a run (even though this isn’t my first), moving through a city with purpose, and letting everything else fit around that one goal.

Numbers aside, I felt grateful — especially for my partner, my number one supporter, who showed up for me despite his stressful work schedule.

Running in Hong Kong is officially checked.

Will I do it again? Maybe.

For now, I’m happy to let this one sit — another city run completed, another chapter added.

Thank you to the organisers and volunteers. Also, this was the first race where I didn’t come across any pacers. Apparently, they were around… but I just never crossed paths with them.

On to the next start line, whenever it comes.

May x

Running the Cardiff Half 2026 for Tenovus Cancer Care

There’s a race I’ve been thinking about for years. Funny enough, I never even knew much about Cardiff until I started dating this guy from Wales.

Image from: Cardiff Half Marathon

A long time ago, I signed up for the Cardiff Half Marathon. Back then, it was simple, no ballot, just sign up and go. I was meant to run it… But work got in the way. I had to give up my place and sell the ticket. I remember feeling disappointed, but I told myself it was fine. Life happens.

Still, Cardiff stayed somewhere in the back of my mind.

Last year, I found out that the Cardiff Half is actually part of the SuperHalfs series. Suddenly, that race I once missed didn’t feel so small anymore. It felt unfinished — the kind of goal that quietly waits until you’re ready to come back to it.

When the ballot opened, I entered without thinking too much. — I didn’t get in.

Image from: Cardiff Half Marathon

I was disappointed, yes — but more than that, I realised how badly I wanted it. Not out of ego, not to prove anything, but because some goals matter simply because you never really walked away from them.

I spoke to my boyfriend about it. We talked about running for a charity instead — about doing this race for more than just a medal.

Together, we chose Tenovus Cancer Care.

Cancer has a way of touching lives quietly and deeply. Tenovus supports people through moments most of us hope we never have to face — offering care, guidance, and compassion when it’s needed most.

And so here I am.

I’ve now signed up to run the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon as part of Team Tenovus Cancer Care. This time, I’m not just running for myself.

Running has always been where I go when my head feels full, and life feels heavy. It’s not always about pace or distance — sometimes it’s just about showing up and putting one foot in front of the other.

This race feels like that.

• A second chance.
• A quiet promise to myself.
• And an opportunity to turn something I love into something that helps others.

Fundraising can feel awkward to talk about, but I also know how powerful small acts of kindness can be.

If you’re able to support, I’d be incredibly grateful. If not, sharing the page or sending an encouraging message already means a lot.

You can support my run here:

👉 https://cardiffhalf26.enthuse.com/pf/may-ling-tan

Every donation helps Tenovus Cancer Care continue supporting people and families when they need it most.

This October, when I’m running through Cardiff, I’ll be carrying more than tired legs. I’ll be carrying unfinished business, quiet determination, and the support of people who believe in this journey.

Thank you for being part of it — in whatever way you can.

May x

Putting Some Dates on the Calendar

I didn’t announce anything.

No dramatic goals.

No “this is my year” declaration.

After sharing how my running journey started and where I am now, this felt like the right next step. Nothing loud. Nothing flashy. Just giving my running a bit of direction again.

AI-generated image 

All three runs on the calendar are ballot races. I know how lucky I am to even get a spot, so I’m genuinely grateful. No expectations, no entitlement. I'm just thankful for the chance to stand on those starting lines.

Putting these dates down isn’t about making big promises. It’s about giving myself direction without pressure. Training steadily. Respecting my body. Allowing recovery. Accepting that some weeks will be better than others.

There may be a few more races along the way if one becomes available and timing allows. No fixed plans. Just joining when it feels right.

For now, it’s simply about showing up and seeing where the road takes me.

May x

Mindful Running: Small Acts Matter

I recently came across a race clip shared by a runfluencer. Later, I had a casual chat with another runner who had reposted it on social media. I usually don’t watch clips all the way through, but that day — helped by Instagram’s x2 fast-forward — I did. And it made me pause.

It got me thinking about something we rarely talk about: how we use hydration stations during races.

Image created by ChatGPT

In the image, which I recreated using AI, a runner grabs a cup of water and splashes it over himself. Totally relatable. Anyone who has raced in the heat knows how desperate that moment feels. Cooling down can feel like survival.

But here’s the part that made me stop.

Hydration stations are hectic. Sweaty runners rush in, their hands moving fast, as cups are everywhere. The water being splashed often comes from the cups meant for drinking. And just a step behind that runner, volunteers are carefully setting up cups for hundreds — sometimes thousands — of runners still to come.

From the front of the pack, this probably looks normal. Efficient. Quick. No time to think.

From further back, it looks… different.

Sweat, water, and fast-moving hands are happening right next to cups that others are about to drink from. And honestly, I don’t want to drink your sweat. I believe most runners wouldn’t want to either.

Perhaps this stood out even more because not long ago, we were all far more conscious of hygiene. COVID-19 changed how we thought about shared spaces, contact, and cleanliness. For a while, we were careful, especially with things near our mouths. As races returned and life felt normal again, that awareness quietly faded.

I’m not saying we need to panic or race in fear. However, a bit of mindfulness around hygiene, particularly at shared points like hydration stations, still matters.

To be clear, this isn’t about blaming fast runners or calling anyone out. Racing at speed is intense, and decisions are made in split seconds.

I’m a runner too... just not an elite or front-packer. I experience races from the middle or back of the pack, where hydration stations are more crowded, slower, and sometimes chaotic. Maybe that perspective is why this stood out to me.

It made me wonder:

• Can we be a bit more mindful at water stations?
• Is there a way to cool down without affecting drinking water meant for others?
• Can race etiquette include hygiene too — not just pacing and racing lines?

I know saying this might invite comments like “then don’t race” or “just stay home." But that’s not the point.

Hydration stations are shared spaces. They rely heavily on volunteers who show up early, stand for hours, and do their best to support every runner — fast or slow. A small action at the front can create a ripple effect further down the course.

Just a gentle note to fellow runners, please don’t cancel me 😅 I’m not here to judge, shame, or act like I know better. I’m simply sharing what I observed, and how it made me think a little deeper about race etiquette and consideration for others.

If this post makes even one person pause for half a second at the next water station, then it’s done its job.

Running may be individual, but races are communal.

And sometimes, awareness starts with noticing the small things.

May x

Update: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025

The latest update from the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 (ATMBKK2025) Facebook page!

Image credit: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok official Facebook page

The eighth edition of ATMBKK will be held on 30 November 2025, starting at the familiar MBK Centre. Registration opens on 1 July 2025, 10 a.m.!

For more information, please visit the official event websites:

• www.atmbkk.com 
• www.amazingthailandmarathon2025.com
  

For those who’ve followed my running journey, you might remember that last year I chose ATMBKK over Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) because, for the past few years, the 2 events were scheduled on the same weekend. I also blogged about how the ATMBKK start was a bit chaotic, with both half and full marathon runners starting together, and honestly, being placed in Pen 4 was a bit depressing for me. 

You can read more about my experience here: My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024.

Well, interestingly, this year the event dates don’t clash. ATMBKK is on 30 November, and SCSM is on 7 December 2025. That opens up the possibility of doing both! I’m still undecided if I’ll sign up again, but if I do, I might just go for the half marathon instead of the full, since the following weekend I’ll be aiming for the SCSM full marathon. It actually gives me the opportunity to treat the ATMBKK half marathon as a long run — a good prep to keep my legs fresh without overdoing it.

For now, there’s not much more information released, but I’ll be keeping an eye out and will share updates when they come.

Anyone else planning to join ATMBKK 2025? Let me know!

May x

Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 Bangkok Presented by PUMA

It’s been a while since I last raced. My last one was back in December. So, stepping into the Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 felt like a good way to ease back into things. There was no pressure or expectations—just me showing up to run, and I’m glad I did.

At the starting point, 3:30 a.m. – waiting for the gun.

The race kicked off at 3:30 a.m. While most of the city was still asleep, the traffic certainly wasn’t. We ran on shared lanes with cars and motorbikes zooming past, which was honestly a bit scary. Bangkok truly never sleeps. Volunteers did a great job managing the roads and placing cones to divide the lanes for runners, but we still had to stop three times to cross busy roads—the most frustrating one just about 100 metres from the finish line.

The face of no-pressure running.

I'm grateful that it didn’t rain—running through Bangkok in a downpour at 3 a.m. would’ve been a different kind of challenge. Water stations were set up every 2km, which was a huge help in staying hydrated in the early morning humidity.

Finding joy in the miles.

Now for the less glamorous part—no toilets. There were two mobile units along the route, but both were locked, and the only usable one was near the end, across the road, which meant I’d have to run through traffic to get to it, which I didn’t do. Running with a full bladder wasn’t ideal. Let’s just say that holding a full tank of pee for 10 miles was not part of the plan.

Trying to look chill—bladder says otherwise.

Despite the challenges, I really enjoyed being part of this event. It reminded me how much I love the energy of race day, the shared spirit among runners, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line—my net time was 1:58:13, and I’ll take that with a smile.

The smile says it all.

I had prepaid for unlimited race photos from Thai.Run during the expo—THB790 instead of the usual THB890. The photographers were impressively quick; the photos were already up not long after the race. I’ve included some of my favourites throughout this post—worth every baht to relive the morning!

This face says: 10 miles, no toilet, still got it done.

Proof that I survived 10 miles

Big thanks to the organisers, volunteers, photographers, and everyone else who helped make it happen. My first race of the year is done and dusted.

What’s your strategy for staying hydrated and handling bathroom breaks during longer runs?

May x

Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon 2025

The AMAZING THAILAND PATTAYA MARATHON 2025 presented by MAMA is now open for registration! Happening on 19-20 July 2025, this is one of those races I’ve had my eyes on for a while, and this year, I’m finally going for it!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Ever since living in Thailand, Pattaya has become one of my weekend go-tos. So, running a race there? It just makes sense. Last year, I had to give it a miss because I was away in the UK for the summer—but not this time.

I’ve signed up for the 21km category to prepare for full marathons later this year (October and December are going to be big). It feels good to be easing back into a proper running routine, and I’m hoping this weekend’s run will help me rebuild some consistency.

If you’ve been thinking of joining a race or want a destination run with sea breeze and tropical vibes, this is your sign. And there’s good news:

✅ Early bird rates available until 17 May 2025.

✅ 4.5km category is FREE – but only for the first 2,000 slots!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Race Information:

🗓️ Race Day: 19-20 July 2025

🏃‍♂️ Categories: 4.5km, 10km, 21km, and 42.195km

Don’t wait too long—those spots will go fast.

👉 Register here

Let me know if you’re signing up #PattayaMarathon2025 too! Would be fun to see some familiar faces at the start line 😊

May x

My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024

Last Run of the Year. The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok is an annual event held in Bangkok, and it's one that I've always looked forward to. Before COVID, it was usually held in February, and I'd participate every year. But like so many events, things changed after the pandemic, and the marathon was shifted to December. It's been years since I last ran this race because it always clashed with the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (SCSM). So, this year, I decided to skip SCSM and experience it again.

Photo credit AMTB 2024 Official Photographer: A crowd of runners

The race pack collection took place at Central World Life, and when I arrived, I was surprised by the long queue. Since it was a weekday morning and the first day of collection, I didn't expect such a large turnout. Despite the crowd, the process went smoothly, and everything was well-organised. There were several shops selling running shoes, sportswear, energy bars, and other race-related merchandise. It was a great experience, with plenty of options for runners to stock up on what they needed.

Fast forward to race day, I took a Grab over to MBK. The flag-off was at 2 am, and honestly, I wasn't fully prepared for this. I knew it was a bit reckless—jumping into a marathon without proper training, especially after recovering from a sprained ankle. But my goal was simple: survive and finish within six hours.

The start was chaotic, with both half and full-marathon runners starting together. I was in Pen 4, which meant a long walk to the starting line. As soon as the flag went off, we slowly began to move forward. However, with the timing tracker positioned further ahead, it took a while before I could actually start running at my own pace. The congestion made it challenging to find a rhythm early on. While the energy was great, the crowded start made it hard to settle in.

The event was well-organised, with water stations providing small bottles every 2 to 2.5 km. It was convenient and helped keep things clean, but it was not the most eco-friendly setup. Plus, it became a bit of a slipping hazard, with runners tossing bottles and caps without much care.

I hit a mental block earlier than usual—somewhere between 12 and 13 km. By the time we hit the 18 km mark, where the route split for the half and full marathoners, I seriously considered taking the shorter route. The temptation was real. But I reminded myself why I signed up for this and pushed on. From that point, it was a mix of running and walking along the elevated road, battling cramps in both my legs and stomach while trying to enjoy the experience.

When mental block hits, the sunrise reminds me to keep going. 

The sunrise might have been stunning, but the heat was no joke. 

By sunrise at 6:05 am, Bangkok's skyline was breathtaking, but the heat was brutal. By 6:45 am, it felt like I was being roasted alive. Still, I kept pushing forward, and after what felt like an eternity, I crossed the finish line at 5:23:14.

The finish line was a relief, but it also came with a bit of chaos. With runners from all categories finishing together, it got crowded, making it hard to navigate through the area. I had to squeeze around sweaty runners to make my way through. However, the post-race resting area was amazing, with a wide spread of food to refuel and recover, although it was packed with people trying to grab their share. Despite the chaos, it was all part of the experience, and it definitely made me appreciate the small victories of completing the race.

A huge shoutout to the Thailand Tri-league, the volunteers who kept us hydrated and motivated, and the photographers who captured every sweaty, determined moment.

It wasn't my smartest race, but I'm proud of myself for not giving up. Sometimes, it's not about perfect preparation or chasing PBs—it's about showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

What about you? Have you ever tackled a challenge you weren’t fully prepared for, but still managed to push through?

May x