The inaugural Sentosa Island Spartan Kids Race was held last November. It was a race of many firsts: 

• first ever timed competitive kids race in Asia Pacific
• first ever Spartan beach race
• first ever bubble machine kids finish line ritual
• first ever "Biggest Kids Team" trophy
• first time prizes were awarded to the top 3 male and female racers

Included in this list of firsts was CIS Lakeside's very own Pierre Merchant, a grade 8 student who now proudly holds the title “Competitive Boys Champion, Sentosa Island Beach Course”.

Spartan staff and volunteers watched as Pierre effortlessly glided across the finish line, while the sun beat down on a very tough, hot and sandy course. He ran under the finish line arch and through a wild mass of blowing bubbles, just over a minute ahead of his closest competitor. 

Pierre was not a newcomer to winning Spartan Kids races (it was his second Spartan Kids victory in 2017 - noting that it was extra-special to win twice). He credits his overall good fitness to football training and his participation on the CIS Cross Country team. For Pierre, running on sand provided the biggest challenge throughout the race, as it required a lot of energy. He attributed his success in the race to staying calm at the start line and trying to imagine how he could beat the competition. And he achieved this goal by "basically sprinting the whole way"!

His easy going nature makes it easy to see why he has found success in obstacle course racing. He believes that Spartan races are ultimately "to have fun and for personal enjoyment". In his opinion, you don't need to be an "amazing athlete" to participate in spartan races - anyone can do it. The Spartan Race organisation agrees with him: these races are all about having fun and stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

Congratulations to Pierre on his excellent results! If you see him in the hallways or on the running paths, be sure to give him a high five! 

For all of you young Spartans who are excited about participating in your first spartan kids race or fifth, don't forget to register here for the 24 March 2018 event. Join other CIS students in an effort to win the "Biggest Team" title! 

AROO!