A former national runner, Loh Guo Pei has left an indelible mark on the running community, inspiring both beginners and advanced runners to practise their craft with an inclusive community
As a former national athlete with several years of coaching experience and a Sports Science and Management education from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Loh Guo Pei is no stranger to the running community.
In 2018, Loh was appointed as the Head Coach for the newly established New Balance Run Club Singapore (NBRC). As the head coach, he is in charge of developing an inclusive and diverse training programme ranging from intervals to tempo runs for participants of varying abilities.
Training programmes aside, a head coach also has to ensure a sustainable, stimulating, fun, celebratory and safe environment for anyone and everyone aspiring to achieve their personal running goals and to help runners remain consistent in doing so.
“As a coach, it is important to tailor a programme towards the needs of the participants and this is what I have been working on. NBRC welcomes participants of all levels, from individuals who aim to complete a 5km run, to someone who wants to improve their pacing ability, and even those who are striving to improve their 10km, half marathon or full marathon timings,” said Loh.
From 40 runners to now over 150 runners signing up for the weekly Tuesday sessions, New Balance Run Club Singapore has grown exponentially since its inception in 2018. You can read up on SportPlus.sg exclusive feature on New Balance Run Club Singapore here.
Coach Guo Pei shared with SportPlus.sg on his direction for the Club and how his sporting journey has influenced his life.
Each NBRC session is strategically planned out to provide a realistic yet challenging programme for participants to achieve their objectives set. This is successfully achieved with the range of pace group options available.
With its inclusive programme, new runners would not have to feel intimidated and can pace themselves based on their own comfort levels. The groups are led by experienced and passionate members who control the pace and at the same time look out for the safety of runners.
“NBRC Singapore aims to be a leading community running group that promotes a healthier lifestyle by providing a supportive environment where runners motivate, share experiences and overcome challenges together," Loh shares proudly.
With the turnout of runners every Tuesday and familiar faces returning consistently, it is evident that NBRC has come a long way to achieve this goal and more.
Loh also firmly believes in the value and importance of equipping runners with proper running techniques and educating them on injury prevention and proper running footwear. Each session begins and ends with a thorough warm up and cool down, with drills and stretches included, offering a holistic and carefully crafted programme for attendees from start to finish.
“As a national athlete, I’ve been through many types of training programmes, learned to manage performance pressure and how to maintain close communication with my coaches. Understanding how a runner feels at their different milestones allows me to motivate and guide them to overcome their personal obstacles and concerns,” shared Loh.
Despite running a full-time photography business and also being a realtor, sport still serves as an anchor in his life.
“Sport not only provides better physical health, but also teaches me how to set goals that I can apply to my work. Sports has also helped me to improve my ability to overcome challenges and persevere regardless of the situation.”
Members of public can have a taste of Loh Guo Pei's programme by signing up for the first Sydney Marathon : Singapore Chapter Run Club activation happening on 7 April 2024, led by New Balance Run Club.
We promise you’ll get in a good workout, leave feeling great, make a friend or two plus it's free!
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