SINGAPORE: Some 1,500 residents in Punggol got a glimpse of the kinds of activities they may see in their area soon.

These include adventure racing that aims to encourage a more rugged lifestyle and spur greater interest in sport participation.

An adventure race was held in Punggol on Sunday.

Aside from the fun, participants also got to enjoy idyllic scenery and experience a rustic part of the island that's perhaps not known to many Singaporeans, such as the Coney Island that will cease to exist under future developments.

There's also Lorong Halus, a former dumping ground.

It's the first time the area is opened for such sporting use.

Organisers say that the former landfill, with its rugged terrain, is an ideal area for adventure sports such as mountain biking and motocross.

In fact, a 10-kilometre track was created specially for the adventure race and another sporting event last month.

The Singapore Adventure Racing Team said that this is one of the best routes for an adventure race in Singapore.

Lien Choong Luen of the Singapore Adventure Racing Team said: "The great thing about adventure race is that unlike triathlon or other races, the format is unknown, there's a great degree of uncertainty. The uncertainty builds a certain resilience of spirit and character, you need to be able to work together as a team."

Organisers are negotiating for long-term controlled use of the area.

Teo Chee Hean, MP for Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC, said: "Well, I hope that we can make much better use of the Lorong Halus area. I spoke with our people from the PUB who are going to turn that into part of the banks of the reservoirs and the wetland, and I think there's scope for it to be used in other ways as well."

The adventure race brought together some 250 participants, including families.

Those who turned up at Sunday's event also got to enjoy a motocross demonstration by the Motor Cycle Safety and Sports Club. - CNA/ir