SINGAPORE: As of 10pm on Sunday, 04 November 2007, 51 male and 52 female contestants remain in the MediaCorp Radio Subaru Impreza Challenge to win a car.

With no rain since the competition began, contestants started to feel the heat and the pain on day 2. Some tried to sit while others stretched their legs. One contestant even tried dancing the night away to stay awake.

But the overnight challenge at Ngee Ann Civic Plaza proved too tough for many, with 165 dropped out between 7pm and 7am. Those who remain have developed their own techniques to keep their hands glued to the car.

"Actually I use my left hand to hold on to my right hand to secure the position so it won't run off that easily," said one contestant.

"(I) just apply a bit of pressure every now and then, and do a bit of stretching to release the numbness," said another.

As the promised showers failed to fall, spraying was the only way to keep cool. Sunburn is as common as aches and pains.

"Most of the participants complain of leg swelling. The wrist also swells, very painful. So on our part, the medics here will use cold compresses, and also some massage on their feet and their hands," said Comfort Ambulance & Services’ general manager Paul Yang.

This is the first time in the competition that both the male and female contestants will walk away with a car. - CNA/ac