Singapore’s first charity run bearing a humanitarian theme returns. When disaster strikes, it is easy to see those affected as victims: desolate, destitute, and defeated. Here at Mercy Relief, we see things differently. We see people coming together to help one another, fight back, and protect their way of life. We witness their indomitable spirit, and are committed to supporting it.
Held in observance of World Humanitarian Day, Mercy Relief’s ‘Ground Zero – Run for Humanity’ aims to celebrate this indomitable human spirit as we stand in solidarity with the survivors who have inspired humanitarian work around the world.
Coming back bigger and better on 14 August 2016, ‘Ground Zero – Run for Humanity’ is looking to kick the excitement up a notch! This year, we present you THREE experiential run categories to choose from!
The first and non-competitive category, 5KM Relief Aid Challenge, portrays a survivor’s experience to obtain urgent supplies. During disaster relief operations in the acute relief phase, Mercy Relief distributes aid to survivors. Some come from remote areas and walk through harsh terrains for hours, to relief distribution points to collect relief packs filled with emergency supplies.
Participants will take on a similar challenge as they carry a relief pack weighing 5-7kg for an intense 5KM distance of sand and path. Tag teams of two are allowed in this category, in which team members can take turns to carry the relief pack to complete the 5KM race.
Drawing inspiration from the time-sensitive rush for safety during a crisis, our second category, 10KM Race Against Time, calls for participants to complete a distance of 10KM within a crucial time limit (80 minutes). Runners will course through stretches of pathways and sand, and can choose to carry a relief pack weighing 5-7kg through the total 10KM distance. This year, the introduction of sand tracks in our races is an effort to better simulate the difficult terrain of a disaster stricken area.
Our third and new category, 500M Dash For Humanity, is open to children ages 3 to 12 and parents. Despite their age, young survivors are often sent as representatives on behalf of their families to obtain relief supplies. In this challenge, each parent & child team will be given a relief pack weighing approximately 1kg that they must carry across the finish line. Through this meaningful, family-friendly event, Mercy Relief hopes to encourage a sense of compassion and empathy in our next generation. We believe kids can never be too young to make a difference.
Join us as we raise awareness for humanitarian relief efforts within the region, while benefiting families in Singapore.
All relief packs from the event will be distributed to local families in need to mark Mercy Relief’s observance of World Humanitarian Day.