Excitement was in the air yesterday morning, 14 January 2017 at the Promontory @ Marina Bay, as thousands of “Pokémon Trainers” embarked on a 5km fun run adventure against the backdrop of Singapore’s scenic waterfront cityscape.
Southeast Asia’s first Pokémon themed fun run, Pokémon Run Singapore 2017 attracted nearly 6,000 participants consisting of families, couples, and friends between the ages of 4 to 76 years with the love of Pokémon.
Organised by Avex Asia and Infinitus Productions, Pokémon Run SG aims to promote bonding and a healthier lifestyle across all ages through Pokémon.
Led by Pikachu, one of the world’s best loved Pokémon, the participants had a warm-up session to prepare themselves for a safe race. At 9am, Junior Trainers aged 4 to 12, kicked off the run as they ran alongside one of the most influential personalities in the Pokémon world – Junichi Masuda.
The founding member of Game Freak, best known as a game director and composer for the Pokémon games, made his debut appearance in Singapore as the Guest-of-Honour for the run.
Participants were equipped with their runners’ packs as they embarked on an adventure to collect Pokéballs along the route, and stop by various Pokémon photo points to discover and take photos with different Pokémon.
A Pikachu Parade greeted the participants with their infectious dance, while 50 lucky participants won the chance to get an autograph from Junichi Masuda.
Enthusiastic participants explored the Pokémon Garden and interacted with life-sized Pokémon cut-outs, including the starter Pokémon from Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Participants headed to Pallet Town as well for games, activities, and Japanese gourmet delights.
On the run, Fujita Kazumi, General Manager, Avex Asia said,
“We are delighted by the strong turnout for the inaugural Pokémon Run SG. Pokémon has been a phenomenon worldwide and part of it is due to values that transcend boundaries and cultures – from the importance of friendship, the love for discovery and the respect for nature. As participants enjoy the run today, we hope that this will be a great start as well to step outdoors, make new friends, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle as we step into a fresh new year.”
Did you participate in the Pokémon Run SG? Which Pokémon did you meet at the race? Share with us in the comments.
