Runninghour, Singapore’s only mass run where participants run alongside special needs runners was concluded earlier this morning with close to 2,100 participants in the Blind-Run and dance fitness categories. Out of the 2,100 participants, around 400 were Persons with Special Needs(PWSN).
The second edition of the event has seen an increased participation of around 200 for the special needs runners. This year, a new non-stop Dance Fitness session with different dance genres like Bokwa, Piloxing, KPopX Fitness and Zumba was introduced into the event.
Gracing the event was Guest-of-Honour and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Ms Grace Fu, who not only ran in a blindfold but she also took up the challenge of the Blind Run in which she needed to guide a visually-challenged runner (VCR).
Visually-challenged runner and Runninghour member who ran alongside Ms Grace Fu at the 5km Blind Run, Ms Patricia Poo shared,
“I was happy to meet familiar faces, as well as new faces at this year’s event. For many of the special needs runners in our community, joining such public events takes a lot of courage. This may be the first time they are exposed to a new sport, or even one of the rare opportunities they get to interact with the mainstream society. I hope they will continue to step out of their comfort zones to create new experiences, and learn that with a little bit of help, we can live an active and exciting lifestyle just like anyone else.”
Adding to the success of this year’s event, Co-Founder and Chairman of Runninghour Co-Operative Limited, Mr John See Toh said,
“It’s heartening to see so many persons with special needs exercising with the ordinary population. We aim to raise awareness, foster understanding and grow acceptance of PWSN amongst the public. Runninghour has brought out the best in every one of us. It is a melting pot for people wanting to do good. We would like to thank all participants for supporting inclusion with their feet, and otherwise today.”
Run Ends, Runninghour Never
Members of the public can still get involved with Runninghour’s activities all year round even after today’s event.
Runninghour organises weekly training sessions, which happens every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The sessions are open to anyone who is keen to volunteer as a guide for the VCRs and to any special needs runners. All of you are welcome to run or walk at your own pace.
For more information on Runninghour and its activities, please visit Runninghour website.
