Following success in previous years, the SingTel Race Against Cancer returned in 2014 for the 6th time this year, with 15km, 10km and 5km distances.
Cancer is THE number 1 killer in Singapore, with 1 in 3 Singaporeans dying of cancer. This is therefore a cause close to many people’s hearts.
A Race with Many Personal Stories to Share
This race is the flagship fundraising event for the Singapore Cancer Society, and is clearly popular amongst the running community, with plenty of participants lacing up at the start line.
Local runner, Satay, joined Race Against Cancer in the 15km event to dedicate his race to his friend Francis Ng who passed away from cancer earlier this year.
“Francis was a young chap, a friend and mentor. I wanted to run today to show support and raise awareness for this important charity, and I hope I have achieved this today.”
Located at Angsana Green at East Coast Park, the race village was spacious, well organised with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Runners of all abilities were evident, many with a story to tell. I saw people wearing shirts with a name of someone they know who suffered from cancer, and others also wore a purple wristband to show support for this worthy cause.
Starting on the Dot
Amenities in the race village such baggage storage and toilets were easy to find and well stocked. And after a fantastic pre-race build up, where runners got a glimpse on stage of those behind the scenes supporting and making this event happen, flag off was spot on time. In fact they were so well organised, the 15km almost started early!
The routes for all 3 distances followed the familiar flat paths of East Coast Park and whilst the pavements gave enough space for runners to snake by one another, it appeared some cyclists didn’t quite share the spirit of the race, ignoring race officials and only narrowly avoiding collisions with runners on the course.
Water and sports drinks stations were manned by enthusiastic volunteers and kilometre markers were cleared displayed. No excuses for missing the turnaround or not knowing where you were going!
Learning More About the Singapore Cancer Society
Once finishers crossed the line, they were awarded with a medal, water, yoghurt drink and a banana and then treated to entertainment that included Korean dancing mothers, a solo guitarist and a fitness routine from some local trainers.
And if these didn’t take your fancy whilst you cooled off and stretched your tired limbs, there was amble time to mingle around the booths and spend some time finding out about the amazing work that the Singapore Cancer Society does here in Singapore to raise awareness of this disease.
The best news was that Race Against Cancer raised a record S$1 million, which was up from S$861,000 last year!
All in all, this was a super, well-organised running event that allowed those who are lucky enough to have good health to support an organisation that is hoping to make a difference through cancer education, screening, research and better welfare!
Event Overview
- Whether it was for a friend or for themselves, many runners had their own stories to share.
- Excellent race organisation.
- Plenty of events after the run to keep runners occupied, including learning how to further support the fight against cancer.
