The sea of blue at the start line (Photo Credit: Alson Tan)
The shirts were blue, but no one was feeling that way as the sun slowly rose in the distance. Among the buzz and chatter, some excited quips were in earshot: "Can't wait to get started!", "Don't forget to warm up!".
As energetic music filled the air, a sea of light blue shirts started to ebb toward the starting line.
Nearly 6,000 runners had turned up in strong support for cancer awareness and cancer research in the 2019 edition of Run for Hope. Run for Hope 2019 was jointly organised by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore as well as the National Cancer Centre Singapore. This year saw the return of the Executive Challenge - an exclusive mini-race among C-suite representatives.
Challenge runners were cheered on by their various corporate supporters.
The event was attended by Guest of Honour, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law & Ministry of Health, Mr Edwin Tong, who flagged off the 10km and 3.5km categories. "Happy to meet cancer community - doctors, researchers, healthcare professionals, survivors, supporters, running enthusiasts and families on Sunday morning, to promote a cancer-free tomorrow at Run for Hope 2019.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore." said Mr Edwin Tong on his Facebook page. "Let us all, as a community, press on and continue the efforts to Make More Survivors by raising greater awareness and supporting cancer research."
Guest of Honour Senior Minister of State Mr Edwin Tong flags off the runners(Photo Credit: Alson Tan)
This year's venue at the Singapore Sports Hub offered scenic views along the waterside at the Kallang Bay area, across the Merdeka Bridge and along both Kallang Park and Kallang Riverside Park. The weather was perfect as runners completed the race in the crisp and cool morning air.
… and off they go! (Photo Credit: Alson Tan)
Paul Foster, long time ambassador for Run for Hope took part in the 3.5km race this year with his mother, "It's so good to be back! I wanted to bring her along and I'm so proud of her as that's the longest walk she has done in a very long time. It was so nice to spend the last hour with her and for the cause against cancer, something that has affected us with my dad's passing 20 years ago."
One special addition to the vibrant runners’ village this year were exciting Zumba sessions. In one of the sessions, Breast cancer survivor and Zumba Instructor Krishna Werneck demonstrated her resilience as she led participants in an energetic Zumba routine. "It's an absolute pleasure to be at Run for Hope this morning. Cancer is really personal to me as I am a breast cancer survivor and I'm glad to be able to help in a small way to contribute and raise funds for NCCS."
At the energetic stage games, lucky participants took home attractive prizes. There was even time to squeeze in a spontaneous birthday song for one lucky participant, who was eagerly “volunteered” by his friends to go up on stage. All in all, it was a fun-filled, meaningful day of charity for everyone.
Mdm Ho Geok Choo (Left) presenting the prizes for the Executive Challenge (Photo Credit: Alson Tan)
Jumping Singapore demo at Runners Village (Photo Credit: Mohamed Isa)
Cancer affects 1 in 3 people in Singapore and funds raised are used to support the NCC Research Fund, which helps provide researchers with their funds necessary to perform life-saving research. The Run for Hope committee would like to thank all supporters and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a meaningful time for all involved. The Run for Hope committee would also like to acknowledge the following persons and corporate partners who worked together side by side.
RUN FOR HOPE 2019 IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
SUPPORTERSHealth Promotion BoardPeople's Association
PLATINUM SPONSORSGEO Energy Group Essence Delicate Laundry DetergentMatrix Star Marketing Pte LtdDove Body WashLVL Vegan BlendMarigod HL MilkJJ-Singapore Sales and Marketing
GOLD SPONSORSAfrican Sea Coconut Brand Lozenges
PARTNERS
RUN PACK VENUE SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL CINEMA PARTNERSHAW Theatres
OFFICIAL RADIO STATIONClass 95fm
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSingapore Post
OFFICIAL LOGISTICS PARTNERBollore Logistics
SOUND SYSTEM PROVIDED BYImpact Audio & Visual Pte Ltd
OFFICIAL PRIVILEGE CARDPAssion Card
OFFICIAL RUN MAGAZINERUN Singapore
OFFICIAL HYDRATION PARTNERThe Coca Cola Company - Dasani and Aquarius
OFFICIAL TRANSPORT PARTNERDownTown Travel Services
OFFICIAL PRINTERSClayton Print & Trading Pte LtdNaili Print Media Pte Ltd
PRIZE SPONSORSMatrix Star Marketing Pte Ltd;Ariston Thermo
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