As the sun cast a warm glow over the pristine Singapore Sports Hub on the 29th of October, over 9,000 spirited souls donned their running attire, geared up to mark the robust return of the Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023 (GEWR).
This wasn’t just a run; it was a festivity of strength, a marathon of dreams, and a stride towards community upliftment. The wind whispered tales of endurance as the only all-women’s run of Singapore sprang to life after a pandemic-induced hiatus, embodying the undying spirit of the feminine fraternity.
The 17th edition of GEWR wasn’t just a race; it was a pageant of hope, wellness, and camaraderie. Featuring six exhilarating race categories, the event saw a diverse cohort of runners, ages ranging from the tender age of 3 to the inspiring age of 82. The palpable energy resonated with every heartbeat that raced against time, echoing the ethos of unity, health, and community.
This year, the race burgeoned into a colossal platform of inclusivity and empowerment. Among the sparkling sea of participants were the rehabilitation beneficiaries from the Singapore Cancer Society, the indomitable women from Daughters Of Tomorrow, and the exceptionally able runners from the cooperative Runninghour, each with a story, each with a goal.
The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023 was graced by the presence of Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, who, along with Khor Hock Seng, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Great Eastern, heralded the beginning of the 5km race.
Their presence was not merely ceremonial; it was a testament to the governmental and organisational support towards fostering a culture of health, sport, and community engagement.
As Minister Tong remarked, the GEWR is a testament to the “power of sport in bringing people together, advocating healthy living, and making a positive impact on our wider community.” His words reverberated through the hearts, inspiring each runner as they embarked on a journey of self-discovery and societal contribution.
Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023 Race Results
The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023 Race Result for the by-invite-only Elite 21.1km Half Marathon shone the spotlight on the remarkable Vanessa Lee who victoriously clinched the first position with a time of 1:22:51.
Hot on her heels were Jasmine Teo and Rachel See who secured the second and third podium positions, finishing at 1:23:16 and 1:24:58 respectively.
Vanessa’s humble acknowledgment of the tough competition and the diligence of her training was a refreshing blend of sportsmanship and determination.
The ripple effect of the GEWR extended beyond the finish line. This year, through concerted efforts, Great Eastern along with its compassionate employees and financial representatives rallied to raise a staggering $260,000.
This fund, a bridge to hope, was directed towards the beneficiary organisations, Daughters Of Tomorrow and Singapore Cancer Society, emphasizing the corporate ethos of giving back to the community.
Khor Hock Seng, reflecting on the event, elucidated that the GEWR is “a celebration of female empowerment and potential,” embodying the idea of nurturing a culture of fitness while engendering a spirit of philanthropy. The run, he remarked, served as a catalyst, encouraging women “to be the greatest version of themselves.”
Reflecting on the Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023
The euphoria didn’t ebb with the culmination of the race. The Race Village morphed into a haven of joy and relaxation, offering an array of activities. Participants could replenish their energy with a plethora of complimentary refreshments, seize the moment at Instagrammable photo walls, and carry a memento from the DIY badge making booth.
The post-race powder rooms and massage zones were a sanctuary for many, while the candy cannon, inflatable bouncy castles and craft activities sent ripples of joy among the little ones.
The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2023 was a narrative of resilience, a journey of empowerment, and a testament to the enduring spirit of community.
As the day wrapped, each stride taken on the track left behind a footprint of hope, resilience, and an indomitable spirit, painting a promising picture of many more runs to come.
