In a city where it is difficult to find uninterrupted natural spaces, the Green Corridor Run is the first running race organised to raise the profile of this incredible stretch of greenery and to encourage the community to enjoy and show their support in keeping the area as natural as possible. Happening on 27 January 2013, this run starts at the historic Tanjong Pagar Rail Station and finishes at the Bukit Timah Rail Station.
The ‘Green Corridor’, officially known as the ‘Rail Corridor’, runs the entire length of Singapore from the old Tanjong Pagar rail station in the south to the border of Malaysia in the north. Even though the trail cuts directly through the centre of the island, it is still one of Singapore’s least known natural wonders.
“Imagine yourself running half of Singapore south to north without having to cross any roads and enjoying the view of a different side of Singapore with its greenery. You actually don't feel that you are in Singapore at some points along the route! ,” says Leong Kwok Peng, Vice President of the Nature Society Singapore, the official charity partner of the Green Corridor Run.
Background of the Nature Society Singapore
The Rail Corridor was once home to the KTM railway line that connected Singapore to Malaysia and was the beginning of the Oriental Express for those journeying into the heart of Asia. It has been out of use for many years and this has allowed the surrounding area to flourish with greenery and natural habitat. Now the line is an uninterrupted stretch of ecologically and culturally significant land.
Even before the Malaysian government handed back ownership of the railway line to Singapore in July 2011, the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) put forward a proposal and initiated a campaign to keep the railway lands as a continuous green corridor. The campaign has so far been successful and the railway line has been removed and replaced by turf to enable the community to exercise and commute along this natural corridor through the city.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a unique green space, on top of its heritage and historical significance,” says Mr Leong.
The organiser aims to attract everyone from serious runners to nature lovers to get behind this event to show their support for the Rail Corridor. Each participant will have the opportunity to donate to the NSS at the time of registering for the race.
The Rail Corridor is a great resource for Singapore to keep in its natural state. By supporting this race and the Railway Corridor, hopefully many generations to come can enjoy it also.
The number of entries is limited, so those interested are encouraged to register now at http://www.greencorridorrun.com.sg and secure your place at the start line of this historic event.
