Over 41,000 participants joined the nation in saluting past and present national servicemen for their contributions in defending Singapore at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon (SSBR & AHM) on Sunday morning, 20 August.

Runners participated in a special salute segment before being flagged off at Esplanade Bridge. The event which commemorates 50 years of National Service (NS50) and also celebrates its 25th edition this year.

The event was hosted by Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung, who flagged off the NS50 Team Run and the SAFRA 5km Fun Run. Mr Ong is also the President of SAFRA.

Introduced this year to encourage past and present Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) to reunite and rekindle the close camaraderie forged during their NS days, the new NS50 Team Run category attracted over 2,500 participants who ran 5km in teams of 10 runners each, clocking a total distance of 50km per team to mark NS50.

SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2017 Results

The 21km AHM Men’s was won by Mr Melvin Wong with a timing of 1 hour 16 minutes 25 seconds. Three hundred SAFRA Running Club members also participated in the 21km AHM and the group gathered in an NS50 formation after the run to pay tribute to past and present national servicemen with a salute.

21km Winner Melvin Wong (right): Melvin Wong, 33, was the fastest Singaporean for the 21km Army Half Marathon this Sunday, 20 August 2017.

For the full race results, visit here.

A Glimpse of Singapore’s Unique NS Experience

For the first time in SSBR & AHM, The families of NSmen were given a chance to try out the various exercises used by the Army to train strong soldiers. Located at the Padang, the Soldier Strong booth allowed parents and children to test their strength and endurance while trying the 5-ton tyre flip, battle rope and sandbell lift.

Tyre Flip Father and Son: Father and son duo flipping a tyre at the Soldier Strong booth at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon, Sunday 20 August 2017.

The Army’s professional instructors and EnergyOne gym’s fitness trainers were present to provide an in-depth explanation on the Army Soldier Strong training. Families also had the opportunity to get a taste of the field rations that national servicemen eat when they are on outfield training exercises. There were also other fun-filled activities such as the Wipe-out. The Music & Drama Company entertained participants with a series of NS50 songs.

Families for life: A three-generation family is all smiles after taking part in this year’s Families for Life 800m challenge.
(From left to right) Mdm Chan Yin Ho, Toh En Yi and Toh Eng Keong.

The SSBR & AHM is jointly organised by SAFRA and the Army to promote fitness and bonding among SAF active servicemen, NSmen and their families.