The rest of the industrialised world could take a lesson in ecological responsibility from Singapore as the nation prepares to stage its next Car-Free Sunday on 30th October 2016.

Can you imagine New York City, Paris, Rome or Berlin government declaring their cities “car-free” for even one day? We can’t, which is why Singapore deserves the world’s respect and that of citizens who view this effort as another way to take pride in our national commitment to furthering the issue of sustainability.

Who can you thank for this full day of physical fun and environmental awareness? It’s a collaborative effort of Under Armour’s ninth community run plus a governmental call to action that reminds everyone who lives in our city-nation that congestion and traffic are bad for the atmosphere.

Your participation in both the UA Charged Run, and attention to the issue of cutting back on the number of cars, buses and other vehicles on the road in and around Singapore is one of the cleverest ways to show your support. Like this idea? Then be part of it!

Where to begin?

With the free-of-charge 5km Armour@TheBay: Charged Run, of course. UA Charged Run organisers took a humorous approach when inviting athletes to “take on the breathtaking urban jungle at the Central Business District with an invigorating run” that could add to your stash of victories and/or a personal best if you perform like a champion.

Register immediately if you’ve not already done so, rummage through your wardrobe for appropriate attire, clean up your running shoes and show up at Clifford Square (1 Fullerton Road) at 6:30 a.m. on 30th October 2016 to sign in your attendance. Flag offs at 7.30 a.m. sharp.

Schedule for Car-Free Sunday:

• 06:30 a.m. - Sign in at Registration Table at Clifford Square
• 07:15 a.m. - Start of warm up session led by Under Armour SG Athletes
• 07:30 a.m. - Start of run
• 08:30 a.m. - Sharing session by Team Under Armour SEA
• 08:45 a.m. - End of event

The registration booth will be at Clifford Square, the wooden deck beside Fullerton Bay Hotel. Bags can be left at the registration area however, please ensure you do not leave any valuables or personal belongings inside.

The 5km route map.

Lend your legs to a charitable cause

In addition to being an important part of a popular run that attracts a healthy segment of Singapore runners, the UA Charged Run gives you the opportunity to stand up to the scourge of cancer that either impacts or affects the lives of nearly every Singapore citizen.

“Yellow Fellows,” a philanthropic-minded group of runners committed to raising both awareness and funds for the Singapore Cancer Society, will be front and centre at the UA Charged run, as will Under Armour Singapore athletes who are equally dedicated to efforts to eradicate this disease.

Even if you know just one person battling cancer, you'll feel good about showing up to express your support.

Of legs and wheels

It’s the perfect pairing of causes: the eradication of cancer and concern about the air we breathe, which is how the UA Charged Run came to be scheduled on this Car-free Saturday, a movement that’s drawn international attention and an average 10,000 participants.

You might consider 30th October to be an island-wide homage to healthy living since the 6th Car-Free Sunday happens to coincide with the run. On this day, large segments of the Central Business District and Civic District will not be accessible to motorists as part of the nation’s Get Active! Initiative.

The number of activities scheduled for the day is formidable, so once you’ve completed your run, figure out which ones have your name written all over them and keep your body moving.

Line-up of activities for Car-Free Sunday SG 30 October 2016

After the run

What can you do after you cross the UA finish line? Follow our list below or check out a range of Car-Free Sunday exciting activities you can enjoy.

• Clean up.
• Keep running.
• Take a long walk in areas usually crowded with traffic.
• Participate in a crowd workout in front of the National Gallery.
• Keep an eye out for the Love Cycling SF bamboo car powered by a bike.
• Join a cycling club to show your respect for the environment by riding with them on Car-Free Sunday.
• Take a free tour of Thian Hock Keng Temple or trek the educational trail along Ann Siang Hill and Telok Ayer Green.

Enjoy the rare experience of not seeing a vehicle anywhere within the car free zones — and do breathe deeply the emission-free air as you go about all of this.

Will closing so many roads be an inconvenience for some? Actually supporters of the movement say that every Car-Free Sunday is a vote for living in a car-lite society!

Photo Credit: Urban Redevelopment Authority

10 ways to commemorate the 30th October Car-Free Sunday

1. Fill the entire day with activities that benefit Mother Earth.
2. Get in on the UA Charged Run without having to pay a registration fee!
3. See what it’s like to roam select areas of Singapore on foot without having to dodge cars.
4. Take your dog for a run within the car-free zone to show her what a vehicle-free world feels like.
5. Introduce yourself to the heroes of the war on cancer at the UA run.
6. Re-dedicate yourself to finding ways to live your life without relying upon automobiles.
7. Rent a bicycle if you don’t have access to one to see whether owning one makes sense for your lifestyle.
8. Find out what you can do to help Singapore become a car-lite nation.
9. Write a letter to the government to say thank you for the hard work it takes to stage Car-Free Sundays.
10. Help promote upcoming Car-Free Sundays set to be held on 27th November 2016, 22nd January, 26th February, 26th March and 30th April 2017.

What do you plan to do on 30th October to promote the idea of healthy living in Singapore that includes staying fit and promoting environmental responsibility?