Here are some numbers, alarming numbers: an estimated 1,000 children die every day due to poor sanitation. Of the world’s 7 billion population, 2.5 billion do not have access to proper sanitation, and nearly one billion still defecate in the open.

It’s not a thought that sits well with most, which is why the World Toilet Organization has fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns in the pipeline.

In a united effort to alleviate the global sanitation crisis, communities around the world are holding runs and walks in the lead-up to UN World Toilet Day on 19 November. Last year saw 22 global Urgent Run events launched in 13 countries including India, Germany, Italy, Ghana and Mozambique, involving thousands upon thousands in the international community.

What’s Urgent Run?

The Urgent Run Singapore is part of global run calling for urgent action to end the sanitation crisis. Back for its second year, the 5 km fun run will kick off at the picturesque Angsana Green, East Coast Park on Saturday, 7 November 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Receive an exclusive Urgent Run race pack worth over $150 and filled with awesome goodies including a runner’s T-shirt and vouchers from ZALORA, Fitness First, and Dunkin Donuts! You’ll also get a complimentary health check by Fitness First when you collect your race pack too!

On the morning of the event, come dressed in a comical sanitation-themed fancy dress – but be sure it can hold up in the invigorating warm-up session conducted by Fitness First! To end off the warm-up, there will be a "Big Squat" photo-taking session, a cheeky way to symbolise solidarity with the one billion people who face the indignity of defecating in the open.

Guest of Honour Emeritus Senior Minister and Grassroots Adviser Mr Goh Chok Tong will flag off the charity fun run.

Collect your finisher medals and stand to win attractive prizes too! Be the top fundraiser, flaunt your style and creativity in the fancy dress competition, or strut your best pose for the best Instagram photo award.

More prizes await in the lucky draw and other various games at the post-race carnival, where live performances and an exhibition on local and global sanitation issues will provide an entertaining and an educational experience for the whole family.

What’s so urgent?

The fun run has a serious side – focusing attention on the global sanitation crisis and calling for urgent action. As they say on the Urgent Run website,

“It’s urgent because we can’t wait while 1 in 3 people on this planet still don’t have access to a clean, safe toilet!”

All funds raised will go towards World Toilet Organization's crucial sanitation and advocacy work for effective sanitation policies to ensure health, dignity and well-being for everyone, everywhere.

Register now and let’s make an even bigger global ‘stink’ for sanitation in 2015!

How can I join?

Register from now till 30 September to enjoy Early Bird discounts: students can enter for S$18 (Normal: S$25) while adults can participate for S$35 (Normal: S$40). There are special promo rates for groups of five, block party groups larger than five, the silver generation aged 55 and above, and sanitation workers too. Children aged five and below can come for free.

Go to the Urgent Run official website to find out more and register.