The Singapore Athletic Association (SAA) today announced a landmark sponsorship deal worth S$2 million with X-Bionic, which will see the Swiss premium sports apparel manufacturer become the official title sponsor of the Venus Run 2014.

Held on 8th March 2014 celebrating International Women's Day, the X-Bionic Venus Run 2014 is an all-women 5km run to promote healthy living through active participation in sports so as to enable women to achieve healthy balanced lifestyles amidst their demanding responsibilities at work and at home.

Following the success of last year's event, the next race will once again take place at the Marina Barrage. The fourth edition of the running event will be targeting a new record 5,000 signups, doubling last year’s registration figure. For the first time, the event will be held in the evening, with a 5pm flag-off unlike previous editions.

Limited Edition Race Tees Worth $180

As part of the cash and kind sponsorship deal, X-Bionic will introduce the most high-tech first race shirt in local running event history, with features that aim to specifically help women achieve better race performance. The specially designed, one-of-its-kind pink coloured X-BIONIC® Venus Run Effektor shirt is also undoubtedly the most expensive race shirt ever, with a retail price of S$180.

Only 5,000 pieces will be manufactured exclusively for this event and will feature the X-Bionic Venus Run 2014 logo as well as the official tagline "Diamonds aren’t my best friends, running is…" Both will be woven into the fabric rather than printed, so as not to reduce the breathability of the shirt.

Pledge For a Cause

Speaker of Parliament Mdm Halimah Yacob, the first woman to hold the post in Singapore history, will grace the event and take part in the race in celebration of the International Women's Day.

SAA will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), while participants can also purchase BCF badges online, which will then be included in their race packs.

SAA President Mr Tang Wei Feng was of no doubt that this sponsorship deal represents a real coup for the athletics governing body. He added:

“The event has grown from strength to-strength since the inaugural race in 2011 when just a little more than 300 women took part. We were very much encouraged by the turnout earlier this year, which is why with X-Bionic on board as title sponsor this time round, we are aiming to double the figure next year.”

With so many events lining up for 2014, it looks like runners will be spoilt for choice. Take a look at RunSociety's Running Calender, and tell us what events will you be running in 2014 in the comments below!