Nearly 10,000 participants from all walks of lives raced the streets flagging off at the F1 Pit Building this morning towards a ‘Zero Waste’ future at the Income Eco Run (formerly known as the NTUC Income RUN 350, organised by Young NTUC).

The runners participated in various categories- the 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km and the 800m Kids Dash – in support of the common cause and were brought on a scenic race route as they raced through Gardens By The Bay, Marina Barrage and The Singapore Flyer.

Runners racing past the Flyer. Photo Credit: Income Eco Run 2017

This year’s Income Eco Run saw a special group of 1,500 runners who took their commitment to the ‘green’ cause to the next level by racing as ‘Zero Waste Runners’. These runners opted not to receive their respective finishers’ entitlements (medal for all categories and a finisher’s tee for the 21.1 km Half Marathon category) in a bid to reduce waste. As a result, 87.8kg of fabric and 150kg of metal were saved.

It was the first time the race introduced the option for runners to race as a ‘Zero Waste Runner’ and it was fully subscribed before registration closed at the start of April.

10km Flag off. Photo Credit: Income Eco Run 2017

Double SEA Games Gold Medalist in the Triathlon (2007) and Marathon (2013) events, Mok Ying Ren, raced as a ‘Zero Waste Runner’. He shared,

"I’m very happy that I placed first in the 21.1km local category. I just started training again, so I’m quite pleased with my timing! Running as a ‘Zero Waste Runner’ was actually refreshing to see fewer cups on the road after the race! I run home after work regularly as part of my longer distance training. And I use my own bottle during these runs just like today. I believe that these efforts, though small, enable us to be environmentally conscious, and helps in the larger-scale-of things towards reducing carbon emissions and zero waste. Doing good is now made simple, isn't it?"

Dr Mok Ying Ren Racing Through The 21.1km Finish Line. Photo Credit: Income Eco Run 2017

As the pioneer of eco-races in Singapore, Income Eco Run adopted eco-friendly practices for different aspects of the race. They included encouraging runners to bring their own bottles (BYO) to reduce the use of plastic bottles and paper cups, giving out post-run e-certificates, producing finisher medals from recycled metal and using bio-diesel fuel for the generators.

The event also readily offered sorting cans for trash to be recycled and provided bicycle racks on race day to encourage participates to cycle to the race venue. Participants were also encouraged to carpool or to take the shuttle bus services to the event.

Pacers for the Race. Photo Credit: Income Eco Run 2017

Winners for the Income Eco Run 2017

33-year-old Kenyan, James Barmasai was the champion for the 21.1km Open category. 38-year-old Jasmine Goh, a familiar face in Singapore’s running scene was placed twice in the Income Eco Run by clinching third place in the 21.1km Open category and the 21.1km Local Champion.

Race Results

21.1km Open Category (Male)

21.1km Open Category (Female)

21.1km Local Champion

10km Open Category (Male)

10km Open Category (Female)

10km Local Champion

10km Team Category

Income Eco Run 2017 is Southeast Asia’s premier eco-run which champions environmental conservation and aims to raise awareness for everyone to play their part in supporting the cause.