Last Saturday morning, I joined 3,800 other participants for Run For Life, a charity run now in its second year after a successful debut in 2013.

Held in at Angsana Green in East Coast Park, Run For Life was jointly organised by Life Community Services Society (LCSS) and Noel Gifts International. The charity run was created with the primary goal of raising awareness and funds for LCSS programmes which benefit disadvantaged and at-risk children and youths across all races and religions in Singapore.

Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Marine Parade GRC (centre) gracing the event, Run For Life 2014 at East Coast Park, Angsana Green on Saturday. Photo Credit: Run For Life 2014

Enjoying the East Coast Scenery

I joined the 10km Competitive Run, which flagged off at 7.30am and headed west towards Big Splash before looping back to Angsana Green. Being familiar with the route along East Coast Park, I was happy to join the crowd's pace and let my legs do the pounding as I revelled in the morning sun and cooling sea breeze.

Along the route, I glimpsed well-known local runners such as 84 year old Chan Meng Hui and Jenap Said, who recently completed her first 24 hour continuous overnight run for LCSS. With 4 hydration stations for 10km runners, volunteers filled out cup after cup of cold water and 100Plus for thirsty runners.

Smiles Mean So Much More than Medals

At the finishing line, I got a banana, a cold can of 100Plus, a bottle of mineral water, and the finisher medal. But the genuine smiles and congratulations from the staff and volunteers were the true prizes. Who says Singaporeans are an unfriendly bunch?

After the run, there were a variety of carnival activities where runners, along with families and friends, participated in an array of exciting games, contests and were treated to high-energy stage performances. One of the vendors Phin's Catering gave out free snacks for runners which included a small hot dog bun for runners who were feeling peckish.

Weldu Desta Fitsun and Mamecha Werkialem Shenu won the Men's and Women's 10km category, with a timing of 34 minutes 35 seconds and 40 minutes 19 seconds, respectively. They each walked away with prizes worth S$1,000.

Dashing with Enthusiasm

The highlight of the day for me was definitely the 500m Kids Dash, which were for children aged 7-12. The young children with their brightly coloured running shoes were simply adorable, and their bubbling energy as they ran across the finish line put a smile on everyone!

Participants of the 500m Kids Dash take off the start line at the Run For Life 2014 at East Coast Park, Angsana Green on Saturday at 9.30am. Photo Credit: Run For Life 2014

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and MP for Marine Parade GRC Seah Kian Peng made an appearance to cheer on runners.

Mr Goh believed that Run For Life was symbolic of the challenges faced by Singaporeans in need, and was delighted to be part of this journey to support them.

He added,

"Singaporeans are givers at heart. There is always room for love and compassion in our society, especially towards the less privileged and vulnerable groups. I would like to see more corporate sponsors and partners like Noel Gifts International to come forward and contribute to social services by supporting or sponsoring charitable events like Run For Life."

With S$600,000 raised, Run For Life is indeed making the difference and giving needy children Singapore a leg up in life!

Event Overview:

• No shortage of refreshments for runners with 4 hydration stops for the 10km distance, and a bottle of mineral water, a can of 100Plus, bananas, and snacks after the race.
• No congestion at race route and finish line.
• Friendly volunteers at hydration points and finishing lines made runners feel extra welcome.