Families and first-time racers completed the recent 6 km Family Run organized by City Runners.
Contributed By Jonathan Teo
Running enthusiasts turned out in full force for the Family Run. PHOTO: Wytin Wong
After the resounding success of the debut City Run in September 2010, City Runners, a local group of runners, organized a family run for City Harvest Church members under the pastoral care of Aries Zulkarnain, executive pastor. The run took place on March 30 at East Coast Park on a Saturday morning.
A total of 152 people of all ages turned up for the event. Apart from the children and youth who came to run, City News also spotted a pregnant mother and a family of four from New Zealand. Race enthusiasts took this opportunity to clock a good timing. For families, it was an enjoyable time of bonding and catching up. For newbies taking part in such a race for the first time, the anticipation was palpable as they waited for the flag-off.
The idea of the run was birthed by 35-year-old business manager, Jonathan Kang. Kang has been a runner for many years, and he noticed that there were others in CHC who also shared a passion for the sport. Inspired by the Singapore running calendar, Kang made the move to organize a similar running event for the church.
Kang also wanted to challenge the belief that it is not possible to excel both in ministry and sports—he had noticed how people had to sacrifice their church ministry for their sporting commitment and vice versa. “The cultural mandate encompasses engaging the sporting arena as much as any other marketplace pillar. We may not be the top runners, but we can be salt and light, a positive influence to people around us, even as we enjoy the sport. Such an event also allows us to bond and build relationships with one another, and with our new friends.”
This year’s run pack came with an array of items. Every participant was entitled to a 2XU/Newton running T-shirt in their size, a finisher’s medal, a race bib and a goodie bag containing more than 10 vouchers and products. Complimentary food and beverages were served after the run.
For an event put together by enthusiasts, the City Run had all the ABCs of a professional run. Logistics and manpower were two of the major factors that contributed to the successful run.
An ambulance and medical support were on standby. There was a bag deposit area for participants to store their belongings. A shelter was also constructed in case of rainy weather. Road marshals were deployed at every kilometer to help facilitate runners along the route. Water points were set up at the halfway mark for runners to quench their thirst, and there was a bag deposit area for participants to store their belongings. There was a full sound system and even a plasma TV screen to display the timings achieved by each runner.
The sporting spirit displayed by the participants was admirable. Despite the heavy downpour halfway through the race, everyone, even the children, persevered to finish the course. There were no complaints, just beams and smiles of satisfaction as one by one, they crossed the finish line.
Vanessa Wong, 22, an administrative coordinator, said despite the rain, she was determined for complete the race—and that she enjoyed the run thoroughly. Wong Sin Da, 29, an investment analyst and current School Of Theology student, added, “Most of us managed to complete the run and we enjoyed a good breakfast together.”
Zulkarnain considered the event a success. “The run encouraged a greater life—both physically and spiritually—and it was a good way to promote healthy living, as well as forge greater unity and closer relationships with among the members.”
Joyce Nunez, 30, was at the event and commented, “I was very impressed at how City Runners conducted this activity. Having taken part in multiple runs in Singapore, this is on par with the ones professionally run by sports event organizers here.”
There will be a 10 km City Run organized by City Runners in third quarter of 2011. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/city.runners.
