Taking place late last month, the NUS Giving Run BIG brought to Singapore, a brand new and unique race experience focused around the hilly and challenging terrain of Singapore’s Kent Ridge vicinity, together with a scenic trail experience like none other.

The event had featured a 10km competitive run, a 5km fun run and a 1.2km Kids Dash, to cater to runners of varying ages, abilities and walks of life.

And at the same time, the charity event had hoped to celebrate everyday heroes, including those who make the effort to help our communities, effect change for a better community and empower positive thinking.

This would raise awareness about giving, to the event organisers, the National University of Singapore, as such gifts would help to benefit students in need and create opportunities for the University.

The 10km run was enjoyable and went well

Tan Ziyu and Chong Wei Jung, both of whom had taken part in the 10km event, had fun there.

Said Tan, 31, an Assistant Manager in Pricing, “The weather was great. We both did the 10km. I ran for 5km-wish and walked the remaining distance with him. It was a morning well-spent.”

She also continued, “I also enjoyed seeing people from all walks of life running and brisk walking on a Sunday morning. The weather was very pleasant, which was very refreshing after those hazy days.”

Despite the fact that the route had been a hilly one, this was not much of a challenge for Tan, who had chosen to take it easy during the event. She said, “There weren’t much challenges along the way.”

Lots of activities and food after the race

As well, there was also plenty to do after the race, in terms of carnival activities, food and entertainment.

Said Tan, “The post race atmosphere was also great, with lots of fringe activities such as Zumba, carnival games and live music. The emcee did a fantastic job in engaging the audience.”

Chong, 36, a Manager, also shared Tan’s sentiments too, saying that the event atmosphere had been “full of exciting energy.”

And he also added, “I loved the free drinks, yoghurt and ice-cream at the end of the run, too. 

Successful and well-organised event 

Both agreed that the inaugural edition of the NUS Giving Run Big had been a well-organised and successful running event.

Said Tan, “Overall, the logistics were well-organised. We collected the bib on race day itself. Everything went smoothly. The route was great, there were great fringe activities and great atmosphere. Overall, great job in organising the event.”

Chong also agreed, adding, “Everything was very good. There were plenty of drinks at each of the checkpoints.”

Improvements for the future 

However when pressed for possible improvements, both had some small improvements to the event, that would make future editions even better.

Said Chong, “More signage to the baggage deposit location would have been nice.”

And added Tan, “Perhaps they can consider asking participants to bring their own cups. I saw a lot of plastic wasted after just one usage.”

All photos in this post are provided by Tan Ziyu.