Marathoner Ashley Liew takes part in SMU SMOO Challenge 2023

Dr. Ashley Liew, 36, is giving back again to the running community by taking part in the SMOO Challenge 2023 by the Singapore Management University (SMU).

Raise funds for SMU students in great financial need

Said Ashley, a Doctor of Chiropractic at Family Health Chiropractic Clinic, “The SMOO Challenge is a partnership between SMU Challenge with the larger SMU community to raise funds for SMU students in great financial need, especially important during these difficult times.”

Ashley is no stranger to the Singapore running community, having represented Singapore at the 2013 and 2015 South East Asia Games Men’s Marathon. He is managed by ONEathlete and an Altra Running Singapore Red Team ambassador. He graduated with an SMU Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 2012.

As part of the SMOO challenge, which will take place from 18 to 27 August 2023, participants will run, walk or cycle at least 50km as one community for this meaningful cause by signing up on the 42Race app.

Said Ashley, “Our combined goal is to accomplish 53,000km together and raise S$530,000 which will support 66 students in need at SMU.

Allows Ashley to give back

Continued Ashley, “This virtual fundraiser resonates with me because it allows me to give back to SMU’s holistic school environment that nurtured my competitive endurance sports journey to where I am today. This also fulfils my ‘why’ in life, which is to give, love and serve out of my own abundance.”

A little can go a long way

This is Ashley’s third time doing so, having taken part in this too in 2020 and 2021.

Said Ashley, “What motivates me to keep supporting this meaningful event is the awareness of how a little can often go a long way for the benefit of others that need it most. It was especially humbling realising that after the 2021 campaign that we literally made a big difference in at least two students’ lives, supporting them with a one-year S$8,000 bursary, which can be life-changing as they pursue their education and passion as I did.”

Ashley’s challenge targets

Ashley aims to clock more than the required 50km of running for the SMOO challenge. He said, “The last day of the challenge happens to coincide with the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon, which I will be physically competing in too.”

He added, “Between now and the donation deadline of 31 August 2023, I also target to fundraise more than S$8,000. As of 28 June 2023 noon, I have raised S$3,000, hitting 38% of my target.”

Ashley sees raising his target amount as his biggest challenge of the SMOO. He said, “This is a challenge especially with the current economic uncertainties and geopolitical climate worldwide. Nevertheless, I hope donors can still rally together for a good cause, because every little bit counts.”