Yesterday, I collected my race pack for the 2019 edition of the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run.

Key Event By Yellow Ribbon Project

One of the key events organised by the Yellow Ribbon Project, the aims of the run are to create awareness of giving second chances to ex-offenders, generate acceptance of ex-offenders in society and inspire the community to support their rehabilitation and reintegration.

With over 9,000 ex-offenders being released into the society each year from the various prisons in Singapore, it is disheartening that these people have to live the rest of their lives with the stigma of having been behind bars and facing suspicion, mistrust and discrimination forever.

It Is Human To Make Mistakes

I strongly believe that ex-offenders should not be stigmatised for their past mistakes. It is human to make mistakes and they have already been punished for their mistakes by serving time behind bars. Why should they continue to be punished upon their release?

Instead, ex-offenders need to be forgiven for their mistakes and be given the opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

I Have Run Every Year Since 2012

This is why I support second chances. This is the reason why I have supported the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run every year since 2012. 

Coincidentally, the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run had been my first-ever running race in 2012, and since then, I have been coming back for this meaningful event, each and every year, without missing a single edition. 

This year, I will be back, and I am taking part in the 10km category again.

Route Takes You Through Changi Area

Registration may already be sold out for the race, but those of you who had been fortunate enough to have snagged a slot, this unique running race will take you through the Changi area of Singapore, and even into the grounds of the Changi Prison itself.

The race route may be challenging and more hilly than the pancake-flat races along Marina Bay or East Coast Park, but it is also meaningful and significant because you are running for a worthy cause that is much greater than yourself.

And along the way, a couple of the sights that you will see, include Tanah Merah Prison and the Changi Prison Wall. If you are not targeting a personal best at this run, do stop and take a picture at these significant locations.

Informative Race Village

The highlight of the race though, is always the informative experience at the race village, which gives good insights into what the ex-convicts face, from their incarceration to release and subsequent reintegration into society.

 As well, I find the guys at the Yellow Ribbon Project always seems to find a very enjoyable way to present this information each year, to make it not only educational but also engaging too.

I Hope To See You There

So once again, I am looking forward to the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2019, and I hope to see you there.