This afternoon, the Orange Ribbon Race against Racism took place. As Singapore’s only run against racism, this event helps to promote understanding, appreciation and trust in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious society. It is fast gaining momentum as a people’s movement. It is also a great opportunity for many Singaporeans to speak up and show their support towards this meaningful event.
Orange Ribbon Run took place today to support racial harmany
Race comprised of three categories
The event took place at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza and there were three categories in the Orange Ribbon Run – the 10km and 5km competitive runs, as well as the 3.5km Family Fun Walk. I took part in the 10km category of this run.
Ready to flag off with my friends!
Photo Credit: Soo Kok Meng
Race supports racial harmony
I feel very strongly about racial harmony – with everyone co-existing peacefully side by side.
So today provided me with a great opportunity to support and champion this meaningful cause – as one of the Orange Ribbon Run’s event ambassadors.
Energetic runners excited to flag off!
Other runners also felt strongly about the cause
A number of other runners who were taking part in the event, felt strongly about racial harmony in Singapore too. Said Ramesh Purohid, 30, a bank manager, “I think that everyone should be treated equally regardless of your colour and race, whether you are rich or poor or whatever is your religion or caste in society. This event is good because it creates awareness and brings runners of all walks of life together, and that is what I like about it.”
Happy pacers!
Agreed Jailane Gandia, 25, a programme executive from the Philippines, “I have been working in a lot of companies which have different nationalities – so as such, I have experienced racism. Thus, I took this opportunity today to say that there are no colours in terms of achievement – as we are all equal and we should all unite together.”
Never too young to make a stand against racism!
Scenic run with a beautiful location
For the run itself, it was held at a scenic location. Though I have run around this area before, I still enjoyed the beautiful views of the Marina Barrage, as well as the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Sports Hub and the Singapore Flyer along my 10km route.
Scenic landmarks along the route.
In fact, I never failed to be mesmerised by these iconic local landmarks and the pristine man-made beauty that we have created here in Singapore.
Most challenging part was the heat
But the most challenging part about the run, was probably the heat. With the 4pm flag off, and the fact that today had been rather hot, did not help. I was barely into the first kilometre of the run and I was already starting to feel the heat. This was made more evident when we had to run up the Marina Barrage slope, barely about two kilometres in the run.
Runners brave the heat.
And as the race progressed, it somehow felt as though it was getting hotter. So after the halfway point, I found myself struggling – but I pushed on to complete the race. What had kept me going was the thought that I was not just running for personal glory and a good timing, but the thought of running to support racial harmony, with everyone living peacefully together as one. This had really helped to energise me.
It’s hot but runners soldier on.
Finishing line and post-race carnival
Finally, crossing the finishing line – and receiving a bottle of water and my 10km finisher’s medal was a great relief! And besides the run, there were plenty to see and do at the post-race carnival. These had included complimentary old-school snacks for runners, as well as activities related to certain races, such as ketupat weaving.
Souvenirs from the Orange Ribbon Run.
I thought that everything was very meaningful as these were definitely a good way to promote the activities that different races here in Singapore take part in. These gives us all a better understanding of each other’s racial practises and beliefs.
Runners enjoying the post-race atmosphere.
And there were some very interesting multi-ethnic stage performances that runners could be a part of. Once again, I thought that this was certainly a very meaningful and interesting run. I had felt honoured to be part of this event as an ambassador, as I was exploring the post-race carnival.
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