WITH obesity rates increasing in Singapore, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) will be launching two new initiatives in a bid to encourage Singaporeans to engage in regular physical activity.

From Friday, 14 March, the working population in the Science Park vicinity can participate in i-Run, one of the initiatives developed by HPB for working adults who enjoy jogging.

First launched in June 2007 with a weekly run on Thursdays at the Singapore River promenade, the frequency of sessions increased to twice a week by the end of last year, with each session seeing an average of 55 regular participants. Running clinics are also organised to equip i-Run participants with the technical knowledge and skills for them to jog safely.

This year, i-Run will be extended to the Science Park starting March 14, and thereafter, to the International Business Park on April 16.

The other initiative developed by HPB aims to promote brisk walking. PowerWalk, developed for sedentary individuals to help kick start an active lifestyle, will be launched on March 15 at Bishan Park 2, where participants get to use filled water bottles as free weights.

PowerWalk will then be extended to Sun Plaza Park two weeks later, on March 30.

The two initiatives were developed with the busy working adults and homemakers in mind, to help individuals start an active lifestyle by giving them a goal. Mr Lam Pin Woon, Chief Executive Officer of HPB said: 'It provides them with the opportunity to socialise with fellow participants, and gives them a goal of 30 minutes of physical activity a day on at least five days a week.'

i-Run at the Science Park will be held on March 14, 5.45pm, at Singapore Science Park 1, and PowerWalk will be held on March 15, 8 am, at Bishan Park 2.