Duo prove that timing is not important

They may not have been among the top finishers at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) but yesterday's run still held special meaning for those who took part for a good cause.

One of them was Jeanilyn Bermudez, 49, a Filipino maid who has been working in Singapore since 1984.

She ran the marathon to raise awareness of - and funds for - the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home).

Opposed to human trafficking, it is committed to the justice, well-being and empowerment of migrant workers.

Taking part in her fourth marathon, Bermudez, who has been volunteering at Home since 2006, finished with a time of 7hr 45min 40sec.

Wearing a black tank top and a megawatt smile, the affable woman said: "The timing wasn't important.

"I did not train for the marathon but I dedicated this run to Home so I had to complete it.

"It's all about willpower.

"It's also nice that my employer ran in the half-marathon.

"I hope to raise awareness about Home through this run.

"Having volunteered there, I've seen how they have helped many migrant workers."

Also among the 53,000 runners who woke up early yesterday to brave the sweltering heat was 84-year-old Chan Meng Hui, who completed his 100th marathon yesterday.

He finished in a time of 8:52:16 and crossed the line to much fanfare.

Event emcees began hyping up his arrival when he was 2km away, and after completing the challenge, the genial man was mobbed by a television crew and volunteers.

Chan's son, Wei Siong, 49, and grandson, Jun Hao, 16, were also at the end point of the race.

Said Chan: "I feel good. It was very hot today so I had to run and walk the whole way.

"But I'm very touched by the support. Now I feel like running in next year's SCMS.

"Let's make it 101!"

CHUA SIANG YEE

This article was first published on December 8, 2014.
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