SINGAPORE - Registration for the inaugural Straits Times Run In The Park, which is set to be the largest running event at one of Singapore's newest scenic park connectors, opens this Thursday on June 6.
Running enthusiasts can sign up for the 5km fun-run and the 10km and 15km competitive runs which will be held on Sunday, August 25, in the North Eastern Riverine Loop of the Park Connector Network.
The early Sunday morning outdoor event offers runners a unique and refreshing experience, taking them through the scenic Punggol Waterway Park and along the natural coastline of Punggol Beach and the banks of Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs. The park connector is near the Punggol MRT station.
The run is organised by the English flagship daily of Singapore Press Holdings, as part of the Straits Times Appreciates Readers (Star) series to actively engage its readers and the community.
The run is in collaboration with the National Parks (NParks) Board, which is commemorating "50 Years of Greening Singapore".
The registration fee is $55 for competitive runners and $46 for fun runners, inclusive of GST. Those who sign up in groups of four or more will enjoy a group discount and pay $50 (competitive run) and $42 (fun run) each.
Registration and payment can be made at the official event site at www.starevent.sg , which can be assessed online and via all mobile devices.
Runners can also sign up via the event's interactive ad on The Straits Times app on iPad. Those who need more information can call 6319-2087 or e-mail imark@sph.com.sg.
The inaugural ST Run in the Park is presented by Panasonic and supported by other key partners including Resorts World Sentosa, Clinique, New Balance, 100 Plus, Tenet Sompo Insurance and Chew Interior Design.
Mr Marc Lim, Sports Editor of The Straits Times, said: "Sport unites. It excites. It entertains. These are the three principles which The Straits Times can identify with. This is why when it came to organising an event to engage our readers, a sporting event seemed the perfect fit."
He added: "The ST Run is a run with a difference. Not only will running enthusiasts get to spend their Sunday morning in one of the newest and most scenic park connectors, they can also expect a whole slew of activities to help them prepare for the inaugural run on August 25."
"From pre-run clinics with some of Singapore's top long-distance runners to a running guide which discusses everything from nutrition to choosing the right shoes, ST will be with you every step of the way."
All participants will receive a host of goodies, including:
· A $49 "Lightning Dry" New Balance T-shirt
· A $33 ticket to Resorts World Sentosa's SEA Aquarium, valid until Dec 31, 2013
· A make-over or facial treatment from Clinique that is worth $80
· And other attractive gifts from generous sponsors, to be announced later
In addition, Presenting Sponsor Panasonic is setting aside a wide range of eco-friendly electronic products worth tens of thousand dollars as prizes for runners.
Resorts World is offering a free stay at its breath-taking Ocean suite worth $3,000 as a top prize for the lucky draw, while Clinique is offering a free one-year supply of its products to winners of the four categories of the two competitive races - Men's category (10km and 15km) and Women's category (10km and 15km).
One lucky draw runner will also get a free home renovation package worth $16,800 to commemorate The Straits Times' 168th birthday from leading home designer Chew Interior Design.
In a break from tradition, The Straits Times is offering prizes for the top 100 competitive runners instead of the usual top three.
In addition to gifts from sponsors, the first 25 runners with the best time in each of the 10km and 15km races for both the Men's and Women's categories will get a free one-year All-in-One digital and print subscription of The Straits Times worth about $340 each.
More details on the prizes will be announced later.