Sharp rise in environmental awareness reflected in the registration of 11,000 participants, up from the 1,000 in the inaugural event in 2010
The fourth edition of NTUC Income RUN 350, Organised by Young NTUC (official event name for 2013) took place today, with a record turnout of more than 11,000 runners from 63 countries participating in what has become Southeast Asia’s premier eco-run.
New to this year’s race was the display of a unique art sculpture with an environmental dimension. Designed and crafted by School of the Arts alumni, the sculpture was constructed of old and defective clothes hangers. These were donated by the runners and collected by local green social enterprise, bloomerang, during the event’s Race Entry Pack Collection between 29 March to 31 March.
The sculpture, named “A Selfless Gift”, was meant to serve as a symbol of the importance of environmental sustainability and encourage attitudinal change towards environmental conservation. Commissioned by bloomerang in partnership with Young NTUC, the sculpture will next get a new lease of life through further recycling.
Mr Tan Suee Chieh, Chief Executive of title sponsor NTUC Income, said, “NTUC Income is proud to partner Young NTUC to present NTUC Income RUN 350. The event is considered Southeast Asia’s premier eco-run, promoting sustainability for the Earth and an active lifestyle. I’m glad to see so many people embracing this opportunity to show their support for global climate action. By channeling their passion for running towards this important cause, they are personally contributing to a greener tomorrow."
Mr Tan, who completed the event’s 10km run, added, “I appreciate the strong support that RUN 350 has received from runners and the public since it began in 2010. This year’s run was yet another success.” NTUC Income committed a 300-strong contingent of staff members to participate in the event.
Mr Steve Tan, Executive Secretary of Young NTUC, is happy for Young NTUC to help foster a more supportive attitude among the public towards a greener tomorrow. “Global warming affects island nations like Singapore more so than countries with large land masses. Even more salient is that countries that lie near the equator suffers the effect more. The 350.org movement aims to raise awareness to the need to lower carbon emissions pressingly.” Mr Steve Tan explained. “Young NTUC is happy to have founded the local 350.sg chapter to the movement. After today, we can take heart that more than 11,000 people now know more about what the number 350 represents. Thank you for the amazing support, and we hope to see you again next year!"
The 350 movement aims to raise awareness about the upper safety limit for carbon dioxide, which scientists believe should be below 350 ppm (parts per million) for humanity to continue sustainably.
350 Singapore, the local chapter of the global 350 movement, was founded by Young NTUC in 2010. Through 350 Singapore and NTUC Income RUN 350, Young NTUC hopes to raise awareness among Singaporeans and others from around the world about the importance of lowering carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere before the Earth is permanently damaged.
Supporting a Cause
Via our social media platforms, our runners were tasked with the eco-mission of bringing their own water bottles to the race in a bid to cut down on the use of paper cups. During the Race Entry Pack Collection, runners contributed their old and defective clothes hangers (both plastic and metal) to our major recycling initiative arranged by our key green partner, bloomerang.
Eco messages were displayed throughout the race route to remind runners to contribute to green efforts. We even involved the younger generation in our green outreach through the 350-metre Kids Dash, which attracted 550 children ranging from 4 to 9 years old. It is never too early to educate the next generation on the wonders of caring for the environment!
Green initiatives and partners at the race
The race continued its tradition of green initiatives, such as the use of bio-diesel as one of the key sources of fuel for race activities, a paper-less registration and race pack collection process, green waste management and recycling measures, as well as having on-site bicycle racks to encourage runners to use green transportation on race day.
Young NTUC youth activist group, Save That Pen, was also on site to collect unwanted used pens from the public. The pens collected will be rejuvenated with new ink refills before they get distributed to under-privileged students. This action of recycling ensures the longevity of these plastic pens instead of the wasteful act of throwing them away.
During the lead-up to the run and throughout the past year, green movie screenings have also been conducted by 350 Singapore. Panel discussions among the audience were held after each movie screening to reinforce environmental messages.
Greening Singapore
Adding on to the 629 trees planted by Young NTUC since the start of RUN 350 in 2010, Young NTUC is working closely with Garden City Fund to implement the planting of more trees upon the conclusion of this year’s event and to get the runners involved in the tree-planting process.
From the first edition of RUN 350 that took place in 2010 at Pulau Ubin with 1,000 runners to Sunday’s turnout of more than 11,000 runners in the heart of the city, the run has certainly come a long way in extending the reach of its green messaging. With a broader level of involvement and awareness stemming from the NTUC Income RUN 350, Organised by Young NTUC, the local 350 movement is gaining momentum in restoring the Earth’s carbon dioxide levels to the sustainable level of 350ppm.
Well-received green initiatives
The race was perfect. It was so meaningful for the environment and it is always nice to run a race with a meaning,” said Anne Qihui, local female 21km elite runner who completed the course with a Gun Time of 1:27:18:12. Anne, a firm believer in the green cause, tries her best to incorporate green practices, no matter how small, into her personal life. “I dislike it when people leave the house and leave the lights on. It’s my habit to switch off all the lights. From my lifestyle to my diet, I’m trying my best to be environmentally friendly.
Mok Ying Ren, another local elite runner who finished third in the men’s 10km race, was particularly impressed with the social media-driven Bring Your Own Bottle campaign. “That campaign is about the greenest step you can do in a race. From the many races I have taken part in, I know that a lot of paper cups are usually thrown away,” Mok said.
Race Winners
Male 21km (Name/Country/Gun Time)
1. Solomon Kipyego Keter, Kenya, 01:08:32:99
2. David Chepkwony Kiptanui, Kenya, 01:08:40:38
3. Mohammed Temam Husien, Ethiopia, 01:09:37:12
Female 21km (Name/Country/Gun Time)
1. Jackline Musyawa Nzivo, Kenya, 01:19:28:12
2. Felista Wambui Kariuki, Kenya, 01:19:50:63
3. Mary Joy Tabal, Philippines, 01:22:52:14
Male 10km (Name/Country/Gun Time)
1. Samson Kiplagat, Kenya, 00:32:23:59
2. Jason Lawrence, New Zealand, 00:33:03:58
3. Mok Ying Ren, Singapore, 00:33:12:18
Female 10km (Name/Country/Gun Time)
1. Vanja Cnops, Belgium, 00:40:29:09
2. Tan Bee Kiang Michele, Malaysia, 00:41:23:59
3. Qua Bi Qi, Singapore, 00:43:10:36
