RUNNERS’ SAFETY OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
I refer to the article “No Racing Without Doctor’s Letter” (18 February 2012).
Young NTUC, as the Run 350 organiser, together with project manager Pink Apple, treat runners’ safety with utmost importance.
Run 350 was first held in Pulau Ubin in 2010 as a mass eco-run for 1,000 runners. It served as a platform for the Young NTUC community and the public to do their part for the Earth by bringing greater awareness to the local 350 movement. This objective remains unchanged.
To further this cause and raise the challenge for the run, we introduced the 10 km competitive dash last year and the new 21 km half-marathon this year. These longer runs would stretch the physical limits and endurance of even seasoned runners. As Run 350 attracts both running enthusiasts and supporters of the environment, some of whom are not regular runners, we want it to be a safe and good run for all.
To ensure a safe run, runners’ participation should be the result of a carefully considered process and a greater awareness of their state of health. This is especially so for those with existing medical conditions. Therefore, since 2011, would-be participants with medical conditions are required to produce a doctor’s certification of their fitness, prior to the confirmation of their registration.
While a medical certification does not guarantee that medical emergencies would not happen during a run, we believe that the doctor would be best placed to screen and advise the would-be participant on whether he is fit enough to do a physically demanding run.
While we appreciate participants’ strong support for the 350 cause, we urge participants to be mindful of their own safety and well-being. We welcome the active discussion on this issue and hope it will generate a healthy interest in the importance of event safety and encourage individuals to be pro-active and responsible for their personal health and well-being.
Finally, we are glad that Run 350 participants have understood and endorsed our approach, as seen from the increased number of runners from 1,000 in 2010, to more than 9,500 today. To find out more about Run 350, do contact us via email info@run350.com or call 6213 8094.
Robin Goh
Run 350 Race Director
Head, Community Engagement
Young NTUC
