The inaugural night edition of The Color Run took place in Singapore last night at Sentosa and it was a blast for runners of all ages.
This is my second time taking part in a Color Run, the first being The Color Run 2016 which was a day run. This year’s run will be particularly memorable for me as it will be the first time I am running together with my son, Asher Lim, 6. This is his first 5km run and it happens to be a night run, touted to be the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”.
I went prepared, with a running pouch packed with light snacks and two water bottles in case Asher gets hungry or dehydrated in the middle of the run. Although he stopped to walk at some part, I am proud of him for running more than 3/4 of the full 5km.
Well done Asher! He was still full of energy when we crossed the finish line and we stayed for a while more to enjoy the concert after the run.
Last night, more than 9,000 runners dashed gleefully into the night armed with laughter and brightly glowing neon colours to light up the path. The flagging off started from 7pm in batches. Most people were walking and talking selfies throughout the route, having lots of fun.
I ran the full course last year, but with Asher with me this year, we walked for some part, taking photos and videos and to interact with other fun runners. The Color Run is a good starter to get young kids interested in a healthy lifestyle and to motivate them to take up running as a hobby. Many of the run participants are teenagers in large groups, followed by pocket of family runners with young kids.
This year’s race is the fifth edition and highlights include glow-in-the-dark colour zones, illuminating bubbles in the foam zone and of course, the usual shower of neon coloured powders in a celebration of health and happiness.
Among the runners who joined in the festivities this year were the 20 finalists of the Miss Universe Singapore 2017 pageant. The finalists showed up in full force to run alongside the women and children of their supported charity, Daughters of Tomorrow, which enables and empowers women through confidence-building, skills development and job placements.
“This is the first time that I’ve ever participated in a run and The Color Run is just great fun! Running along the various glow zones with my fellow Miss Universe Singapore finalists surrounded by the laughter and smiles of kids from Daughters of Tomorrow made this Run truly the Happiest 5K on the planet! I will definitely sign up for the next edition again,” shared Cara Nicole Neo, Miss Universe Singapore finalist.
Streaming past the finish line in dazzling hues and high spirits, everyone was a winner. The fun continued beyond the finish line and into the night with entertainment and activities at the Festival Village including Color Throws, a highlight and post-run tradition at every Color Run and a dance party headlined by DJ Jason Kai and DJ Reiko.
Having “colored” Kuala Lumpur on 13 August, The Color Run presented by CIMB Bank will next be bringing its celebration of health and happiness to Jakarta, Indonesia on 1 October as part of CIMB Group’s sponsorship in three ASEAN cities.
We will be taking part again next year! By then, Asher should be able to run the full 5km while having fun!
5