A Memorable Father-Son Adventure: Mandai Wildlife Run 2023

As a father, there are few things that bring me greater joy than spending quality time with my son, Asher. Last weekend, we had the opportunity to create lasting memories together at the Mandai Wildlife Run 2023, an event that not only allowed us to bond but also let us reconnect with nature and wildlife.

This year’s run was held as part of Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary celebrations and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. The Mandai Wildlife Run, formerly known as the Safari Zoo Run, returned after a three-year hiatus. We last participated in the 2016 edition, a good seven years ago and were really looking forward to reliving the run this year after such a long break.

The event took place across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve precinct, spanning the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari.

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature and wildlife, we were encouraged to think about how to live more sustainably and reduce waste.

A “Bring Your Own Bottle” initiative, allowed participants to refill our bottles at water points throughout the parks, as a small yet impactful step towards a greener future.

In addition, the medals awarded to finishers were made from recycled materials from past races, underlining the event’s commitment to environmental conservation.

The Mandai Wildlife Run featured an array of race categories to cater to every fitness level and age group. Day 1 included a competitive 5km challenge for running enthusiasts, while Day 2 brought seniors, friends, and families together for a fun-filled experience.

Asher and I participated in the 5km Fun Run, an ideal choice for us to enjoy the scenic beauty of the wildlife reserve while bonding over the shared adventure.

In the weeks leading up to the run, participants could also engage in a variety of health and wellness activities. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve offered running clinics, mindfulness exercises by the manatees in River Wonders, and even forest bathing in Bird Paradise’s immersive Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa.

The highlight of our Mandai Wildlife Run experience was undoubtedly the opportunity to run amidst Singapore’s magnificent wildlife parks.

As we traversed the lush landscapes, we could not help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for the natural world and its inhabitants. We paused several times to snap pictures of the magnificent animals we passed along the way.

The icing on the cake was the rain that began to fall towards the end of our run, adding an extra layer of adventure to our journey. We were fortunate to complete the run just in time before the heavens opened up, but even the rain could not dampen our spirits. Asher is sitting for his PSLE examinations this week and next. The run was a good break for him from studying and to get some exercise. It was also an excellent opportunity for the two of us to spend some quality time together to bond.

It is worth noting that a portion of the proceeds from every race sign-up went towards supporting conservation projects locally and in the region, making this run not only a memorable experience but also a meaningful one.

Both Asher and I are looking forward to participate in next year’s Mandai Wildlife Run again.