In the heart of the Singapore Sports Hub, the 17th edition of the Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) kicked off, uniting over 9,000 women in a spectacular show of athleticism and community spirit. This year, marked the triumphant full-scale return of Singapore’s only all-women’s run since the pandemic, featuring an impressive array of six race categories that welcomed participants aged 3 to 82.
GEWR isn’t just a run; it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of women. It’s a platform that uplifts female communities and extends its embrace to include those who need it most. Among the participants, there were rehabilitation beneficiaries from the Singapore Cancer Society, women from Daughters Of Tomorrow, and runners with special needs through the co-operative Runninghour.
This year’s event was graced by the presence of Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, who had the honor of flagging off the 5km race. Joining him were Khor Hock Seng, Group Chief Executive Officer of Great Eastern, and together, they presented the hard-earned trophies and cash prizes to the race winners.
The pinnacle of the event was the exclusive Elite 21.1km Half Marathon, where previous years’ champions and participants made a comeback to reclaim their glory. Vanessa Lee emerged as the victor, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 1:22:51. Sharing the podium with her were Jasmine Teo and Rachel See, who secured second and third place, clocking in at 1:23:16 and 1:24:58, respectively.
More than a race, the Great Eastern Women’s Run is a symbol of community and support, championing fundraising efforts to uplift Singaporean communities. This year, Great Eastern, along with its dedicated employees and financial representatives, raised an incredible $260,000 for the beneficiary organizations, Daughters Of Tomorrow and the Singapore Cancer Society.
But the excitement didn’t end at the finish line. The Race Village was abuzz with activities and rewards for participants. Runners refueled with complimentary food and drinks, capturing memorable moments at Instagram-worthy photo walls and crafting their own souvenirs at the DIY badge-making booth.
The post-race powder rooms and massage zones offered a well-deserved moment of relaxation, while the little ones reveled in the delight of sweet treats from the candy cannon and the pure joy of inflatable bouncy castles and craft activities.
