This past Sunday, my son Asher and I joined the massive crowd of 5,000 participants at Marina Barrage for the ninth edition of the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run 2026. We decided to take on the 10KM run together, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable fun runs we have participated in this year.
Despite a slight drizzle early in the morning, the energy level was high and everyone around us remained incredibly friendly and cheery throughout the event. Even before the first wave set off, the barrage was awash in a sea of Skechers blue as participants gathered in eager anticipation.
The 10KM Competitive Run was officially started by the Skechers management team, including Eileen Tan (Regional Marketing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia), Irene Lee (Senior General Manager of Skechers Singapore), and Rachel Zanna Lee (Marketing Manager of Skechers Singapore), alongside Kiss92 FM radio personalities Juliana Yeo and Joshua Simon, who really energised the crowd.
The event successfully brought together people across different generations for an inspiring day focused on wellness, fitness, and camaraderie.
This year introduced a refreshed 10KM Competitive Run format, split into a Speed Category and a Regular Category to better cater to different running profiles and objectives.
For those looking for a lighter pace, the 5KM Leisure Walk offered Individual, Buddy, and Family categories, providing friends and families with a relaxed and inclusive setting.
The competitive 10KM Speed Category saw impressive athletic performances, with Amos Kirui taking first place in the men’s division with a stellar time of 34:07. In the women’s race, Nicole Low Sui Xuan crossed the finish line first in a breathtaking time of 41:46.
Asher and I decided to break in our new Skechers shoes for the race.
Asher wore the Skechers Aero Razor, which features a responsive midsole foam and great energy return from the design. Additionally, the breathable engineered mesh upper provided comfort for the 10KM distance.
I opted for the Skechers Aero Spark, which boasts cool cushioning and a carbon infused plate for stability. Performance wise, both of our shoes performed well, delivering the comfort that the brand is celebrated for.
Beyond the fitness aspect, the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run championed a much greater cause by raising a total of S$10,000 for the social service agency APSN. The brand pledged a S$2 donation from every participant registration to support APSN programmes that help individuals with mild intellectual disabilities gain independence and actively participate in society.
Adding a special highlight to the morning, APSN beneficiaries delivered a performance segment which included a foot stomping dance by Samuel Lee En Ci that showcased the creativity and confidence of the organisation.
After the run, the excitement continued at the Skechers Race Village, which served as a vibrant hub of activity.
Participants enjoyed a wide range of interactive games and family friendly attractions, including a Basketball Challenge, Inflatable Archery, and Giant Jenga.
The stage games were equally entertaining, offering participants the chance to win rewards through a Best Dressed contest and a fast paced Shoe Box Relay.
The festivities culminated in a lucky draw where nine winners were awarded exciting prizes, and grand prize winner Tan Ai Siok took home a year supply of Skechers footwear.
We could really feel the collective community impact beyond just the finish line. Strengthening friendships, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and creating a positive impact in the community made the entire morning worthwhile. The lively cheerleading performance by NTU Aces further lifted the energy at the race village, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd and keeping spirits high.
There was even a photo wall displaying the names of all participants, serving as a lovely tribute to the collective spirit behind the ninth edition of the event. We look forward to participating at the tenth edition of the event next year!
