Smile for a Mile

I started my birthday with the charity run organised by this group of young college students, as part of a youth movement group.

Angeline & I met up at the City Hall MRT station and slowly made our way to the starting point at the fountain near the Esplanade Dr. What greeted us were a handful of youngsters mulling around the fountain, and another few (prolly less than 10) runners sitting around the fountain. We met up with the perpetually punctual Roentgen (such trait is close to extinct now! Really have to applaud him for keeping to this very rare but treasured trait in this day and age! *clap clap* to deposit our barang in his CRV (THANKS, Roentgen!).

We registered ourselves with the organiser, and were given each a runner's T. We changed into it and just chit chat and hung around a bit to wait for the run to start. Balasing arrived shortly after. By 8:25am we were asked to gather, and the leader of the group, Eric, explained to us about what this charity run is about and how we help by running etc. Looking around, realised that the group of runners were mainly junior college students probably lending their support through their own network of friends. The SGRunners of Peacefool, Eliza, Roentgen, Angel, Bala, Chip & myself were the only people of a different generation (haha). It was hilarious to have Eric flagged us off by emulating the sound of a horn and the group of youngsters sprinted off.

I knew I couldn't run fast so just kept to the back of the pack as best as I could. I felt that the speed of the front runners pulled everyone along and I was kinda worried that I would ponchet if i kept to their pace. The run was enjoyable, chuan, but full of laughter through-out all thanks to the great company of Roentgen & Bala. We got to the mid-way point in over 35mins I think, so I was quite surprised that at the "faster" pace we are still running at 7:30min pace ... We had to cross the overhead bridge to run along the other side of the road for the return route back to the starting point. It was dangerous at that stretch as we had to run along the road (as the pavement was closed for some construction) and in the flow of traffic! We were lucky as it was still early and the road was quiet, but it wouldn't be as safe for the 3rd wave runners we surmised (which Roentgen promptly fedback to Eric after our run). Picture shows one siao cha bo just after crossing the overhead bridge ...

We finished our run in 1hr 15mins thereabout, with Roentgen & Bala still FULL of energy and chatting away and giving live "commentaries" about the run while I was just struggling to keep up with them and panting away -____-". Not to forget that throughout the run, these 2 bois were slowing down (to take pictures) and speeding up (to catch up with the rest of us) at will!!!

Shortly after returning, Bala proceeded to join the 3rd wave runners for the flag off while the rest of us hung around and chit chat. Spoke to peacefool & zeus and the SGRunners group took several pictures while waiting for Bala to return. We could see the sky changing and threatening to open up and hence all of us helped to shift the runner goodie bags and the deposited bags to the nearby MRT shelter (Exit A). Bala returned minutes before the sky poured. Pity those road marshals and runners who were still making their way back. Hope they didn't catch a chill ! Some of these road marshalls also had bottles of newater with them! Oh no .. come to think of it, they still had to lug these bottles (if there were any left) back to the start point.

Think most (if not all) the runners contributed to this charity by buying a runner tag at $5 each. This tag is simply a piece of paper for us to write our encouragement to the beneficiaries (in this case, the impaired). Some of us donated more to lend support. Seems like they are still FAR from their target of <$10K. With just one more week to go, sincerely wish them the very best.

I personally think that it is the thought and effort that counts. This group of young men and women, busy with their school work, tests and exams, still find time to do good and organise this event. That is no mean feat! While others their age would be spending their spare time catching up on their rest, spending time with friends over a movie or meal, these people put their time to good use. Well done people! We have hope in our new generation ! *thumbs up*