Over 13,000 take part in ST Run

In 1987, Ee Ah Seng ran his first marathon, at the age of 41. Three decades later, he is still going strong.

Yesterday morning, the wispy-haired 72-year-old retiree completed 18.45km in under two hours at The Straits Times Run.

Mr Ee, who runs about 10km daily on weekdays and 21km on Sundays, is a loyal ST Run participant, having taken part every year since the inaugural edition in 2013.

"I really enjoy the atmosphere of the ST Run," he said, wearing a smile, as he took in the post-run atmosphere at the National Stadium, where participants were treated to a breakfast giveaway, could win prizes from presenting sponsor Panasonic at its game booths and take part in a mass cool-down routine.

"Even though there have been changes in the venue of the runs over the years, the route is always nice and scenic."

Mr Ee was one of 4,500 runners who took to Nicoll Highway before the break of dawn yesterday, to start their 18.45km journey, created as a nod to the year ST was founded.

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It is great to see people of different backgrounds coming together here today. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu, the guest of honour at yesterday’s ST Run

This year's ST Run, which attracted 13,000 participants, returned to the Singapore Sports Hub after two years away. The race ended at the F1 Pit Building in 2016 and then the Padang last year.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu, the guest of honour, flagged off the 5km race before joining the crowd herself.

She praised the "pleasant and relaxed" atmosphere of the ST Run, which saw kids as young as four take part.

"It is great to see people of different backgrounds coming together here today," she said. "I've seen grandmas run with their grandchildren, school teachers running with their pupils, and also stroke patients going through the 5km and enjoying the walk.

"I also really like the lead-up (to the event, with stories) encouraging people to adopt a very active lifestyle in preparing for the run."

There were also plenty of colourful characters to brighten up the mood. "Superheroes" were spotted - in the form of runners who donned Iron Man, Spiderman and Superman costumes.

The ST Run is known for introducing refreshing changes every year and this year is no different.

For the first time, post-race massages were made available to 18.45km and 10km runners at the OCBC Arena Hall 1, next door to the National Stadium, and these proved a hit.

For many, there was an added reason to participate in the ST Run; similar to last year, $1 of the fee from every paid registration is set aside for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Over $28,000 was raised in total.

This year's ST Run also went greener. Fraser & Neave (F&N), producer of the ST Run's official hydration partner 100Plus, and local green initiative group Green Nudge both made it easier to recycle aluminium cans, plastic bottles as well as banana peels.