It was indeed a big run – with a big cause to boot.
More than 3,000 runners took part in NUS Giving Run BIG ('Believe In Giving’) 2021 to celebrate everyday heroes in Singapore, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first virtual run organised by the NUS Development Office and the second of the Run BIG series, the event recognised individuals who have transformed and contributed to NUS, its communities and Singapore.
The Run @ Your Hood Challenge, held on 26 Sep, allowed participants to take part in an islandwide race where they could run at their own pace – and within their own neighbourhood. This not only enabled participants to be part of Run BIG in a safe manner but also rediscover the beauty and sights of their very own hood.
It also allowed participants to engage the community and promote active living during this period where hybrid work arrangements are on the rise.
Celebrating 1905
In the lead-up to the 26 Sep run, participants challenged themselves in a 14-day 190.5km run. They could form teams of four or run solo to complete the event. Through the collective efforts of all participants, over 34,277km of accumulated distance was achieved, breezing past the symbolic 1,905km target that was chosen to commemorate the year NUS was established through an act of giving by the community.
“1905 is a very important number for the NUS community. It was in 1905 that the University started as a medical college, made possible by Mr Tan Jiak Kim who rallied the community to provide support for the college. Ever since then, the philanthropic spirit has been a key part of the NUS DNA and this is also how the University enables a high-quality education to be accessible to almost everyone. This is the spirit we want to embody in Run BIG 2021,” shared Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, at the flag-off for Run BIG 2021 held at the Marina Barrage.