Returning to Singapore for a second time in a bigger way, the National Geographic Earth Day Run 2017 hopes to challenge the way mass runs are organised and lead the community in adopting environmentally sustainable ways of organising events and eventually, ways of living.
Held from 2.30pm to 8.30pm on Sunday, 23 April, at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, funds raised from the event will go to climate change initiatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore. National Geographic aims to get up to 5,000 participants to take a stand via the run, and make a change through daily activities and green pledges.
Lucien Harrington, SVP of Marketing & Communications for FOX Networks Group in Asia, said, “Since 2007, National Geographic Earth Day Run has inspired and encouraged people in Asia specifically, to think more carefully about their impact on the environment and how they can engage in more environmentally friendly behaviour. This year, in support of the Sustainable Singapore Movement, we are pleased to announce that the Run will be powered on 100% renewable energy, with robust efforts to minimise waste generation to ensure it is the most sustainable yet.”
Singapore plans to raise the adoption of solar power to 1 GWp beyond 2020, and has been actively working to grow its clean energy industry. Companies such as Sunseap, a leading Singaporean clean energy solutions provider and energy partner of National Geographic Earth Day Run 2017, have also taken the lead to encourage more Singaporeans and businesses to adopt sustainable habits.
Rob Khoo, VP, Marketing & Communications of Sunseap Group, said “Being a leading clean energy solutions provider in Singapore, Sunseap is excited to champion a cleaner and more sustainable way of organizing events, together with National Geographic Earth Day Run. There is still a lot of potential for businesses and individuals to start adopting clean energy and sustainable ways of living, to ensure a greener and cleaner future for Singapore in the years to come.”
Keppel Land, a leading sustainable developer in Singapore, has also come on board as one of the run’s biggest partners. CEO of Keppel Land, Mr Ang Wee Gee, said, “2017 marks ten years since we formed a dedicated committee to lead in the setting of sustainability targets for our company as well as for our developments in Singapore and overseas. Our support of the National Geographic Earth Day Run is in line with our proactive and holistic approach to sustainability. Through the support of initiatives such as this, we seek to raise awareness of environmental issues and rally our stakeholders in the bid to shape a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”
In keeping with the race theme to reduce carbon emissions, participants will be issued race packs with eco-friendly items such as race tees made out of recycled plastic bottles, Bisphenol A (BPA)-free waters bottles given out with running belts for participants to stay hydrated without generating waste, and a NETS flashpay card to facilitate the use of public transport to and from the event.
Apart from the 5km Fun Run and 10km Competitive Run, there will also be an Eco-Carnival with food and activities for all, ending off with an Eco-Concert helmed by renowned local acts such as Disco Hue, Gareth Fernandez, iNCH, Take Two, and The Façade, who have pledged their time and performance fees to WWF for the cause.
Participants who pledge to reduce their carbon footprint through daily green pledges leading up to the run, will also be able to accumulate Green Dollars that can be used to redeem selected products at the Eco-Carnival.
Registration is now open here.
