Dr Ng Eng Hen, the Minister for Defence, flagging off the 5km fun run in 2013. (Photo courtesy of SAFRA)
SAFRA Mount Faber, April 14, 2014 – For the second year in a row, all Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready NSmen (ORNS) and those who have completed their ORNS training cycles will enjoy a significant discount of more than 75 percent on registration fees for the 5km, 10km and 21km categories at the 2014 SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon. Each participating NSman will also continue to be able to nominate up to three immediate family members to participate with them at a special SAF Family rate.
The 23rd edition of the event will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2014.
Last year, more than 46,000 runners registered after the discounts were introduced for the first time, a 74 percent increase.
Brigadier-General (NS) Tung Yui Fai, Director of National Service Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and Vice President of SAFRA, said, “We received a lot of good feedback last year and we want to encourage even more NSmen and their families to keep fit and bond through this event. The special discounts are a way for us to recognise NSmen for their service to the nation, and to thank their families for their continued support for National Service.”
BG (NS) Tung is also the Chairman of the organising committee for SSBR & AHM 2014.
Ning Wenlong, 37, competed in the 21km Army Half Marathon last year and is glad that the organisers have decided to continue with the special rates. He said, “It is good that the subsidised rates are extended for a second year. It will definitely encourage more NSmen to join the run with their NS buddies and their families. I am also looking forward for my kid to reach 4 years old so that we can join the 800m Father and Child Challenge together in the future.”
Besides encouraging bonding, more emphasis will also be placed on improving the running experience and preventing bottlenecks that were encountered along last year’s route.
BG (NS) Tung Yui Fai said, “We want participants to have a good running experience, so we are studying the route carefully to fine-tune and improve it further. For instance, as far as possible, we are exploring wider running routes at the Tanjong Rhu area for our runners. We are also looking at improving the flow at other segments such as The Helix Bridge, by adjusting the overall route and start times of the respective categories. We are expecting a larger turnout this year, and we hope that these improvements will allow all our runners to have an enjoyable run at this year’s event.”
In recognition for their contribution towards National Defence, priority registration for NSmen and their family members opened on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Registration for public will commence from Wednesday, June 18, 2014 onwards. The SSBR & AHM is jointly organised by SAFRA and the Army.
To find out more, visit: http://www.safra.sg/sbr_ahm
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