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ST Run 2017: ST run giving back to the needy

With football training occurring five times a week, Dhaniyah Qasimah's love for the game comes at a price.

But as a beneficiary of the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF), the 13-year-old Bowen Secondary School student can focus on winning matches. The fund helps her family offset the costs of buying football equipment, such as jerseys and shin guards, as well as stationery for school.

On July 16, Dhaniyah will be one of about 30 STSPMF beneficiaries who will participate in the ST Run in the City 2017 - for free.

This year, the run is not only about getting fit, but also a chance to give back to charity.

For each registration, $1 goes to the STSPMF.

Runners can also donate more if they wish to. Since online registration started on Tuesday, about 300 people have pledged donations.

General manager of STSPMF Tan Bee Heong said yesterday: "We are very heartened to know that the public have so generously donated to the fund since the registration started.

"This year, about 30 of our beneficiaries will be sponsored by ST to join in the run. We are excited that these students from low-income families will get the chance to enjoy the fun of running. For many of them, it will be their first time."

Several of those who signed up said they were drawn to the ST Run this year because they could support a charitable cause.

Retiree Lim Suat Chiu, 54, who competes in a few runs a year and is taking part in the ST Run for the second time with her husband, said: "I pick runs that allow me to donate to charities."

Another participant, Lilian Chew, praised the initiative that sets aside $1 for the STSPMF. During the registration process, she donated an additional $45.

"I've actually wanted to donate all this while," said Chew, a first-time participant who also engages in mountain climbing, cycling and swimming.

The 55-year-old, who stopped running for a few years because of a knee problem, said she intends to use the ST Run as an opportunity to return to the sport.

"Running gives you a high that no other sport can," added the former human resource professional.

Other participants, such as Wong Chiang Heng, hope more runners will be encouraged to contribute.

"Anyone who is financially able to help the less fortunate, why not donate to help others," said the 48-year-old, who works in a bank. He donated $50.

The three categories are the 5km family run, the 10km and the 18.45km. All routes will end at the Padang, and take participants past iconic sights, such as Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

Those who have taken part in previous editions of the ST Run are entitled to a loyal runner rate.

Each participant will receive a goodie bag worth more than $400, a limited-edition New Balance "NB DRY" running vest and T-shirt worth $49 each, a finisher's medal and Great Eastern insurance coverage for the duration of the race.

The event's presenting sponsor Panasonic will be giving away its latest OLED TV worth $10,999 in a lucky draw for ST Run participants.

Interested runners can register at straitstimesrun.com.

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.