PUB comes on board as main partner for the PUB Green Run, a virtual race that will contribute to the rewilding of the Rail Corridor
Singapore, 18 August 2021 – After a four-year hiatus, the PUB Green Run (formerly known as the Green Corridor Run) is back this year as a virtual event with a real purpose – to fund the rewilding of the Rail Corridor and in support of the nation's sustainability drive. It is also in line with National Water Agency PUB's commitment to ensure sustainable water operations and supply for Singapore.
2. The Rail Corridor is a 24km-long nature trail along the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. An annual 10km run was held from 2013 to 2016 along the corridor from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah, selling out each year and attracting 12,000 runners at its peak. This southern stretch of the corridor was subsequently closed1 for the construction of an underground 22km-long water pipe (Murnane Pipeline), to meet future water demand in the city area.
Virtual run
3. Unlike the mass participation runs in previous editions, those taking part this year will be allowed to complete the virtual run at a time and location of their choice, from 18 September to 31 October 2021. There are two categories – a 10km run and a 3km family run.
4. In keeping with the theme of the PUB Green Run, participants are encouraged to run in open spaces and park connectors, including many of PUB's picturesque reservoir parks. They are required to record their run route and timing using the PUB Green Run mobile application. As part of the run pack, participants will receive a premium running cap and a uniquely designed eco-friendly finisher's medal, featuring PUB's twin mascots Water Wally and Sally (see Annex). More information and how to sign up for the run can be found on www.greenrun.com.sg.
Running for a green cause
5. For every person who signs up for the PUB Green Run, $10 will be donated to the Nature Society (Singapore), for its role in rewilding the Rail Corridor2. Doing so will enhance the natural habitat along the Rail Corridor, improve its ecological connectivity and cool the area for recreational users.
6. Mr Ben Williams, Director of PUB Green Run organiser Groundswell Events, said: “From the first moment I stepped onto the Rail Corridor, I was captivated by this unique stretch of greenery that cuts through the entire length of urbanised Singapore, mostly uninterrupted by roads. As the years have passed, my appreciation for the Rail Corridor continued to grow and we are thrilled to support its rewilding by holding a virtual run."
7. Mr Shawn Lum, President of the Nature Society (Singapore), said: “By rewilding some stretches of the Rail Corridor and creating a continuous green canopy along it, we aim to enhance the conservation value of the corridor. The effort will also yield a cooler, greener experience for visitors as well as the rare native wildlife species that will travel along it."
PUB onboard as main partner
8. PUB supported the event (originally known as the Green Corridor Run) during its 2015 and 2016 editions, which were held in conjunction with Singapore World Water Day to promote water conservation. For the first time this year, PUB is coming on board as the PUB Green Run's main partner.
9. Ms Chong Mien Ling, Chief Sustainability Officer, PUB, said: “Partnering Groundswell to organise this eco-friendly virtual run extends from PUB's commitment towards creating a Sustainable and Green Singapore. Protecting the environment for the coming generations begins today. At PUB, we are conscientiously practising environmentally friendly habits such as reducing water wastage as well as single-use plastics, increasing solar energy usage and supporting more tree planting, with the aim to reduce our carbon footprint."
10. Last month, Singapore became one of the few countries in the world to have a fully green waterworks system – producing clean water with clean energy – following the completion of a mega floating solar farm on Tengeh Reservoir. The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, which opened in February this year, is the country's fourth desalination plant and the first dual-mode facility capable of treating both reservoir and seawater, further strengthening water resilience in the face of climate change.
Footnotes:
[1] This southern stretch of the Rail Corridor, from the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station to Spooner Road, was reopened earlier this year following the completion of construction works. The entire Murnane Pipeline project is scheduled for completion in 2022.
[2] The rewilding of the Rail Corridor is an initiative by the National Parks Board (NParks) and Nature Society (Singapore) is one of NParks' partners in this initiative.
Annex - PUB Green Run categories
- End -
