Ground Zero - Run for Humanity Returns

The only humanitarian themed run in Singapore, the Ground Zero – Run for Humanity, is back again this year.

Held in observance of World Humanitarian Day which falls on 19 August, the aims of the race is to challenge runners by simulating the experience of a disaster survivor’s journey from Ground Zero, in the immediate aftermath of a humanitarian disaster.

The 10km Race at last year’s Ground Zero Run is flagging off – count-down from 80 minutes time limit.

RACE TAKES PLACE ON 14 AUGUST @ ECP

The race will take place on 14 August this year at Casuarina Grove, East Coast Park and will comprise of a new category – the 500m Kids Dash. This will be open to children aged between three to 12 years old.

This comes in addition to the two categories from the inaugural edition last year – the 10km Race Against Time and the 5km Relief Aid Challenge.

The 10km Race Against Time will give runners the chances to push their limits on sand and pathways as they race to compete the run within 80 minutes – this stimulates the time sensitive rush for safety during a crisis. To challenge themselves further, participants can choose to carry a relief pack through the 10km race.

On top of last year’s categories, the 2016 event will comprise of the 500m kids dash too.

The 5km Relief Aid Challenge will require runners to complete the 5km whilst carrying a pack of relief supplies weighing between 5kg to 7kg. Tag teams of two are allowed – whereby runners can take turns to carry the relief pack. In real life though, survivors will have to carry 5kg to 10kg worth of aid whilst covering twice the distance often in harsh conditions and terrains.

But there will be a new twist on these categories – there will be a sand section along the route to stimulate the difficult terrain of a disaster area.

GROUND ZERO RUN WAS CREATED TO CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT THE HUMAN SPIRIT OF SURVIVORS DURING DISASTERS

Said Zhang TingJun, Executive Director of Mercy Relief, “We are excited to have new elements this year for Ground Zero – Run for Humanity and we hope it will further encourage members of the running community to be a part of this unique and meaningful event.”

Added Zhang, “Mercy Relief created this event with the aim of celebrating and supporting the human spirit of the survivors we work alongside on the ground. Our organisational mission is not only to provide aid when disaster strikes, but also to empower communities in Asia and we hope that the runners come away from this experience with a deeper appreciation of the role that they can play to foster a resilient society not just overseas but also in Singapore.”

THE EVENT WILL ALSO BENEFIT FAMILIES IN NEED

Ground Zero – Race Against Humanity will also benefit families in Singapore with Mercy Relief distributing relief packs used in the event, to real families who are in need.

The race will also benefit families in need because these relief packs, seen here carried by the 5km runners from last year, will go to needy families this time round.

The race will also benefit families in need because these relief packs, seen here carried by the 5km runners from last year, will go to real needy families this time round.

The race village will feature a display of a deployment tent with equipment that Mercy Relief will use in times of disaster relief organisations, as well as interactive games and a selection of photos of Mercy Relief in action and the communities that they are serving.

Registration is now open for the Ground Zero – Run for Humanity and runners can get details and sign up at www.groundzerorun.com