Once again, Dr Ashley Liew is giving back to the running community by running at least 200km in 10 days from 12 to 21 September for SMOO Challenge. This is Ashley’s fourth time taking part in this.

Credit: Gan Chee Hiong

Said Ashley, 38, Doctor of Chiropratic at Family Health Chiropractic Clinic, “It is the spirit of giving back to the community that keeps me coming back. It is akin to signing up for your next marathon after you have just finished one, but for the SMOO Challenge, it is to run for something bigger than yourself and to try and make a small but hopefully tangible difference in the life of someone else.” 

He added, “Many cannot do what they love due to health, financial or other reasons. I am participating in this meaningful challenge again to uplift spirits, give hope and fulfil my ‘why’ in life – to give, love and serve.” 

As an alumnus of the Singapore Management University (SMU), this was where Ashley’s athletic journey began. So he hopes for current SMU students to be able to pursue their passions, as he had done.

The SMOO Challenge is a fundraising virtual event held every two years by SMU where participants can choose to pledge to run, walk or cycle to raise money for the SMU Bursary Fund which provides financial aid for students in need. The challenge aims to unite the SMU community and beyond, fostering a spirit of giving back whilst also promoting well-being both physically and mentally. 

Said Ashley, “I am also aware that there are many SMU students in need of financial support, so participating in this challenge is a small step to helping them realise their dreams.” 

Over the years, Ashley’s passion for running and athletics, together with support from SMU, has led him to don national colours at the South East Asian (SEA) Games where he represented Singapore at the marathon in 2013 and 2015. Ashley was also the local champion at the 2012 Singapore Marathon and has a lifetime personal best of 2hrs 32mins 12sec for the marathon.

Credit: Mark Teng

Ashley is targeting to raise S$10,000 for the SMU Bursary Fund which provides financial aid for deserving students. This amount is to be raised over the three-month fundraising period from 1 July to 30 September This amount covers at least a one-year bursary for one SMU student. Through the funds raised, Ashley wishes for students today to receive the support needed to pursue their own passions, be it in the fields of sports, art, music or other disciplines. 

Regarding his running targets, Ashley aims to run or walk 20km daily during the 10-day virtual challenge window of 12 to 21 September as his physical pledge in return for the generous support from donors.

Said Ashley, “Hitting an average of 20km mileage daily on foot is physically possible for me, but the challenge would be fitting that around my usually busy schedule as a chiropractor, father and husband.”

Credit: Andy Chua

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He continued, “That said, when we run for a good cause, we can definitely make things happen! I also hope potential donors will continue to step up and make an active difference while doing good and at the same time, enjoy tax deduction on any donations of $20 and above.” 

You can support Ashley by donating to the SMOO Challenge here.

https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/smoo-challenge-2025-ashley-liew