Why I’m Running Run For Hope 2026

Not every run needs to be about chasing a personal best.

Sometimes, it’s about showing up for a cause that matters.

This November, I’ll be taking part in Run For Hope 2026, Singapore’s annual charity run supporting cancer research at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). Now in its 33rd year, the event returns to Marina Barrage on 29 November 2026, bringing runners, families and supporters together for a morning of running and fundraising.

I’ll be running the 10km category, together with my friend Liying.

33 years of running for hope

Run For Hope has been organised by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore since 1993 and has brought together more than 20,000 participants over the years. Since 2008, it has been held in partnership with NCCS, with the aim of raising both awareness and funds for cancer research.

Last year’s event raised more than US$190,000 for the NCC Research Fund, helping support research into cancer and the development of better outcomes for patients.

For a runner, it can be easy to think about races in terms of pace, distance and finishing time. But Run For Hope is deliberately different. The 5km and 10km categories are non-competitive, making it less about racing the clock and more about coming together for a common purpose.

That also makes it a race you can bring almost anyone along to — whether you’re a regular runner, getting back into running or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a Sunday morning.

A T-shirt with a story

One of the things that caught my attention about this year’s event is the official Run For Hope T-shirt.

For the first time, the shirt has been designed by Cindy Neo, an NCCS patient, full-time artist and founder of Room To Imagine. Cindy was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and subsequently left her corporate career to pursue art. Her design features a ribbon at its centre, representing movement and her own journey with cancer.

It feels particularly fitting for an event where thousands of people will be moving together, each with their own reasons for being there.

For me, this year’s 10km will be one of those runs where the finishing time isn’t the most important number. It will simply be good to put some kilometres in while supporting the work being done to give cancer patients better hope for the future.