Fun-loving running affair at the Safari Zoo Run

Story and Photos by REDIntern Alan Chiang

Singapore Zoological Gardens, Saturday, February 7, 2009 - 4,000 enthusiastic walkers, joggers and runners of all ages took part in the Safari Zoo Run, the first-ever run at the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

It was a non-competitive run that took runners on a 3.2km route inside the Night Safari coupled with a 3km portion through the Singapore Zoo.

This run marked the death anniversary of Singapore's most beloved Sumatran orang-utan, Ah Meng, who died on February 8, 2008. Part of the proceeds from the run will be donated to the care of endangered animals at both the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Mr Teo Ser Luck graced the event as he flagged off the run at 4pm.

David Edwards, 36, an administrative officer at an international school came in first for the run, clocking just over 20 minutes.

He said, "It was a good run. It had quite a nice route. Best of all, it was the first time in the zoo. It was awesome. I guess it was a great preparation for my birthday celebration."

Chris, 18, a Nanyang Polytechnic student, found the going a little slow though. "The route was so congested. I had to run and stop most of the time. But luckily I got to see the animals at the zoo!"