Another World Harmony Run. I still remember the first one where we ran 37 km over 8 hours. That's was hell and agony but still it was fun... so despite my worry that my legs may not last me for so many hours, I decided to sign up and duly turned up at Hong Kah North CC at 11.00 am. This time round there was a smaller turnout probably because of the short notice and the many races coming up within the next few weeks and notably the Shape Run the next day. As seem to be normal nowadays, the participants were mainly from SGRunners - I wonder why the organiser never go and chio the MR 25, Safra and the schools and clubs?
Our first stop was the Masjid Darussalam Mosque in Clementi. There we had a rousing welcome from the Mosques with kompangs followed by singing by the adorable little kids. This has got to be the best reception we have gotten so far.
Our next stop was at Tanglin - the Grace Assembly of God. Disappointingly, nobody seems to be around to greet us. Eventually, a church elder or the pastor came out and gave a short welcome and prayer. I guess the churches do not like the reputation of Sri Channoy the founder of the World Harmony Run and are not too enthusiastic about it.
A short run and we reached Orchard Rd - the first time I'm running there. Our tired spirits are lifted by the enthusiasm shown by the people along the road especially from the tourists. The Lido management even played the WHR video on their mega screen. This stretch certainly lifted everybody up.
From Scotts Rd, we went on next to the Khaisa Dharmak Sabha sikh temple. Again, a very warm welcome by the temple trustees. We had to put on scarves to enter the temple but once in we were served fruits and a heavenly milk tea. That was so refresing and I am sure it perked everybody up.
From there a 2 minute run uphill to another Sikh temple along Sophia Road, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha. There was a short prayer by the priest and than we had bandung and vadai.
We proceeded next to Serangoon Rd - the Veeramakaliamman Temple. Again another rousing welcome by the temple. The tempo of the drum lifted everybody and we charged off full of energy to our final stop.
At the Tai Pei Buddhist Centre on Lavendar St, after prayer and blessings by the monks, we were served vitagen drinks. Hmm yummy and than it was off to the last stop the Esplanade.
On reflections, the world really need peace and harmony and if in a small way this run can helps to contribute to it - the efforts of all the runners will be worth it. Especially kudos to Shamrock despite falling right at the very beginning outside the Singapore Poly; the Uncle who ran with us until Scotts Rd; Hyperactive who really lives up to her name by boucing all over and the very loud bus driver and helpers with their overwhelming support.
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