The walk for rice event is conceptualised by the SouthWest CDC and supported by NTUC to help raise rice, a staple for needy families in the South West CDC. For every 200m walked, one bowl of rice will be donated to the needy.
Opening speech
I actually joined this activity impromptu. Was not planning to do anything during the weekend then Running Hour, a local running group for special needs people, had some slots for participation. This was when I decided to get my lazy ass up to go for a walk at the Bedok Reservoir.
Early Bedok Reservoir
The event was held at Bedok Reservoir and participants were encouraged to walk for at least 2 rounds around the reservoir, one round was about 4.2km. Early in the morning still feeling sleepy, I thought it was really going to be a walk, but turns out my partner, Weilun a young ITE boy wanted to run! Although they say it is a walk, participants can actually run or jog if they want, there was not restrictions.
Reporting to the start point
Among the 340 participants, most of them were from the Harvest Care Centre. Volunteers from the centre also came to help set up hydration point and along the way be marshallers and cheer leaders. Rubber bands were handed out for one loop completed. At the end of the event, the number of rubber bands will be counted to see how far you have done. It was a homely affair, with many families coming forth for this event.
Running with Weilun
Bedok Reservoir road is partly gravelled and partly stones. Getting in touch with nature with lush greenery, although it now can be accessed by the Bedok Reservoir MRT station, I still find it rather inconvenient especially if you stay in the other parts of Singapore other than East side.
No medals just a nice run and goodie bag
At the end of the walk, the rubber bands were passed over for recording and a bountiful goodie bag by NTUC was given out to all participants. I must say it is a generous bag with biscuits, milo sachets, oat milk sachets and many other coupons.
Overall, it was a good break from all the usual races that makes me rather tired. Now I feel more relaxed at the year end just doing small stuffs and enjoy the joy of jogging.