NUS Giving Run BIG 2022: Going the distance for students in financial need
A heavy downpour did little to dampen the spirits of those who participated in the physical race segment of NUS Giving Run BIG (‘Believe in Giving’) 2022. The third edition of the much-anticipated annual run saw 2,300 participants come together to cover an impressive total distance of 53,000 km, with all race proceeds being donated to the NUS Annual Giving Bursaries to benefit students in need.
Organised by the NUS Development Office which cultivates and supports philanthropic support to the University, NUS Giving Run BIG was organised in a hybrid format for the first time this year – runners could choose between the Virtual Challenge, Campus Run, or both.
Clocking the miles virtually for a good cause
Throughout the month of September, participants who registered for the NUS Giving Run BIG Virtual Challenge ran at their own time and place, collecting achievement badges and unlocking rewards such as vouchers and gifts from Run BIG sponsors as they clocked various distances.
Virtual Challenge runners also had the option to form a team of four to complete the 190.5 km Team Challenge; a symbolic target chosen to commemorate the year 1905, when the local community rallied together under the leadership of Mr Tan Jiak Kim, President of the Straits Chinese British Association, to open a medical school – NUS’ predecessor institution.
“I’m very happy to support NUS students in need in my own small way. I believe in giving and I'm looking forward to next year’s run as well,” said Mr Tan Zineng, a Virtual Challenge participant.
Running with others on campus in the spirit of togetherness
The NUS Giving Run BIG Campus Run made a highly anticipated comeback on 25 September, three years after the last in-person Campus Run held in 2019. Participants registered for either a 5 km Fun Run or a 10 km Competitive Run within the scenic NUS Kent Ridge campus, but these eventually had to be cancelled due to heavy and persistent rainfall on race day. Undeterred, some enthusiastic runners from local running club Running Hour gamely completed their run indoors at NUS University Town instead.
Sharing his thoughts on this year’s edition of NUS Giving Run BIG, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said: “This year’s run is even more special as 100 per cent of the race proceeds will go towards supporting NUS Annual Giving Bursaries. The generous support will enable our students to become future changemakers. We are certain that this will also inspire many of them to pay it forward by contributing in their own ways to our community.”
By NUS Development Office
To see highlights of NUS Giving Run Big 2022, check out this video.
To empower the next generation by donating to NUS Giving, click here.
