Running for a greener Garden City at MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50

Zero Waste category will be introduced for the first time to support the environment

MSIG Insurance and Action Asia Events are delighted to announce that the 4th MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 will be returning on September 29, 2018 - in greener fashion. In the true spirit of going above and beyond, this year’s course will continue to challenge the runners physically. It will be 80% similar to previous editions, with a flat and fast urban trail route running through the heart of Singapore. The new race course, which will be posted shortly, will flag off and finish at Hindhede Walk at Bukit Timah and will offer distances of 50km, 21km, 10km and 5km.

Race registration has started at www.actionasiaevents.com

In line with MSIG Insurance’s mission of helping to secure a sound future for the Earth, a Zero Waste category will be introduced for the first time to raise greater awareness for environmental protection. Runners who voluntarily give up the event t-shirt and finisher’s medal during the race registration stage will receive a special race bib. The bib is especially designed for this category of participants to recognise and encourage greener lifestyles.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth & Transport, will flag off and join the Zero Waste 10km race in support of a greener Singapore.

A couple of other runners have shown how much they care about the environment by joining the Zero Waste category as well.

Cheng Yee Tee, who has signed up for the Zero Waste 50km category, shared her motivation for racing in the MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50: “Environmental protection is a cause close to my heart. As humans, we can do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and to protect the environment, which in turn protect animals and make the Earth a better place for humans to live in and co-exist with nature and animals. Earth is not for humans alone, it is for humans, animals and flora.”

Another Zero Waste participant, David Stevenson, will be racing the 21km event. Stevenson, who hails from the UK, pointed out the cruel fact: “Singapore is like most developed nations in generating vast amounts of waste. Currently, Singapore generates about 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste and nearly all — 94% — is not recycled every year! Worldwide, around 300 million tonnes of plastic are manufactured annually. The damage to the environment and the animals around the world — including humans — is immeasurable. I want to do my part in reducing waste whenever possible.”

Formerly a road runner, Stevenson transitioned to trail running to better connect with nature. He said: “The rainforest is a special place and I have enjoyed spending many of my weekend mornings in the greenery and the mud! The rainforest provides the chance to connect with nature, connect with other runners away from city pressures, and also to connect with yourself. It was a natural step to move on to trail races, once I felt that I had achieved what I wanted in road racing.”

To minimise environmental damage along the route, the MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 is operating a strict no-cup policy. Runners are advised to bring their own water bottles or hydration packs and refill them at the water check points throughout the course.
The event is possible thanks to the generous support of our supporting partners Action X Store, Singapore Tourism Board, Outdoor Channel, Royale International, World of Sports, Forward by Norman, Run Magazine, Thorlos and the Action Asia Foundation.

MSIG Singapore Action Asia’s trail running etiquette and eco tips:

1. Turn your music down.
2. Try to reduce use of plastic bottles by using your own hydration system.
3. Make sure you carry your garbage till you find a bin.
4. When passing a fellow runner, call out loudly “passing on the left” or “passing on the right”.

Race Info

About MSIG Insurance 

MSIG Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (“MSIG Singapore”), a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group, is Singapore’s leading general insurer. With a local presence of over 100 years, MSIG Singapore offers an extensive range of insurance solutions for personal and commercial risk protection, enabling the security and safety of individuals and businesses. Wholly owned by MSIG Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd., MSIG Singapore holds an A+/Stable financial rating by Standard & Poor’s.

About Action Asia Events

Action Asia Events is the operational arm of the premier adventure racing series in Asia, Action Asia Challenge with responsibilities to plan and manage the Action Asia Challenge series of races. These responsibilities range from selection of the course venue, dates and race format to raising the funds essential to run the race as well as liaising with the Hong Kong registered charitable section of the Challenge, Action Asia Foundation, to determine fund raising activities associated with the Challenge.