What do you run for? That was the question I asked since I began my marathon journey in 2007. During the 2010 Stan Chart Marathon, along an insanely boring stretch, I noticed a fallen runner by the road with a friend standing by, concerned, frustrated but helpless.
That was when a Runner’s World article struck my mind. On a rainy morning in May 2010 at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, two women- Shari Klarfeld and Amy Schoenfeld were neck-to-neck at the Women’s 10k when Klarfeld collapsed a few metres before the finish line.
Schoenfeld, who could have overtook Klarfeld easily, instead stopped, lifted her rival and crossed the finish line together. 
And so I realized that if there’s time for a good deed, it’d be now. I approached the runners and offered them some deep heat- they brightened up in an instant and offered their gratitude. I wished them luck and moved on. If there’s anything I’ve learnt about running, it’s about humility and extending a hand to someone in agony.
This year, I’m running for not one, but two reasons- the Singapore Cancer Society and Action for Aids, because I am fortunate enough to run for them. Please make a donation so that you can help those who had experienced setbacks in life- we want to let them know there is always help around the corner.
Thank you.
Get spotty with Gia and her entourage at firefly, Taboo, Play and Zirca!
