15 March 2024
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Singapore, Friday 15 March 2024
- The Income Eco Run (IER) is calling Singaporeans to run their distance-of-choice again at this year’s edition at the Marina Barrage on Sunday, 26 May 2024, ahead of World Environment Day on 5 June, after the successful launch of its unprecedented run concept last year.

Expounding the challenge, “How Far Will You Go for Zero Waste?”, IER is Income Insurance’s marquee event that drives climate-positive awareness and actions amongst Singaporeans. It remains one-of-a-kind in 2024 by customising five run routes – 3km, 5km, 10km, 15km and 21.1 km - and allowing participants to clock their preferred distance flexibly in support of a zero-waste lifestyle.

In addition to building wheelchair-friendly ramps at targeted run routes, this year’s edition will be even more inclusive with a new Kids Category that encourages children aged between four and 12 years old to run either 700m or 1km for the cause.

Income Insurance Limited (Income Insurance) will also be matching one dollar (S$1) for every kilometre (1 km) clocked at IER 2024 to the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) in support of green initiatives. Last year, the IER donated S$40,000 to the SEC and it contributed to their diverse outreach and training programmes.

The IER continues to push boundaries in minimising waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle through several highlights in 2024.

This year, the size of running bibs will be 65% smaller than the industry standard to minimise material wastage. It was only 30% smaller in 2023. To make it fun and action-oriented, running bibs for the Kids Category will be made from seed paper which can be planted at home to grow flowers, fruits, or vegetables.

IER 2024 will also continue to use only plastic-free recyclable cups at its hydration stations. These 55,000 cups fully support the zero-waste cause as they can be easily recycled unlike conventional paper cups which have a waterproof plastic lining that hinders recycling.

Additionally, Income Insurance will offset the carbon footprint of the event tees and participants’ commute to bib collection and the IER on event day.

The event tees are made from 100% recycled materials and are available only as an opt-in purchase. The IER remains the only mass-run event that encourages participants to run in their own orange t-shirts or past Income Eco Run tees to promote reusing and to reduce waste.

The event also does not offer commemorative medals to runners for their participation but award e-certificates instead and participants verify their personal-best timings on the event website.

This year, the IER Village will host interactive and eco-friendly activities to educate and engage Singaporeans on sustainability beyond the run.

Participants can look forward to eco exhibits that showcase practical applications of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) such as turning PET bottles into blankets, as well as a marketplace of diverse organic and zero waste products and food items, such as meatless options, that champion mindful consumption and responsible resourcing to reduce our collective environmental impact.

The event will also avoid all use-and-throw cutlery and will feature an organised washing system at the IER village to educate the public about waste avoidance and efficient water usage. The Marina Barrage will recycle the water used for washing at the event.

The IER obtained an Eco Event label from the SEC for its various green initiatives in 2023 and is aiming to achieve the same recognition in 2024.

Mr Andrew Yeo, CEO, Income Insurance, said, “In addition to being a healthy activity that brings families and friends together, IER is more significantly a movement that rallies Singaporeans behind zero-waste practices and sustainable living. We aim to be exemplary for mass events in Singapore. Hence, we take deliberate steps to cut back waste and resources annually at the IER to raise public awareness that we can do our part, in our own way, for our planet. It is only through our collective actions that we reduce our overall carbon footprint, support climate-positive transition, and boost resilience in our limited environmental resources.”

The Guest of Honour for IER 2024 is Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore. She will lead the 5km flag-off at 7 am and run 5km from the Marina Barrage to pledge her support for the zero waste cause.

The run route will take participants on a journey through the iconic landmarks of Singapore, such as Gardens By The Bay and the Singapore Flyer. The finish point for the run is the IER Village which will boast a range of ‘green’ festivities that participants and visitors can engage in.

Registration for the IER is now open at https://www.income.com.sg/ecorun with registration fees starting from S$45 for adults and S$24 for children.

 
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