4 September 2011- A record-setting 614 pairs of dads and children showed up for the Dads for Life 800m Father & Child Challenge last weekend. Held for the first time as a part of SAFRA's annual Bay Run, dads, mums and children alike, made full use of the opportunity for a fun family outing in the sunshine, soaking in a carnival-like atmosphere.

The annual SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon has been a popular fixture in the Singapore runners' calendar for a good 20 years now. This time around, the turnout of more than 70,000 eager runners added a big buzz to the atmosphere. Games, entertainers, music and mascots added to the streetside festivities.

Papa and Daughter pose after putting on their colourful identification tags.	Even mums got involved, and had a blast with their kids, competing at the game stations.

Dad keeps a close eye, and ear to his little girl at the fun spelling game.	This smile says it all.

Happenings

One word aptly describes the event -AWESOME.

It was truly awe-inspiring to see all the dads and children enjoying Sunday together, against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline under the glow of the early morning sun. The event was smiles galore, even if a grumpy child or two could be spotted, plodding, and pouting for just a while, as he made his way to the finish line. The smiles would return soon after.

Whether fathers and children were playing games on the Padang, or doing the leisure run, it was a privilege to witness something special between dads and families being stitched together, leaving a joyful and precious mark on the lives of everyone present.

SAFRA did a remarkable job of bringing together so many elements to create a wonderful atmosphere for people to enjoy the simple yet gratifying sport of running -as one community. There were NSMen from all manner of units, as well as visiting military personnel from many different countries.

The towering skyline provided a breathtaking backdrop.	Anticipation at the start line was eager, yet very casual.

Dr Maliki Osman and his 13-year old son, Adli, getting prepared to flag off the Challenge.	Just one of the many, many, special moments of the day.

Commence Family Fun!

Flagging off the Dads for Life 800m Father and Child 'Challengers' was Dr Maliki Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development, and Deputy President of SAFRA. Dr Maliki also joined in the Challenge with his son, 13-year old Adli. "I'm too busy, and so this is one good opportunity for me to spend time with my son," said Dr Maliki just before the start.

Families bunched together along the race route, walking or jogging together, sometimes with children in arms, sometimes hand in hand, and at other times, hand on pram.

This was a true family-friendly event, tailor-made to be good fun for everyone.

Taking it at their own pace.	Just a brilliant day for a walk around the boulevard.

We're off...	... to paint the town red.

The Route

The Challenge itself was simple, an 800-metre run or walk around a scenic route over the Esplanade Bridge and towards Collyer Quay, then circling past Victoria Concert Hall and finally to the Finish at the Padang.

"Follow me daddy, I've got the GPS."	Hey son, the photographer is shooting, run!

Are We There Yet?

At the finish line, dads and kids received medals for participation. The game stations buzzed with more families trying out the fun activities. Games for families included a modified three-legged race, a catch-and-spell game, and more.

The Dads for Life Resource Team spoke to some fathers, including Mr Tan, who said that he normally would go the parks to enjoy the outdoors with his family. This event allowed them to enjoy being in a crowd -which was good once in a while.

L-R: Sabrina, Jessica and dad, Mr Tan.	Matthew, Joshua, Melody and Katherine enjoying a rare weekend outdoors.

Kwang Ian (right) and Megan.	The Sudarsens with their daughters Tapaswi and Nikita.

Dads Speak

Joshua and Katherine, and their daughters Matthew and Melody enjoyed the event very much. Joshua told us that he had participated in the Bay Run before, but this was his first time bringing his family. It was a change for them, because in his words, "We usually stay home watching TV."

Kwang Ian and his daughter Megan also enjoyed the event. The affable dad said, "Megan liked the games the best, especially the game where you had to throw the ball to knock down the wall." He hopes to see some water-based events similar to this in the near future. His wife Geraldine was also present, adding to the fun by taking photos and walking the route, with four-month old daughter, Paige, in a pram.

Sudarsen and his family also had a good time. He said of his children, "They like the games and this kind of event because it is very interesting (for them) at their age."

There will be more of such father-children events to look forward to. And, The Dad for Life Resource Team will be there to capture the smiles.

For more photos of the dads in action, check out the event album. Try to spot yourself and your family in the photos. You might even see a few familiar faces!

About the Author: The Dads for Life Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.