Annual Cross Country Run
The Cross Country Run, held on 17 May 2024, was the first mass-participation sports event of the year for our students, and it was nothing short of electrifying. With students primed and pumped for the run—many with aspirations of clinching a highly-coveted top-20 position in the Upper and Lower Secondary Boys and Girls race categories—the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Adding to the excitement was the fact that Challenge Shields would be awarded to the top class of each level, and this fuelled the fervour amongst runners to help propel their class to glorious victory.
The week leading up to race day had been rainy and wet, and we were all wishing for clear skies and our wishes were granted. As the golden rays of sunlight broke through the clouds, wave after wave of eager runners made their way from the school hall to converge at the starting line along the Pang Sua Park Connector. Anticipation hung palpably in the air as runners edged closer, poised for the momentous blast of the airhorn signalling the commencement of the race. And then, they were off!
The 3.6km route took runners across different types of terrain, from gravel paths to dirt tracks and onto the concrete pavements of the park connector. While our competitive runners jostled and gunned for the top spot in their respective race categories, camaraderie reigned supreme amongst our fun-runners who walked and jogged alongside their friends and teachers. Even superheroes Iron Man and Captain America momentarily set aside their world-saving duties to join in the exhilarating run, underscoring the rare opportunity it was for everyone to be out-of-doors that day, basking in the sun and the crisp morning air.
For some, the run was about creating new memories with friends and classmates. For others, it was about pushing themselves to the limit and attaining new milestones. Regardless of their individual motivations, it is safe to say that our Regenites were all runners and winners that day. For in the realm of running, every stride embodies victory; every participant, a winner. Whether one sprints at lightning speed or opts for a more leisurely pace, whether a novice embarking on their inaugural race or a seasoned marathoner, the essence of triumph lies not merely in finishing the race, but in having the courage to start.
If there is one message to glean from the day’s exhilarating events, it is this: