In a time when so many physical events have come to a halt, a new virtual 5km running event aims to help people create meaningful connections — online and offline — and spur an active lifestyle. 

“Humans are social creatures, and right now people are craving for physical connection,” says Joseph Tan, General Manager of Orange Room, the event’s owner and co-organiser. “With Phase 3 of Singapore’s reopening, this is a chance for people to do so in a safe way.” 

Participants of Leaderboard register online and submit their fastest timing by logging runs on fitness apps. Entries are uploaded to a leaderboard and ranked by completion time. 

Such virtual runs are “a dime a dozen”, says Tan, adding that Leaderboard takes things up a notch by adding a physical component. At the end of each month, the top 30 male and female competitive finishers will qualify for the grand finale — a physical 5km run held at the Singapore Sports Hub in April — with $8,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Keeping fit in the new normal

The idea for the event was conceived during the circuit breaker in June last year, says Tan. “Many of us suffered cabin fever from being trapped within four walls. Life became very sedentary, and we could see how it was taking a toll of people’s physical and mental health,” he adds.

The pandemic accelerated a paradigm shift in office arrangements, with the majority of workers working from home for the foreseeable future. Some have thrived in the new conditions. Others have suffered, reporting more stress from the blurred distinction between home and office. 

“We created Leaderboard because sport is one of the best outlets to relieve stress,” says Tan. “Even better, it gives us more reasons to get out of the house and stay active.”

At the end of each month, the top 30 male and female competitive finishers will qualify for the grand finale — a physical 5km run held at the Singapore Sports Hub in April. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Forging bonds

Leaderboard also aims to be a platform for fostering new connections, made all the more crucial because of economic uncertainty. When registering, participants are asked to indicate the industry they work in, such as IT, healthcare and sports. This provides kindling for serendipity.

“Sport is not just for training — there is a social aspect. I play a lot of team sports, and what I love about it is that we can bond over a shared interest. But I also get to meet people outside my circle of friends, which sometimes opens the door for new opportunities,” says Tan. 

However, Leaderboard is not leaving self-improvement entirely up to chance. It is producing a slate of ancillary events, including videos on topics ranging from health, wellness and wealth. This month, it is launching webinars featuring guest speakers from various industries, exclusively for participants. These talks are targeted at participants seeking a career transition or keen to learn more about their field.  

If you are not keen to take on a competitive run, Leaderboard also offers a non-competitive segment that entails the same perks, without the physical run that will take place in April. Participants in this category can submit runs but will not be entitled to a finisher tee and medal, nor will they qualify for the final event. 

Ultimately, the goal of Leaderboard is to encourage more people to make exercise part of their lifestyle, says Tan. He sees exercise as a keystone habit, which are practices that create a ripple of positive actions and effects — from better sleep and diet to improved relationships and productivity. 

“Exercise creates a domino effect that changes so many aspects of our lives,” he adds. 

Visit the official website to find out more.