In the spirit of celebration, Relay SG60 was born; in a show of unity and resilience, it drew to a close. Over 60 hours, 60 teams from the public, private, and people sectors came together to cover 600 kilometres, amidst sweat, tears, cheers, and a renewed understanding of what it means to be Singaporean.
Jointly organised by the Li Foundation and Zephyr Running Club, this relay was not only a birthday tribute to Singapore’s 60th anniversary, but also a remarkable union of philanthropy, community spirit, and the power of sports to shape lives. The event successfully raised over SGD 400,000 – a sum that will be doubled through the SG Gives Matching Grant – for Community Chest, the philanthropic arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). In turn, this will be channelled to over 200 critical social service programmes run by charities across Singapore, supporting children with special needs and youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, seniors, families in need, and persons with mental health conditions.
The story of Relay SG60 began in 2019, when 200 runners covered 2,000 kilometres collectively to commemorate Singapore’s bicentennial and raise funds for 67 charities supported by the President’s Challenge, under a movement called Relay Majulah. Six years later, the flame continues to burn bright – in the wee hours of 4 September, representatives from Relay Majulah took off from Marina Bay and handed the baton over to a new team, symbolically passing the torch and the legacy of giving.
The energy was infectious from the first stride. Guest-of-Honour Mr. Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, flagged off the first group of runners with cheers and joined in the first lap. From there, the baton moved steadily through day and night, with teams from all walks of life taking their turn, each adding their story to the journey. After the final baton crossed the finish line 60 hours later, Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, was there to cap off the event, presenting certificates to organisers and sponsors — a fitting end to a stirring relay.
Amidst the noise and celebrations, one figure stood strong and resolute – Alson Wang. Six years ago, Alson powered himself through Relay Majulah with the strength in his arms, propelling his wheelchair forward with pride and determination. This year, the route was even tougher, with crowded corners, construction barriers, and slopes in his path. But with teammates at his side, he set off once again, completing his lap and delivering for all a reminder of resilience and hope.
What made Relay SG60 remarkable wasn’t just the distance covered, but the people who came together to cover it. The 60 teams were a snapshot of Singapore itself — diverse, determined, and united.
Global companies like JP Morgan, Bitdeer, Gojek, DBS, Morgan Stanley, Julius Baer, Kamet, and Tencent ran alongside charities like WWF Singapore, Asia Philanthropy Circle, the Lions Club, and Special Olympics. Government agencies such as NCSS and Sport Singapore joined in, as did alumni groups from NUS and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Each team brought its own energy, but together they told a single story — of community and cohesion.
Support poured in from all sponsors and across sectors. Haidilao sent outlet managers to run with children from SportCares, Tencent had over 30 employees taking part across shifts, Tiger Brokers sent a team, and the Xu Family Charity Foundation rallied two generations of family members to run side by side. Each contribution — whether in footsteps, funds, or encouragement — carried the same message: we are stronger together.
Even after the running ended, participants continued sharing their stories online. The “Philantrotters”, a team comprising Asia Philanthropy Circle and Asia Community Foundation, wrote jokingly: “[We] survived a whole 10 km running for the #Relay Majulah together! (And no, no one is on sick leave today 😆)”. Others expressed moments of deep reflection. One volunteer wrote: “The way we treat the vulnerable is the true measure of a society. Experiencing Singapore’s spirit of giving up close was deeply moving.”
Of course, none of these would have been possible without the dedication of Zephyr Running Club, the co-organisers of the event, as well as their volunteers, who contributed the bulk of the on-site manpower. From the earliest days of planning to the final baton crossing the line, their commitment and passion kept the relay on track — literally and figuratively. Under the leadership of co-founders Mr. Charles Yang and Mr. Glen Tan, the Zephyr team went beyond coordinating logistics, managing the teams, and pacing runners through day and night; they embodied the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and quiet leadership that defined Relay SG60. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes and on the route ensured that every runner, volunteer, and supporter could be part of something bigger than themselves.
“Fast or slow, we rise together as a nation by lifting others up.”
That was the heartbeat of Relay SG60. It wasn’t about speed. It was about running together — supporting one another, and celebrating a Singapore built on unity, resilience, and care.
For Mr. Lionel Li, the founder of Li Foundation and one of the runners in Relay Majulah 2019, this event was a continuation of his dream to inspire and impact lives. To him, and to many others, sport is not just about endurance or distance, but about connection — a chance to bring people together, to show kindness, and to share hope.
And that’s exactly what Relay SG60 became: not just 600 kilometres on the road, but a relay of love, unity, and the promise of tomorrow.
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