A race for nature lovers

Runners who love nature, you're in for a treat.

On Jan 31, Swiss sports brand Compressport will be taking runners on a lush tree-covered trail, across a variety of terrain.

The Compressport Rail Corridor Run will comprise a 5km fun runand a 10km competitive run through Singapore's Rail Corridor.

The corridor, which stretches 26km, used to have train tracks owned by Malaysian railway company Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM).

After KTM ceased operations in 2012, the corridor was opened for public use. But parts of the Rail Corridor have been slated for development by national water agency PUB. These parts will be closed by the first half of next year.

Last month, it was also announced that there are plans to turn the corridor into paved cycling paths, shelters, event spaces and rainforest viewing platforms.

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"The run offers people the last chance to run the corridor and embrace the trail before it closes," says Mr Lai Kee Chow, one of the event's organisers.

He and his team have been organising the run since May and have taken precautions to ensure it goes smoothly. Mr Lai says: "Runners in different categories start at different points because the paths can be narrow and we want everyone to be safe."

There will also be sufficient water points along the run.

Prizes for the top 10 runners in the competitive category include cash, as well as Compressport vouchers and fitness products. Every participant who finishes the run will also receive a medal, regardless of position.

Mr Collin Ng, who is in charge of the route, says the run will be special because of the route's diverse terrain.

He says: "People will be surprised at what they will find on the trail. It is a special one, with a lot of variety in terrain."

Runners in the different categories will end up at the same end point - the historic former Tanjong Pagar railway station. Part of the proceeds from the run will go to three charities: Breast Cancer Foundation, Halogen Foundation and Shark Savers.

According Mr Lai and his team, more than 7,000 tickets have already been snapped up, and there is a limited number of tickets left.

Ms Jasmine Goh, who is taking part, says she is looking forward to the scenery along the corridor.

She adds: "Also, January is a great month to run as it is not so hot."