BlackBerry supports Singapore’s inaugural ‘Green Corridor Run’
Spanning from the Tanjong Pagar Rail Station to the old Bukit Timah Rail Station, the ‘Green Corridor Run’ presented by BlackBerry’ aims to raise awareness of this historical stretch of greenery and woodland

Singapore, 17 December 2012 – BlackBerry® today announced it will be the lead supporter for Singapore’s inaugural 10.5 km ‘Green Corridor Run’, taking place on Sunday 27th January 2013 at 7.00am.

The ‘Green Corridor Run presented by BlackBerry’ is the first race to be held entirely on the ‘Green Corridor’ taking participants through a green oasis within the heart of the city. The event, which has already confirmed over 4,300 runners, aims to raise public awareness of this green pathway formerly known as the ‘Rail Corridor’. The route will allow runners to experience one of Singapore’s least known natural wonders and show their support for keeping the area as natural as possible, benefiting many generations to come.

With limited spaces available, those interested in participating in this historic event are encouraged to register now at www.greencorridorrun.com.sg. The first 1,000 people to register using the discount code ‘ACTION’ will enjoy 25% off the normal $55 entry fee.
Charles Dufourq, Country Director, Research In Motion, Singapore stated. “BlackBerry is honoured to be supporting the inaugural Green Corridor Run. As BlackBerry celebrates ten years of action in Singapore, we are pleased to commemorate such a vital piece of the island’s unique history. Whether people are looking to get fit, or show their support for the cause, we are thrilled to be helping them kick-start their own action.”

The Green Corridor Run follows the course of the old rail line, starting at the historic Tanjong Pagar Rail Station. It runs parallel to the AYE before heading North via Buona Vista, passing near Holland Village and through thelush Clementi Woodlands, before finishing at the old Bukit Timah Rail Station.
“In a city where it is difficult to find uninterrupted natural spaces, Groundswell Events is organising the Green Corridor Run to raise the profile of this incredible stretch of greenery and woodland. The event provides an example of how this piece of land can be used and enjoyed by the community,” said Ben Williams, race organiser and director of Groundswell Events.

“Imagine running half of Singapore south to north without having to cross any roads and enjoying the view of a different side of Singapore with its greenery. At times along the Rail Corridor you actually don’t feel that you are in Singapore,” said Leong Kwok Peng, Vice President of the Nature Society Singapore, the official charity partner of the Green Corridor Run. 

Why conserve the Green Corridor?

Once the beginning of a rail network that was planned to extend all the way to Russia, this uninterrupted stretch of ecological and culturally significant land has been re-surfaced to allow the community access to a ‘Green Corridor’ through the city.

The rail corridor was once home to the KTM rail line that connected Singapore to Malaysia and was the beginning of the Oriental Express for those journeying into theheart of Asia. It has been out of use for many years and this has allowed the surrounding area to flourish with greenery and natural habitat. Now the line is an uninterrupted stretch of ecologically and culturally significant land.

Even before the Malaysian government handed back ownership of the rail line to Singapore in July 2011, the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) put forward a proposal and initiated a campaign to keep the railway lands as a continuous green corridor. The campaign has so far been successful and the rail line has been removed and replaced by turf to enable the community to exercise and commute along this natural corridor through the city.