2025's edition saw 200 runners unite to celebrate body positivity. Cheryl Tay shares on how it was like organising the run for a third year running
It was a lovely sight – 200 beautiful (shirtless) souls standing in front of me on a Sunday morning, all gathered for Rock The Naked Truth’s (RTNT) Annual Shirtless Run, in collaboration with Sengkang East CSN and Neue Fit.
In celebration of RTNT’s ninth anniversary as well, this is the third year that I am organising the Shirtless Run and it is also the biggest turnout thus far, making me very, very happy. Fortunately I had a great team of volunteers and friends who helped to make everything run smoothly.
I know firsthand, how difficult it is to take your shirt off in public, let alone run without your shirt. That’s why I applaud every single person who found the courage to show up on an early Sunday morning and take their shirts off to go for a 5km run.
I had people coming up to me or messaging me on Instagram that this is the first time they are running shirtless, and that they are nervous, but they felt better once they saw they were in the company of bodies of all shapes and sizes. You’re not alone!
Although I have recovered from my eating disorders that plagued me for over a decade, I still struggle from time to time with my body. Not sure if you are aware, but I had to find the courage to be in my sports bra in front of so many people because it’s not something I usually do!
I often tell others that your relationship with your body image is a lifelong journey that you need to consistently put effort into. Life is too short, so don’t hold yourself back from chasing your dreams, love and live fiercely and surround yourself with positive people that lift you.
Thankfully, the weather was bright and sunny, complete with blue skies and clouds. We ran across the iconic Tanjong Rhu bridge, headed in the direction of Marina Barrage, with scenic views of the Kallang River. We had young children run with us and some participants even ran with their kids in prams. Another participant brought her dog for the run too! Hopefully, this meaningful run was a great start to the year for all who came.
After the easy 5km jog (no prizes for winning), we trooped back to Neue Fit for chilled 100PLUS PRO – that contains electrolytes, B vitamins, BCAA and protein to boost recovery – and a scrumptious buffet breakfast that cleared out entirely. Runners can really eat! Then it was time for the lucky draw, which had a very attractive prize pool.
There were prizes from PUMA (apparel and shoes), 2XU apparel, Running Lab vouchers, Teva vouchers, Neue Fit gym passes, Oladance earbuds from WeAreReady.sg, guilt-free ice cream from Halo Top and NMN products from Live Long Long. I wanted some of these prizes for myself!
This year, I also got local illustrator Kenneth Seow to design a series of Rock cartoon stickers because Sport Plus’ founder John Yeong asked me why the rock is still naked after nine years.
A tradition that I intend to keep, Rock The Naked Truth will continue with its Annual Shirtless Run and next year’s 10th anniversary will mean you can look forward to something bigger and better!
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