Valentine's Day Special: If these stories are anything to go by, start running because you just might meet someone awesome
Lunar New Year celebrations may be occupying the majority's attention, but romance is also in the air as we fast approach Valentine's Day on 14 February.
Traditionally known as an occasion for celebrating love and honouring those who play a special role in our lives, the true meaning of Valentine's Day may have been watered down in recent times with an over-emphasis on commercialised gifts and extravagant gestures.
Which is why in this special Valentine's Day feature we'd love to bring your attention back to the community where love is abound - from budding romances to couples who are celebrating over a decade of being together, united by their passion for running.
From wearing matchy sportswear and running shoes to joining running events together, we ask nine running couples you may have seen running on the streets of Singapore how the sport has brought them together and strengthened their bonds through running.
If these stories are anything to go by, start running because you just might meet someone awesome.
GORDON LIM & VERNA GOH
When / Where was your first run together?
Gordon & Verna: Our first run together was in the Marina Bay Area / Gardens By The Bay, some time in June 2018. We just happened to meet in town, as we both had gyms where we could end our runs at. It’s a route that we still run many times a week till today! 😛
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Verna Goh: The most common route is at Bedok Reservoir, I think we’ve run there more than 1,000 times together over the years laughs.
We love exploring new places though, whether it’s the Green Corridor, Macritchie, Rifle Range Road, Changi Coastal Road, Upper Pierce / Lower Pierce, Kent Ridge, Mount Faber, Sentosa! Our favourite running route though is Sentosa for sure, we love the hills there and it always feels like an escape from the actual city. The air feels purer and it’s a very refreshing change of scenery.
How has running brought you all together?
Gordon: We definitely bond a lot over our runs together. Over the years, we have run out of topics to talk about though, and we literally know all there is to know about the other person, so we really enjoy the silence and rhythm of the footsteps together.
We know what makes the other person tick and we have adapted to each other’s running styles - it’s a lifestyle after all and we plan our lives around running!
How do you guys support each other?
Gordon & Verna: We respect each other’s training routines and know that running plays an important role in each other’s life - it’s a non-negotiable! So we plan our life around running, dinners on weekdays are late as we both fit in our runs and training after work. Saturday mornings are extra early as we get our long run in. We keep each other accountable, but we have fun along the way.
We keep it light-hearted by exploring new places, especially when we are travelling and remind the other that sometimes rest is equally just as important as training.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Gordon & Verna: Don’t forget to have fun! If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.
ARTHUR TONG & ELAINE YOUNG
When / Where was your first run together?
Arthur: Gosh, Our first memory of running together was at 15 years-old as schoolmates in secondary school (Canada). Elaine was our school's track and field team manager and I was the team's vice captain - we were literally running loops around each other. 😜
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Arthur & Elaine: Our favourite has to be at East Coast Park because it is just a stone's throw away from home and it’s easy to push our daughter Haley along in our running stroller.
How has running brought you all together?
Arthur & Elaine: Running together has been a constant through our whole relationship - as friends at 15, to boyfriend and girlfriend at 21, as husband and wife at 26, and now as a family of three (since 2019). It's a way for us to spend time together no matter how busy we are, to start or end the day on the same page.
How do you guys support each other?
Arthur & Elaine: Understanding each other's needs, and being each other's emotional anchor. Life is a sweaty mess, we have seen each other at our worst and best and we still choose each other.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Arthur & Elaine: For the one that is faster, wait the f*** up - start together, finish together.
AZARIA HENG & DADIMA KIMMEX
When / Where was your first run together?
Azaria: It was actually back when we were in the UK during University. It was in February of 2021 - a quite memorable one because it was in the snow! Dadima could only run 2km back then before blowing out. 😂
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Azaria & Dadima: Along the canals of river trent which connected the City centre to Beeston, a town near our University. We liked it because it was a peaceful and scenic route.
How has running brought you all together?
Azaria: From witnessing Dadima’s improvement to building a run club from the ground up together, running has become a shared journey that bonds us through achievements, mutual support, and a shared passion for fitness.
How do you guys support each other?
Azaria & Dadima: We are each other’s accountability system when training gets tough. Running often brings moments of self-doubt, but we remember to reassure and motivate each other and celebrate races together - the same approach to navigating life!
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Azaria & Dadima: Find fast, be free, just run. 😬 Maybe buy each other your first running attire too!
PATRICK CHNG & HAN YING
When / Where was your first run together?
Patrick & Han Ying: Our first run together was during a Garmin MY Run Club training session in 2019 along Stadium Walk.
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Patrick & Han Ying: Our favourite running route is from Stadium (Singapore Sports Hub) to Marina Barrage along Tanjong Rhu Road. Everything started from here and we have fond memories of this place.
How has running brought you all together?
Patrick & Han Ying: We get to spend more time together doing what we like and learn more about each other.
How do you guys support each other?
Patrick & Han Ying: To always be there for each other, to motivate and to care for each other.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Patrick & Han Ying: Sign up for the same race to work on the same goal. Better still if it's a runcation.
SEBASTIAN CHEONG & CHERLYNN SIM
When / Where was your first run together?
Seb & Cherlynn: 2015 at New Balance Run Club, Kallang Wave Mall! ✨⚡️
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Seb & Cherlynn: From home to Merlion, about 6KM. We like the view of the cityscape, bumping into familiar faces and going for breakfast together after.
How has running brought you all together?
Seb & Cherlynn: Common topics of interest, friends and overseas run-cations give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose outside of work! 🙌🏼
How do you guys support each other?
Seb & Cherlynn: By letting each of us run at our pace and showing up for each other’s 'A' race locally or overseas. The one in training season buys breakfast for the one who sleeps in. 😃
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Seb & Cherlynn: If you don’t run the same pace, agree on a running completion time. That way, you can do your own pace, start and end at the same time with your partner!❤️
SAMSIDAH & HERRIZ
When / Where was your first run together?
Samsidah & Herriz: Our first run together was in 2013 at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 10km event.
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Samsidah & Herriz: Bedok Reservoir Park. This is where he ignited the sparks for me to fall in love with running.
How has running brought you all together?
Samsidah & Herriz: Shopping! We get to buy gears and share accessories too!
How do you guys support each other?
Samsidah & Herriz: Him chauffering me to my trainings. Me cooking his favourite food in return.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Samsidah & Herriz: As much as you love to run do not forget the importance of training and rest.
EUGENE LIM & SOFIE CHANDRA
When / Where was your first run together?
Sofie: Maybe 11 years ago? Haha I started running because of Eugene, so he won't look at other girls running but me. My first race was the 5km ST Run with Eug, that ended inside the National Stadium.
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Eugene & Sofie: We don’t have a specific favourite running route as we enjoy discovering new things and using running as a means of exploration.
How has running brought you all together? How do you guys support each other?
Eugene: Sofie and I do believe we function as great partners when leading our communities- The High Panters, Happy Pace Club or adidas Runners. She's great at planning and executing whereas I love ideating and story-telling.
Sofie: Eugene has been my source of support from day one, and also my own personal sports scientist. For my first half he did my whole training plan, carried my hydration and gels. I just ran and cried and kept wanting to go to the bathroom. I ran my first half for Eugene.
But over the years I've also seen how his guidance and influence has led me to own my own runs and trainings. And today I run for myself.
We continue to support each other into becoming better versions of ourselves.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Sofie: Find your rhythm together and always have empathy for each other. Celebrate all your wins for each other no matter how big or small.
And always have fun. It’s important to enjoy the journey together, embracing both ups and downs, in order to grow together. It’s definitely not about pushing Personal Bests (PBs).
JOHN YEONG & CHERMAINE ZHOU
When / Where was your first run together?
John & Chermaine: We first ran together in May 2022 at Fort Canning Park as part of Superhero Runners' Tuesday run. It was a group run, and we were already following each other on social media for over a year but had never met in person till then.
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
John: My personal favourite is Labrador Park to Sentosa. It is a lot less crowded than the city routes and a more scenic alternative which I feel is great for running dates or even if you are running solo.
Chermaine: The Marina Bay route leading to Kallang definitely holds a special place in our hearts. It's a route that we've done countless times as a couple, from the early morning dawn training runs to our regular Superhero Runners sessions. The route has witnessed our growth as a couple, with many fond memories from the early days of dating and remains a regular spot for our run dates.
How has running brought you all together?
John & Chermaine: I think if it weren't for Superhero Runners (SHR), our paths would never have crossed. Chermaine was previously running with other running groups before she was roped into SHR by friends. Likewise, I used to run solo before Sebastian invited me for trail runs and SHR runs in early 2020 during our days together as Under Armour ambassadors. So come to think of it, running and SHR was where it all began for us.
How do you guys support each other?
John: We try to support each other's running goals; and be there for the other person when it is their 'A' race. My best running memory has got to be crossing the finish line of my first full marathon in Sydney last year and immediately seeing Chermaine who gave me a hug right after I completed my race. It's an amazing feeling that cannot be replicated.
Chermaine: We are each other’s personal cheerleaders, be it at work, or pursuing our own personal goals and of course in our case - our running journey. Even if that includes sleeping early on Friday nights for early morning 4am long runs , celebrating the little wins - like setting a new PB or conquering our first full marathon; we find joy in each other's successes. But beyond the achievements, it's the journey we cherish most, sharing new experiences by each other’s side.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
John & Chermaine: Don't be your partner's run coach - HAHA 😆 Best advice would be to cherish every moment you spend together on the road. Running isn't just about the mileage you’re covering; it's about the shared experiences and a way to connect with each other on a deeper level. Above all, don't forget to have fun! 😃
TERRY SEOW & AMY PHOON
When / Where was your first run together?
Terry & Amy: Our first run together was 10 years ago and at Pasir Ris Park.
What is your favourite running route as a couple and why?
Terry & Amy: Our favourite running route as a couple is around the Marina Bay Area because we enjoy the scenery and also always get to meet many running friends at this area.
How has running brought you all together?
Terry & Amy: We have more common things to talk about and of course shopping for sports wears. We love matching sports wear when running together.
How do you guys support each other?
Terry & Amy: We encourage each other while doing our Long Slow Distance (LSD) runs. We motivate each other and survived our long races together.
Best advice you’d give for other running couples?
Terry & Amy: Always enjoy running together ❤️, at the same pace and taking videos and photos together while running.
Not only that, but there are plenty of opportunities to bond as a couple of you join races and train together.
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