run4COSI@Streetwise Run July 5, 2009

Sunday 3 pm, Singapore River, Grand Copthorne hotel lobby. A group of runners from PMC met in the hotel lobby for the first Angels run4COSI event held in conjunction with the Streetwise Run.

Angels run4COSI is a run organized by the PMC running community to raise funds for the tertiary education of youths graduating from COSI Cambodia. Last month, an awards ceremony was held in COSI for seven graduates. Today, kids from COSI would be doing a synchronized run to demonstrate their appreciation for the support provided by generous donors and enthusiastic runners from PMC.

More than two dozen runners signed up for this event. Andrew, PMC missions chairman was also present with his children to lend us their support. Some PMC runners wore a tag that says "Angels run4COSI: I run for Tola" or "I run for Boran" or some other kid from COSI. This was how some chose to remember why and who they were running for.



After a short prayer, we headed for the start line at Zuok. The sky was dark and gloomy - the forecast was for rain, which would be a welcome change from hot afternoons.


Indeed, less than 1 km into the run, the sky opened with showers of blessing for the participants. It is always nice to run in the rain, but how about a heavy downpour? It's nicer!

By the time we reached the turnaround bridge, it was pouring cats and dogs. It was fun splishing and splashing. The water stations were under-utilized, and supporters had to urge runners to drink! And best of all, the supporters were braving the rain to cheer us on! Talk about the spirit of encouragement. We couldn't help but smile and cheer for the enthusiastic supporters!




Ella (9) was probably the youngest member of PMC to complete the run, chaperoned by Stephanie, Ruf and I. Her sister Alexandra (4) was the youngest to start the race, but her mum wisely brought her back when it rained. We could see that they both enjoyed the race tremendously. So did every PMC runner!

Eric, who was our oldest participant, had this to say, "Many thanks to Daniel who accompanied my 60 year old pair of legs from start to finish. Altho we did it in thirty mins I am convinced Daniel can do a much faster time but he would rather chaperone me to make sure there is no mishap. Appreciate it man." Bravo!



It was a 4 km run, and by the time we reached the finish line, we were all truly drenched. But the heavy rain did not dampen our spirit whatsoever, as you could tell from the following pictures!







Stephanie summed it up well:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS COSI! This is the 1st race, and there will be more races in the future - looking forward to running with you all again ;-)