Huijuan Cher

Runninghour is a movement that was started to help the disabled experience the joy of running. As a volunteer guide, I am paired up with a ‘buddy’ who is either visually or intellectually challenged, so that we can walk or run the whole journey together. We have weekly runs on Thursdays and Saturdays, and an annual charity running event that is open to all runners in Singapore who are aligned with our mission: ‘Run so others can’.

The training session is split into different groups, one for long distance (10KM) runs, one for medium distance (6-8KM) runs, one for short distance (5KM) runs, and one for walking.

When I first learned about the movement, I felt inclined, almost immediately, to volunteer. As I was active in sports, and it was a chance for me to give back to the community. However, my first two sessions were terribly humbling as I wasn’t prepared for the potential health and fitness challenges that my buddies had.

My first buddy had an ankle injury that he hadn’t fully recovered from, and my second buddy was still affected by an illness the week before. In both sessions, we didn’t complete the run and my self-belief was a little shaken. I was worried about what my buddies thought of my competency in being a guide. At the same time, it shed light on why Runninghour was started – that we shouldn’t take for granted something like running is to us, and that we are here to help others take the first step.

Subsequently, the sessions got better, which grew my confidence and love for each training session. Through it all, I’ve gained relationships that are priceless; and the biggest lesson for me is learning to be of service to others.

While serving and caring for others, I also learned to ask better questions like, “How much can they see?” or “How would they like to be guided?”. These interactions have helped me to better appreciate others’ experiences. Sure, volunteering sounds like we’re giving away something of value to us, which is my time and effort in this case, but I’ve also gained improved fitness levels and friendships. In fact, my friends and I have started going to other events together, such as the Purple Parade and the annual F1 race. In time, I hope to build even more friendships and strengthen community bonds that go beyond running.