Singapore has recently witnessed significant changes in its sporting activities. The sound of running shoes in the shopping malls of this country can be heard, as fitness enthusiasts seek refuge from air pollution in these places. Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has brought air quality in this city-state to its worst level in over a decade, halting outdoor activities.
Running in Shopping Malls
On Sunday, over 80 runners turned the corridors of Marina Square shopping mall into running tracks, running on two floors of the mall before the stores opened. The rules governing this activity are strict. Eugene Beh, 52, founder of the Singapore Running Club, told about 60 club members before starting their run: "No fast running, no overtaking, no shouting or screaming." Spitting and wiping sweat on the ground are also prohibited. According to Beh, the club has canceled several outdoor running sessions due to air pollution.
Experience of Running in Indoor Spaces
Angeline Zang, 57, a bank employee, completed 10 laps equivalent to 10 kilometers in this shopping mall. With the half marathon in Taipei and a full marathon coming up in December, she needs more kilometers. She said, "I love this because the cool air reminds you of running in countries with cold temperatures, so it's really great." However, she also acknowledged that looping around the shopping mall during long runs can be "boring." Doris Tan, 42, a club member, also mentioned that she expected running indoors to feel suffocating.
Paul Wong, 54, a retiree from the X-Run club, completed 21 laps equivalent to 21 kilometers. Training for the Singapore International Marathon in less than two months, he has been forced to use a treadmill due to air pollution. He added, "The longest distance I've run is 28 kilometers in two and a half hours; this is really mentally challenging."
Eddie Chan, the head of the X-Run club, stated that clubs must present a detailed plan to the shopping mall for approval, considering the width of the sidewalks and the need to run before the stores open. Air quality has improved this week, but Singapore still ranks among the 20 most polluted cities in the world. If air pollution continues, these two clubs will keep planning for running in shopping malls.
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