Last we checked, tracking steps is out and tracking vertz is in! If you enjoy trends and doing your part for charity while keeping fit, join us this September as you challenge yourself vertically by participating in the first virtual Community Chest Vertical Marathon 2021!
Traditionally part of the Community Chest Heartstrings Walk, the inaugural Community Chest Vertical Marathon 2021 will take place as a standalone fundraising event co-organised by Community Chest and Marina Bay Sands. “Together We Soar” is the official slogan for the event and Community Chest hopes to virtually bring like-minded individuals of all ages to soar together towards greater heights and raise S$2 million to contribute to the community. The first of its kind virtual event will support over 100 social service agencies that serve Community Chest’s five causes: adults with disabilities, children with special needs and youth-at-risk, persons with mental health conditions, seniors and families in need of support.
For those of you who are wondering what a vertical marathon entails you to do, we have got you covered! Essentially, a vertical marathon takes place in countries or cities where there are more buildings than mountains. Case in point, Singapore – our concrete jungle! Unlike conventional running events and marathons whereby one may run a distance of up to 42.195km, a vertical marathon will have you climbing flights of stairs in any high-rise building or slope that is convenient for you. Vertical marathons aren’t unheard of as similar events were organised in Singapore in the past.
The Community Chest Vertical Marathon held in September this year is slightly different due to the safe distancing restrictions that are currently in place and will feature an interactive digital platform that will bring participants on a virtual expedition. Unleash your inner mountaineer spirit and virtually climb five different peaks across the region: starting with Bukit Timah Hill (163m) in Singapore, followed by Mount Yongmasan (348m) in South Korea, Mount Takao (599m) in Japan, Lantau Peak (934m) in Hong Kong and ending with Mount Batur (1,717m) in Indonesia. With Community Chest celebrating its 38th anniversary this year, the virtual event also intends to rally the community to collectively achieve 38,000m elevation over the event period from 5 September 2021 to 31 October 2021.
If you are a travel bug who often find yourself missing the thrill of impulsively booking a trip to somewhere new to take part in various outdoor activities, you know this vertical marathon is just for you! Not only will you soothe the inner woes of not leaving the country, but the event will also take you on a trip like no other, leaving you with new memories and experiences that you have not felt in a long time.
While the Covid-19 pandemic is a bit of a let-down to many, it has also opened many doors for us to venture into the digital world. So, instead of sulking at home and daydreaming about the good old days when borders were open with flight schedules aplenty, we are certain that this interactive virtual event will turn heads and entice many, especially if you love sports and the outdoors. It is never too late to try something new and now is the time to do it!
Now, let’s move on to the benefits of a vertical marathon compared to a regular marathon:
As we all know, climbing up a flight of stairs has been proven to be the easiest albeit tiring way to reduce body fat and burn calories. But what else?
Stronger Legs
When faced with the dilemma of running vs walking, people would generally choose running because it burns more calories. Walking uphill or up a flight of stairs build strong quads and glutes. What more? The low impact exercise is a great form of strength training and cardio while assisting in burning fats!
Can Be Done Anywhere
In Singapore, we have an abundance of high-rise buildings. You don’t need a running track or a treadmill to participate in the event. All you need to do is find the nearest flight of stairs within your vicinity and take advantage of that! Isn’t that easier considering how most of us are still Working from Home (WFH)?
Beat The Heat (or Rain)
We’re all familiar with Singapore’s unpredictable weather but with stair-climbing, there is absolutely no reason anyone would skip their workout because stairs are usually indoors. Rain or shine, it’s always there, and dry!
Now that we have covered the basics of vertical marathons and how they benefit us, we hope you will support this event for a meaningful cause! The interactive event has been said to be different and fun because it cultivates your mind by having you transport yourself to places you may not have been before by using your imagination, and challenges you to be your best. Upon “conquering” each peak, participants will receive an e-badge of completion to celebrate each achievement. The Community Chest Vertical Marathon allows you to choose to sign up individually or in teams of two. Wait no further! Find yourself a buddy and get ready to take on the challenge!
But wait! There are amazing prizes (worth more than $500) to be won by the top three achievers from the Individual and Team categories respectively. Participants will also be eligible to join a photo contest that will be launched on Community Chest’s Instagram page for a chance to win additional prizes (worth more than $100)! What’s more, topping up an additional S$22 at registration will get you an exclusive UNIQLO T-shirt in support of the Community Chest Vertical Marathon 2021.
Gather your friends and loved ones today and get fit for charity. Click here to register today!
HOW IT WORKS
- Register online (individual at S$38 /team of 2 at S$68) from now till 3 October 2021.
- Track your elevation gain using Strava or a preferred tracking app.
- Screenshot your elevation log data and upload it under “My Activity-Manual Submission” tab. Strava app users are required to connect to Strava account before starting on the challenge. You can read more about submitting your activity details here or download the user guide here.
- Upload all your elevation data within the clock-in period of 5 September 2021 to 31 October 2021.
- Remember to always practise safe distancing measures while embarking on your climb.
- Participants with existing medical conditions are to consult their doctors before attempting in strenuous exercises and advised to stop if/when the exercises get too severe.
