Running has always felt like one of the most accessible sports out there. You don’t need fancy gear or a gym membership – just your legs, a decent pair of shoes, and you’re good to go. You can run on a treadmill, around your block, or out in the great outdoors. But lately, I’ve noticed something different. Running seems to be everywhere. Running clubs are popping up in Singapore, and my IG feed is full of people crossing finish lines at marathons.
It got me wondering: what’s behind this wave of runners? And more importantly, how do you even get started if you’re new to it? To dig a little deeper, I chatted with Joanna, our colleague who runs twice a week. She opened up about how she got into running, how she stays consistent, and what it’s given her beyond just fitness.
Joanna, now in her 30s, has been running consistently for nearly three years. Along the way, she’s completed more than six marathons and races – a clear sign of her dedication and resilience. It’s safe to say she’s a tough runner, and we couldn’t help but admire her spirit as we sat down to hear her story.
More people are running than ever – and the stats back it up. According to a 2024 YouGov study, over 40% of Singaporeans now run at least once a week. That’s nearly half the population putting foot to pavement regularly.
What’s fuelling this surge?
Joanna has a theory: “It often starts with one influencer or that one super-fit friend. Next thing you know, everyone’s signing up for marathons and joining running clubs [in Singapore]. And let’s be honest – it’s a great excuse to invest in overpriced shoes, eat carbs guilt-free, and chase a [shiny] medal and banana at the finish line.”
Her theory holds up, especially with running events like the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. To keep up with growing demand, the race intends to adopt a two-day format. Participation in the Half Marathon has jumped by 46%, while the Full Marathon has grown by 31% in just three years.
And if you think all runners were born motivated, Joanna’s story will feel refreshingly honest. Her introduction to running? Peer pressure, plain and simple. “Three of my friends were actively participating in marathons and kept trying to recruit me,” she explained. Despite their efforts, she consistently declined – until one day they signed up for the Yellow Ribbon Run and needed an extra participant for a group discount. Joanna was persuaded to join.
Her first run was a 5K practice session, which she describes as challenging. “It felt like torture. I questioned all my life choices halfway through and wondered why I was paying to suffer,” she recalled.
Despite the rough start, Joanna’s perspective on running has since transformed. “Now, I genuinely enjoy it. It’s not only an excuse to spend time with friends but also a way to meet new people. And the health benefits? Much better than I expected. I actually feel good afterwards.” She concluded with a laugh, “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad they dragged me into it.”
Keeping up with a regular running routine isn’t always easy, especially on busy days. Joanna credits her motivation to a supportive community she helped create. “We have a running group called ‘Joanna’s Joggers.’ At first, I thought they named it to mess with me, but they said it’s because I’m always recruiting new members.”
What started as a group of five has since doubled in size. “We run every Wednesday after work and Sunday mornings. Everyone’s really encouraging and supportive. Sure, there are lazy days, but there’s always that one friend who guilt-trips the rest into showing up – just kidding… kind of.”
The group’s camaraderie is key. “Whenever someone feels down or unmotivated, the group is always there to lift them up.”
Joanna admits that taking breaks from running is part of the process. “We usually take a break for two weeks to a month after a marathon – our ‘holiday mode,’ which means guilt-free rest and maximum snacks.”
But getting back into running can be tough. “Honestly, every time we return, it feels like hitting the reset button. That’s why we jokingly call ourselves ‘Always Beginners.’ No matter how many medals we have, that first comeback run feels like Day 1 all over again.”
To ease back in, they start slow. “We kick off with a 5K at snail’s pace — no shame in that. We do a few of those runs, then gradually work our way back up to longer distances. There’s always someone ready to suggest a 10K or even 13K! It’s all about easing in, hyping each other up, and pretending we’re not dying inside. Progress over pain… kind of.”
When asked how she improves or gets faster, Joanna is humble. “I don’t consider myself a fast runner. I focus on consistency rather than speed. Building endurance is the priority, and over time, progress comes naturally. For me, speed is just a bonus – consistency is the real win.”
Joanna also shares why she chooses to participate in marathons. “Marathons give me a goal to work toward – a personal test of how far I can go and how strong I am.”
Crossing the finish line is deeply rewarding for her. “It’s not just about speed or distance; it’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things. It teaches you not to quit when life gets tough. Every race is a reminder of the effort it took to get there and how far you’ve come.”
Over time, all those runs – the slow 5Ks, the comeback Sundays, the midweek struggles – started adding up. Joanna had unknowingly built something real: not just a routine, but a rhythm. And with that rhythm came a desire to document it, not for the likes, but as a way to track how far she’d come.
Why do you share your running journey on social media?
“It helps me track progress, celebrate small wins, and hopefully inspire someone else to give running a try,” she says. “If you knew me a few years ago, you’d never guess I’d be this into running now. But honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. Nothing’s impossible when you really commit and put your heart into it.”
In fact, running has been a profound teacher for Joanna. “It’s taught me a lot about myself,” she reflects. “There are no shortcuts – progress only comes with consistency and effort. Whenever I start to doubt how far I can go, I look back and realise how far I’ve already come.”
She emphasises that running isn’t about competing with others but about personal commitment. “Things don’t necessarily get easier, but you do get better, stronger, and more confident with every run. And that’s running – same goes for life.”
Do you see running as part of your identity?
Two years ago, Joanna would have answered emphatically “no.” Today, running is undeniably part of who she is. “It’s strange, but my body actually craves it,” she admits.
Beyond the physical, running has shaped her mindset. “It has taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going even when things get tough. So yes, it’s become a significant part of my identity.”
When asked what she would say to someone new to running or struggling to start, Joanna offered this advice: “Starting can be tough, I get it. Running feels hard, and sometimes your mind tells you to quit before your legs do. But here’s what I’ve learnt – the things that challenge you the most are the ones that help you grow. Yes, running can feel uncomfortable at first. But if you push through that pain, even just one step at a time, you’ll start to realise you’re capable of more than you thought. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about proving to yourself that you can keep going, even when it’s hard.”
“So the question is, are you willing to try, to take that first step, and see what you’re really capable of?”
From spontaneous 5Ks to medals at major marathons, Joanna’s journey is a reminder that running isn’t just about speed or endurance – it’s about showing up for yourself. So if you’ve been wondering why everyone in Singapore is joining running clubs lately, maybe the better question is: Why not you?
Need a little help getting started? Check out our other articles on affordable activewear brands and upcoming running events in Singapore – we’ve got plenty of advice and recommendations to support you on your running journey.
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