26-05-2025
Together, these sisters will run for health and a good cause at Great Eastern Women's Run
(From left) Sisters Nadhirah Roslan, Nadhrah Roslan and Nadia have signed up for the 10km race at the Great Eastern Women's Run on Nov 9. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Together, these sisters will run for health and a good cause at Great Eastern Women's Run
SINGAPORE – The Great Eastern Women's Run on Nov 9 will be a special day for Nur Hiryanty Roslan, Nadhirah, Nadhrah and Nadia – who are 33, 30, 24 and 19 respectively – as it will be the first time that the four sisters are running a race together.
It took some persuasion from Nadhirah and Nadia to get Nadhrah to sign up for the 10km race as she does not enjoy running. But the 24-year-old, who is the fifth of six siblings – they have two brothers – agreed to take up the challenge to fulfil her personal workout goals.
Nadhrah said: 'This year I wanted to start running again. I used to run in secondary school, but I've never participated in running events like this. So I thought maybe this year I could try again. I ran (5km) in the 2XU Compression Run, then they (her sisters) told me about the Great Eastern run and they are the ones that have been encouraging me to join all these running events.
'I am quite active in working out, but not really running. I was leaning towards the 5km but maybe in November I can do a 10km because I might have more time to practise.'
Her sisters Nadhirah and Nadia were in the queue for the May 26 event launch at Asia Square Tower 1, where the first 117 participants received two free slots to the race, along with a goodie bag. Event organisers are expecting about 12,000 runners for the 2025 edition.
Both Nadhirah and Nadia took part in several runs in 2024 and the duo were happy that they managed to rope in Nadhrah and their oldest sister Nur Hiryanty for the Great Eastern Women's Run.
Nadia, a final year nursing student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said: 'I feel that she's (Nadhrah) very busy with her schoolwork, so it took a lot of convincing to get her to join us. Aside from health goals, we are also trying to contribute to society.
'Aside from the volunteering work that I do in school, these kinds of events made me feel that there are other aspects I can contribute to, while enjoying myself.'
The event, which also drew over 12,000 participants in 2024, raised a record $388,000 for the Singapore Cancer Society and Daughters Of Tomorrow, a charity that works with underprivileged women.
Nadhirah added: 'For me, I feel like I need to be more active now, because I feel like my fitness level is going down. So joining this kind of event sets a goal for me.
'I want to do something better, set my priorities straight, and to be a healthy mum for my kids also.'
The first 117 participants at the May 26 event launch received two free slots to the race, along with a goodie bag.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
The 2025 race will feature a new invite-only category for elite runners from tertiary institutions to compete in the 21.1km half-marathon. Eunice Chin, 20, a first year communications student at the Nanyang Technological University, plans to sign up.
Chin, who ran competitively for almost 11 years, said: 'My view towards competitive running has changed slightly. I no longer have the desire to chase personal bests any more. But it's more about making friends… And really just enjoying running as a sport in itself.
'It's exciting that it's an all-women's run, because most of the time in track and field, a lot of the top runners are men. It's really like a space for women to be able to inspire and empower each other and to really grow within that sisterhood.'
Eunice Chin, 20, has run competitively for almost 11 years.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education, and Digital Development and Information, who was the guest of honour at the launch, said in a speech: 'The Great Eastern Women's Run has become more than just a race. It's a platform that uplifts women through movement, community and purpose.
'I'm very excited that there's a new tertiary category this year, because it gives young women a chance to shine and to grow through sport.
'From the Princess Dash (for girls 3-6 years old) to the half marathon, every step taken builds a culture of inclusion, resilience, and giving.'
Ms Jasmin Lau (centre), Minister of State for Education, and Digital Development and Information, running on a treadmill to raise $20,000 at the launch.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Interested participants can enjoy early bird rates from May 26 to June 8, and registration is open till Oct 5.
Visit for more information.
Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times.
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