Like an army of red ants marching steadfastly towards its prey, over 10,000 runners pounded the streets of downtown Singapore from the Esplanade Bridge to the Padang.

Only thing is, this 'army' also had fun.

For the Nike+ Human Race 10km run married sports and entertainment.

There was live music blaring along parts of the race route and even an evening party at the Padang, which saw popular American rock band Boys Like Girls and local group Jack and Rai among the artistes who entertained runners after the race.

But while most participants were there mainly to soak in the experience of the inaugural event, there were those aiming for glory.

Leading the honours in the men's Open and Under-25 categories was Jauhari Johan of Indonesia.

The 24-year-old, who clocked 32min 45sec, said: 'I am very happy to have won the race in a great timing.

'I have never run in such a well-organised race before, it's also the first time I have done it in a foreign country.'

Dinah Chan, 22, took the women's U-25 title (39:50) and Vivian Tang, 37, the women's Open crown (39:18).

Jauhari, Chan and Tang can also boast of being among a million people worldwide to have participated in the event.

Billed as the world's biggest one-day running event, it took place across 25 cities such as Shanghai, Munich, Mexico City and New York City yesterday.

Singapore was the only South-east Asian city.

The event was launched to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund and the ninemillion.org campaign sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Student Jessica Lim, 16, said: 'I am an avid runner and I love the pandas. So this was a perfect opportunity for me to enjoy myself during the run and make a donation to save my favourite animal.

'What made the day perfect was seeing Boys Like Girls during the concert after the race.'

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund will also receive a $30,000 donation from Nike, which will go towards helping some 8,000 less fortunate schoolkids from low income families.

Nike Singapore's country director Stanley Goh said: 'The turnout for the runners was amazing, especially the youths.

'The most amazing part was that after the race, more than half of the participants stayed back for the concert and I could really see them enjoying themselves.

'I am sure that there is no other race in the world that provides this sort of experience, where everyone leaves with a smile.'