This year's event was launched yesterday by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) yesterday with Noble Group, Thai Beverage, United Overseas Bank and CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand, as early sponsors.

The 3.2-km run will take place on Friday, Nov 20, and start from The Float@Marina Bay.

The run is now in its sixth year and has a proven track record in raising cash for charities. Last year, $2.1 million was collected for 19 charities with 2,700 runners stepping out.

This year, 11 groups have been selected, including those helping needy children, youth, families, the disabled and mental health organisations.

About $600,000 has been raised so far this year, down from the $800,000 donated by the same time a year ago.

'Undeniably, all of us are feeling the pinch in the economic crisis. However, we are also acutely aware of the dire needs of our beneficiaries, especially during these difficult times,' said SGX chief executive Hsieh Fu Hua yesterday. 'We hope more companies will step forward to show their support.'

More details at http://bullcharge.sgx.com.