Ultramarathoners Yong Yuen Cheng (centre, in red) and Lim Nghee Huat (left) flagged off a barefoot walk in Sentosa yesterday morning to raise money for less privileged families in Singapore.

The event, organised by voluntary welfare organisation Habitat for Humanity Singapore, had more than 6,000 participants for the 2km and 4km walks.

The $350,000 raised will be used to improve living conditions of the elderly and the vulnerable in one- and two-room rental flats.

Mr Lim, 62, and Mr Yong, 43, also kicked off their 45th of 50 runs at the event.

The duo have pledged to run 50km each day for 50 days to celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday and commemorate the resilience of the nation's pioneers.

Mr Yong, a physical education teacher at Hwa Chong Institution, said they were still focused on their daily challenge.

"Even though it's just five more days left, anything can happen, so we're focused on keeping ourselves healthy and injury-free," he said.

Feng Zengkun