SINGAPORE - At the fifth Cold Storage Kids Run back in 2012, Sim Kwang Meng had to carry his then two-year-old son Nathan across the finish line.

On Sunday (May 28) however, Nathan not only completed the 800-metre Boogey Banana Sprint boys' race by himself but did it in record time on his way to clinching first place.

A beaming Sim was full of praise for his son: "He enjoys running. We didn't train him, he runs a lot by himself."

The Sims, together with over 9,000 children and their family members, kicked off the June school holidays by celebrating the 10th anniversary of Asia's longest-running event dedicated to children's running.

The event, held for the first time at Sentosa's Palawan Green, was graced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu. Minister Fu joined in for the Stroller Family Fun Run where parents ran with their babies aged between six and 24 months.

The race route, which extended along the coast including segments of Palawan beach, proved to be a hit with participants.

Lynda Lye has been to every edition of the run with her family since its inception and believes that the venue was the highlight of this year's event. The Lyes first participated in the run back in 2008 with their first child, who is now in her teens and over the age limit. But Lynda and her husband still took their three younger children along for Sunday's event.

The 44-year-old head of digital sales operations at Cisco Systems said: "It's much more airy because (the race route) is next to the sea. This year is the best experience we've had."

Besides running, the children were also treated to performances from Kidzania, sport booths and a carnival which featured a Transformers Truck. Cold Storage health and wellness mascots were also present to give away healthy snacks such as bananas, milk, fruit cups, red and green apples for free.

Marathoner Jasmine Goh, who is set to represent Singapore at the upcoming SEA Games, was at her first run with her two daughters aged 10 and eight and was impressed with the event.

The 44-year-old financial adviser said: "Organisers have done a great job in ensuring an enjoyable time for the children and it's good for them to learn more about different sports and also the importance of healthy eating.

"My daughters Cherish and Faith really enjoyed their first Cold Storage Kids Run and I'm sure they will want to run again next year."