ST Run: DJs Glenn Ong and Charmaine Yee to run show with a light touch

DJs Glenn Ong and Charmaine Yee promise a fun, light-hearted atmosphere when they host The Straits Times Run in the City 2016 next month.
DJs Glenn Ong and Charmaine Yee promise a fun, light-hearted atmosphere when they host The Straits Times Run in the City 2016 next month. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Radio DJs Glenn Ong and Charmaine Yee ran together for the first time recently. Now they will also be emceeing together for the first time.

The duo participated in the NTUC Income Run 350 with a group of friends earlier this month, and they will reunite on May 22 to host The Straits Times Run in the City 2016.

"We were just telling jokes to each other throughout the whole 10km, and that's what got us through the run," said Yee, 28, of their recent race.

Even though the two have hosted runs before, this will be their first time collaborating.

"I like working with different people,"said Ong, 45, who hosts One FM 91.3's breakfast show.

"Charmaine is a fun girl, easy to get along with and we're going to have a lot of fun."

The duo intend to keep things light when they host the ST Run.

"Most of the time, runners are in the zone. They know what they want to do and they don't need anyone else to encourage them any more," said Ong.

"We'll keep it light, crack a few jokes to make them laugh and set them off on a light-hearted note."

Both Ong and Yee have plenty of running experience.

"I contemplated running and hosting at the same time, but I might not make it," joked Yee, who hosts Kiss92's weekday afternoon show.

"I always stop and start during the run, but I was very proud of myself in the last run I did because there was minimal stopping."

Said Ong: "After years of running, I got a bit bored. Then I discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu a year ago, and I recently discovered golf.

"I've got a problem with my left knee, so when I run, I feel a 5km or 10km run is just nice. I still want to be able to walk when I'm older!"

Yee admires the dedication and passion of runners. She said: "Everybody comes to the run for a different purpose, whether it's to set a personal best time or to walk with their friends for 10km. But they all have the same love for running.

"What I'm looking forward to is the end of the race, when you see the look of satisfaction on the their faces. It's the same kind of feeling that I have when I finish a run."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 27, 2016, with the headline ST Run: DJs Glenn Ong and Charmaine Yee to run show with a light touch. Subscribe