70,000 take to Safra, army runs as haze lifts

In the end, the haze which threatened a popular annual running fest dissipated yesterday, allowing organisers to let 70,000 runners pound the pavement in the Safra Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon, which was in its 21st year.

The Pollutant Standards Index reading yesterday morning hovered at around 40, well below the unhealthy range of above 100.

The runners could opt for a menu of three staples - the 21km Army Half Marathon, the 10km Safra race and a 5km Fun Run. A fourth, an 800m Dads For Life challenge, which was into its second year, offered a more colourful twist.

Pairs in the father-and-child event ran in costumes - some dressed as Darth Vader from Star Wars and pirates, while others turned up in cardboard outfits worn over their T-shirts.