Actress Kym Ng loves running on weekends as it makes her feel free like a child

Who: Singaporean actress-host Kym Ng, 58, who has been a regular on television screens since the mid-1990s.

She has won the Star Awards’ Best Variety Show Host prize four times, as well as Best Supporting Actress twice and Best Actress once. In 2019, she won the All-Time Favourite Artiste award, having been named among the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes 10 times before. She and her husband, a 59-year-old who works in the tourism sector, do not have children.

Ng’s latest project is the Channel 8 drama Last But Not Least, which is also available on mewatch. She plays a mild-mannered secondary school principal whose rebellious son, prone to fighting with others, studies in the same school.

“Whenever I have the chance, I will go running. It helps me keep fit and active, and can be quite therapeutic, especially after a long day at work.

Running allows me to let out all the negative feelings and keeps me energised for the rest of the weekend. When running, I also feel free like a child. I can go anywhere and explore anything.

I live in the central area and usually run from 6.30am to catch the sunrise. I will jog along the Singapore River to Marina Bay and then towards the National Stadium. This route has wonderful scenery.

When I cross the Jubilee Bridge, the view of Marina Bay is spectacular. The water’s surface resembles a mirror and the early sun hits Marina Bay Sands so beautifully. The sight makes me feel so good.

When I want to switch things up, I will run at other places, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park or Dempsey area. Every run is different.

I typically run for 15km and then take the MRT home. My fitness watch helps to track my heart rate and distance covered. My speed is between 6½ and eight minutes a kilometre, which I am very happy with. I mostly run alone because I am not used to adjusting my pace while running with someone faster or slower than me.

I usually run in a singlet and shorts. If fans see me, I am fine to say hello. But some people have asked to take photos with me, which I can’t because I don’t want to stop running. If they want to take a photo while running with me, I am okay with that.

While jogging, I don’t listen to music because it will distract me from the things I should focus on, like my breathing, gait and how my feet land on the ground. Having no distractions also lets me better enjoy the scenery around me.

Since 2021, I have been participating in running events after a cameraman, Mr William Tan, encouraged me to do so. We recently completed a half-marathon, or 21.1km, with some friends. My time was 2½ hours.

I have not done a full marathon, though, because I don’t think I have the time to train and recover, given my filming schedule. But maybe one day, if I know I won’t be working for some time, I might just give it a try.”