SINGAPORE - A quirky charity run has drawn both sharp criticism and bemused reactions from netizens on social media.

The Run for Good Durian Run, a 5km run starting and ending at Ci Yuan Community Club (CC) in Hougang, will give each runner a durian to run with.

Jointly organised by the Central Singapore Community Development Council and Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Citizens' Consultative Committee, proceeds from the run, which costs $15 to enter, will be donated to the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Community Development Welfare Fund.

A Facebook post by Ci Yuan CC promoting the run on Wednesday (May 24) has since received over 400 likes and 2,000 shares, with reactions to the run on social media ranging from amusement to concerns over the safety of the run.

Said Twitter user Gwen Guo: "(This is) possibly (the) most Singaporean charity run I've seen."

In the comments section of the CC's post, Facebook user Ho Shigure asked: "Has anyone conducted a risk assessment?"

Nonetheless, the official website of the run, which will be held on July 23, encouraged runners to "be creative" with transporting their durian safely.

"At 8am sharp, the race will be flagged off by the Special Guest and participants will carry, lug or hug their durians for a 5km distance until the finish," said the organisers on the official website.

However, no detailed recommendations on safely handling the spiky fruit were offered, beyond suggesting that "a backpack, plastic bag, gloves or other creative ways" could be used to minimise the risk of injury to both self and others.

According to the run's official website, participants will also stand to receive a T-shirt.

Those who complete the run will receive a medal, a coconut and a chance to win a Mao Shan Wang durian in a lucky draw.