SINGAPORE - The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run has raised $85,539 this year for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which contributes towards the rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for ex-offenders, their families and children.

More than 7,500 people signed up for the run on Sunday (Sept 13) to show their support against the stigmatisation of ex-offenders.

The event consisted of a 10km competitive run and a 6km fun run. Both runs, which were turned into a 6km walk due to the haze, took participants through historic sites such as the Johore Battery and Changi Chapel Museum. Runners also got to run through the iconic Old Changi Prison Wall, which opens once a year for the run. The end point was in the Changi Prison Complex.

Flagged off on Sunday morning by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, the event is one of the key initiatives of the Yellow Ribbon Project, which encourages participants to build a society that supports second chances for ex-offenders.

Members of the public were also treated to performances by a 46-member strong local wind orchestra, The Philharmonic Winds, with two inmates from the Singapore Prison Service Performing Arts Centre.

One of the songs performed, "Changed", was penned by an ex-offender, reflecting his desire to change and his hope for acceptance. The song was one of the 10 finalist songs at the Yellow Ribbon Song Writing Competition Finale held earlier this year.

Following its inaugural launch in 2009, the annual Yellow Ribbon Prison Run has attracted over 56,700 runners in the seven runs, and raised more than $674,000 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.