SINGAPORE - The Flash Athletic Club X Country Grand Prix, with a total prize purse of $50,000, was officially launched on Friday (May 19).

SAFARG Venture Capital Pte Ltd was also announced as the main sponsor of the event, and will provide a cash sponsorship of $300,000.

The Grand Prix will be competed over three legs with progressive distances starting from July 1 and ending on Oct 21. The event aims to add to the vibrancy of Singapore's athletics scene, especially the distance-running discipline.

Said Flash president Edmond Pereira: "We are indeed honoured to welcome SAFRAG Venture Capital Pte Ltd as our main sponsor. Flash Athletic Club aims to develop this into a premier cross country event not just for us, but for the Singapore athletics scene.

"The amount pledged by SAFRAG is testament to their faith in the ability of Flash Athletic Club to successfully organise this event which will provide an excellent race experience for participants."

There will be six categories - men's open, women's open, men's veteran, women's veteran, men's junior and women's junior. Prizemoney for respective winners, after the completion of all three legs, range from $500 to $5,000.

Registration opens from May 22 and can be done at www.x-countrygrandprix.com.

Details of the races:

July 1 - Safra Punggol (5km)

Sept 2 - Gardens By The Bay East (7km)

Oct 21 - Macritchie Reservoir Park (12km)