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6,000 Women Runners Packed Business District For Singapore’s Favourite Women-Only Run.
SHAPE RUN 2007 HAD A SUCCESSFUL FLAG-OFF

Singapore, 9 September 2007 – SPH Magazines Pte Ltd’s SHAPEdrew 6,000 women to the Esplanade Bridge this morning for the all-womenShape Run 2007.

At 7.30am, Guest-of-Honour of the event, Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West District, flagged off the Shape Run - a 5km and 10km challenge. She also joined the 5km run after the flag off. The route began at the Esplanade and took runners down Shenton Way before the 10km participants continued on into Marina South.

More than 2,000 runners (36%) competed in the tougher 10km category this year, close to twice the number for 2006, while 64% took up the 5km challenge which is more suited for novices. Participants were mainly in their 20s and 30s (75%).

The 10km category winner is Australian accountant Suzy Walsham, 33, who clocked in 34 minutes: 37 seconds. She won a cash prize of $1,000 and over $12,000 worth of products.

British finance director Anna Helowicz, 34, won the 5km race with a time of 21 minutes: 06 seconds. She received $500 cash and $8,400 worth of products.

This annual event is an enormous hit with female running enthusiasts here. All of its 6,000 spaces were snapped up within 12 days of registration opening on 22 June 07.

(List of top three winners is at Annex A below)

Elisabeth Gwee, editor of SHAPE, says: “The enthusiastic response to this year’s Shape Run far exceeded our expectations. The overwhelming response that we’ve gotten from the public shows the impact that SHAPEhas had on motivating women to lead a more active lifestyle. It also reaffirms the positioning of SHAPE as the definitive guide for women who want to live healthier and more well-balanced lives.”

SPH Magazines Pte Ltd’s SHAPE, the complete mind & body guide for women, spearheaded Singapore’s first-ever women-only competitive run last year, sparking off a trend of women-only running events. This year’sShape Run 2007 continues its aim to encourage more women to include sports, particularly running, as part of their healthy active lifestyle.

“With the success of Shape Run 2007, SPH Magazines is very encouraged to evaluate the possibility of a regional Shape Run with our partners in Asia in the very near future. Our goal is to constantly engage our readers better through our editorial content and events, such as this,” added Mr Allen Loh, Managing Director, SPH Magazines Pte Ltd.

All runners received a Runner’s Kit worth $1,000 each. These kits consist of a SHAPE sports bag, Nike t-shirt, bodycare products, health supplements, yoghurt, fitness trial classes, spa vouchers, fragrances and many other freebies. Runners also received a certificate listing their personal time.

In conjunction with the Shape Run, a three-day Shape Run Carnival, was held from 7 to 9 September 2007 (Friday-Sunday), at the Marina Square Atrium, showcasing the latest health, beauty and fitness products and services at its 22 booths.

The Shape Run 2007 is organised by SHAPE, SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, and co-presented by nike women. The event’s main sponsor is Swissoats A111 and it is supported by Singapore Sports Council. Official partners are AIBI, CITISPA, Crocs, Darlie All Shiny White, Dunlopillo, Heliocare, Kellogg’s, Marigold Yoghurt, Nike Timing, Omron, Pokka, 21st Century and Vitagen Less Sugar. Its partners in sports are Singapore Pools and Singapore Totalisator Board, while the carnival’s venue partner is Marina Square.

Issued by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd
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MEDIA CONTACT
Pearly Mak
Assistant Manager
Corporate Communications
SPH Magazines Pte Ltd
DID: 6319 2336
Mobile: 9765 6704
Email: pearlym@sph.com.sg

About SPH Magazines Pte Ltd

A leading publisher in Singapore and the region, SPH Magazines Pte Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of media giant Singapore Press Holdings Limited.

With a proven track record for sterling editorial content & award-winning designs, SPH Magazines raises the bar as a dynamic magazine publisher. In its stable are over 90 titles in English and Chinese, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, society, bridal, health, men’s lifestyle, movies, automobile, parenting, décor, new media and business. All the newsstand publications, including flagship title Her World, and other well-known titles such as Female, The Peak, Home and Décor, Nuyou, Torque, HWM and GameAxis are among the highest-circulating titles and best-read in their respective lifestyle category.

In addition, an established editorial unit provides excellent custom publishing services to major corporate clients by producing custom lifestyle magazines, newsletters and other collateral to meet their business needs.

With a vision to continue growth regionally, SPH Magazines is set to become Asia’s publishing powerhouse. It has editorial offices in China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Magazines in its fold have achieved strong market presence in their respective sectors, as well as distinguished track records and solid reputations.

At SPH Magazines, the promise is to deliver its best to meet the diverse needs and interests of readers and advertisers.

About Shape Singapore

Shape Singapore is the only local monthly mind and body guide for women. It is targeted at smart, affluent and health conscious women aged 20 to 45. It aims to inspire and motivate with its credible and current coverage of health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, beauty and fashion. An advisory panel comprising the country’s leading health experts are on hand to lend their expertise in every issue.

ANNEX A

Shape Run 2007 - Top Three Winners

 5km winners

10km winners