Where Strength Meets Stride: Stories of Women Rising Together

In Singapore, running has become far more than a fitness habit. It is a thread that connects neighbours, generations, and life stories. From quiet morning jobs in the neighbourhood to catching sunrise views along the bay, movement has become an act of self-care, connection and community.

Events like the Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) bring this spirit to life, where women from all walks of life come together to not just to cross finish lines, but to raise each other up through every kilometre. More than a race, it is a gathering of stories, strength, and shared spirit.

Following this year’s run on 9 November, what stood out most were the stories of how women across our community are embracing movement on their own terms. To find out what fuels this collective spirit, we spoke to women across different ages and backgrounds about how they find meaning, motivation, and connection through movement.

A Treasured Bond Between Mother and Daughter

Naina Ravi (L) and daughter Srishti Havaladar (R)

For 51-year-old Naina Ravi, running is a ritual she has held close to since 2015. It has been her space for strength, sisterhood, and self-care. In 2023, that tradition took on a deeper meaning when her daughter, Srishti Havaldar, 23, joined her on the starting line at GEWR for the first time.

After recovering from a Hepatitis A health scare, Srishti found running not just healing, but a way to reconnect with her mother.

An athlete through school and part of her university aquathlon team, Srishti had always been active, but carving out time together had become harder as life got busier. For Naina, running alongside her daughter at a women-centric event that celebrates empowerment at every age and pace was deeply meaningful. For her, the goal isn’t about distance or timing, but about staying active and most importantly, creating memories with her daughter, one step at a time.

Naina leaves a message for other mothers and daughters: “Start small—try 5km or 10km together and build from there. The run is a wonderful opportunity to grow closer, celebrate your bond, and be part of something that uplifts women. Keep the spirit going. Join every year. It’s a race that belongs to us.”

Embracing Active Ageing on their Own Terms

Ladies from the Ang Ku Kueh group
From left to right: Joyce Chang, Sunita Sue Leng, Mariz Alonso, Josephine Oei & Loo Wei Leng

When Wei Leng, 58, and Sunita, 57, first joined a community walk in Clementi, it was about carving out a small pocket of time in the week to move, breathe, and to catch up. Over time, that simple habit became a shared space of friendship and motivation that neither expected, but both now cherish.

Over time, their casual strolls turned into a wellness circle with other women they fondly call the “Ang Ku Kueh group.” The name nods to the traditional red pastry — an emblem of joy, longevity, and shared sweetness.

For them, running isn't about clocking faster times. It is about consistency, laughter, and the power of friendship.

Now regulars at GEWR, their story redefines what active ageing can look like — it isn’t a race, but a celebration of presence, connection, and movement at your own pace.

Running Toward Purpose and Balance

Eunice Chin (second from left) with her NTU teammates at the
Great Eastern Women’s Run 2025

At 20, Eunice Chin balances academics and athletics at NTU, where she majors in Communication Studies and Public Policy and Global Affairs. A member of the NTU Cross Country team, running isn’t just exercise but a grounding force through each stage of her life. She first discovered her love for the sport in Primary 3, when she was first selected for her school’s track and field team. Over the years, it became more than a routine; it offered friendships, discipline, and a sense of purpose.

“When I entered university, I started to see running as more than just competition,” Eunice shares. “It has become a way to care for both my physical and mental well-being — a constant I can always return to.”

For Eunice, running also offers clarity amid the busyness of student life. Between lectures and coursework, it’s her time to switch off the screens to reset and recharge.

But it’s not just the solitude that keeps her going; it’s the sense of community. Training alongside her teammates gives structure and shared purpose to even the toughest sessions.

“Running isn’t about being the fastest,” Eunice says. “It’s about discovering what your body and mind are capable of. The most important thing is to begin, and in doing so, you open the door to growth, community, and empowerment”.

For Eunice, running is no longer about chasing wins. It’s about connecting with her teammates and finding meaning in movement.

Creating Safe Spaces for Women to Reclaim Wellness

Preeti Mohan (L) and Michelle Seyffert (R) at the Great Eastern Women’s Run 2025

For Michelle, 44, and Preeti, 43, co-founders of the Singapore Women’s Triathlon Club, sport has always been about more than competition. Their grassroots community was born out of a simple, powerful need: to give women a safe space to train, share, reset and grow.

As working mothers, they have watched how time, support and encouragement can make or break someone’s wellness journey. Their club is not just about training but about understanding, empathy and showing women that they do not have to do this alone.

Through shared runs, conversations, and laughter, their club has become a space where women support one another in reclaiming time for themselves, and in rediscovering joy in movement.

Every Step Tells a Story

Across generations and backgrounds, these stories remind us how women are embracing movement on their own terms, finding meaning in every step, for themselves and for the community around them.