Tell us how the idea was mooted for the Bloomberg Square Mile to be held here in Singapore.
Singapore is a young, vibrant city with an incredibly strong corporate community – it’s the perfect fit for an event like this. When we first started discussing expansion of the event with Bloomberg it was quickly identified as an ideal host city, and we’re really excited that it is going to stage the first Bloomberg Square Mile Relay outside the UK.
What do you hope to achieve with the race?
Lots of answers to that question. Firstly, we hope to stage a fantastic event that adds something new and exciting to the Singapore sporting calendar. There is a great sporting culture in Singapore and a real appetite for events like this. Secondly, we really want to bring a new sense of positive competition to the financial sector. Thirdly, we are working with SportCares to leave a real, tangible legacy in the form of two programmes which will not only unearth new sporting talent, but also engage, educate and inspire a new generation through running.
How will this race stand out?
One thing that makes the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay totally unique is the team feeling that comes from picking up that baton and passing it on to a teammate – people train together, race together and build really strong relationships through the race.
Singapore’s seeing many alternative races these days (The Zombie Run, The Color Run, The Green Corridor Run, Commando SG). Were you encouraged to have the Bloomberg Square Mile in Singapore because of this?
It’s very exciting to be involved in a strong sporting community and an exciting calendar of events that really does get people out on the streets running. So the answer is yes – but actually I think it’s more that these events have come to Singapore because there is such a strong appetite for them.
What’s your fitness regime like?
I grew up playing rugby and spent a lot of my life out on that pitch, but over the last ten years I’ve been playing more tennis, swimming and running a lot, including the London Marathon and Triathlon. If I don’t get out there and do something every day then I’m not happy – sport is a big part of my life.
Catch all the action of the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 2013 taking place on October 24 at The Promontory, Marina Bay.
