OH MY HAZE! Running Safely During Hazy Conditions
A little haze shouldn’t leave everyone guessing whether we’re running.
With hazy conditions affecting Singapore, Running Department will be monitoring the air quality closely and adjusting our run sessions when necessary.
Our priority is simple: keep everyone moving, but keep everyone safe.
What are we monitoring?
For our run sessions, we will refer to the NEA 1-hour PM2.5 reading, which provides an indication of the current air quality and is intended to help with decisions on immediate outdoor activities.
Because haze conditions can change quite quickly, we will make our final assessment closer to the start of each run.
Here’s what to expect when you’re planning to join us for a run during this hazy situation.
Saturday Long Runs
0–55 μg/m³
RUN AS USUAL
Our programme continues as planned.
56–100 μg/m³
SHORTENED RUN
Run duration will be limited to approximately 1.5 hours, with distances adjusted according to pace.
101–150 μg/m³
SHORTENED RUN
Run duration will be limited to approximately 1 hour, with distances adjusted according to pace.
151 μg/m³ and above
RUN CANCELLED
The session will not proceed.
Mid-week Wednesday Runs
0–55 μg/m³
RUN AS USUAL
Our usual 5km and 10km options will continue.
56–150 μg/m³
MODIFIED RUN
We will shorten the session and offer 5km and 8km options instead of our usual 5km and 10km.
151 μg/m³ and above
RUN CANCELLED
The session will not proceed.
When will we make the call?
We know nobody wants to wake up, get changed and travel down only to find out that the run has been cancelled.
For that reason, any cancellation will be announced 60 minutes before the scheduled reporting time.
For our weekday runs, this will generally be 60 minutes before the run starts.
For our weekend long runs, this will be 60 minutes before check-in begins.
For example:
Run starts: 7.00am
Check-in starts: 6.30am
Cancellation decision: 5.30am
Keep an eye on our official channels before leaving home whenever hazy conditions are expected.
When in Doubt, Sit This One Out
Running is a strenuous outdoor activity and haze affects everyone differently.
Conditions can also change quickly and for the safety of our community, runners who fall within vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with chronic lung or heart conditions such as asthma, should not participate in our outdoor run sessions when air quality is elevated or unhealthy.
If you are feeling unwell, experiencing breathing difficulties or are simply uncomfortable with the conditions, please sit the session out.
There will always be another run!
