JP Morgan Corporate Challenge

Picture this, you’re in Singapore, the sun is shining, the sky scraper sky line is adorned with impeccably blue skies and not a cloud in sight.

Sounds like the perfect day to go out, grab an ice cream and relax doesn’t it? Well, not for your colleagues at the Singapore office. In 34 degree heat, our team took part in the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. Running from the Esplanade Bridge, right down to the F1 Pit Building, Morgan McKinley was one of the 400 companies raising money for Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity. Our team of eleven consultants played their part in JP Morgan’s record breaking year for the number of volunteers in the race, a staggering 16,500 runners! Although it may appear to be a relatively short route, in the sweltering heat and humidity of Singapore, it is certainly not a challenge to be taken lightly.

Running alongside so many people below some of the city’s tallest buildings and past the Singapore Flyer made this a stunning route. The atmosphere and the support of the crowd was hugely encouraging. Though most of the participants were complete strangers, they were all excited to be there and everybody was on hand to support each other in raising money. The excitement hit our team the moment they took up their running positions.

Abigail Lim, one of our Singapore Consultants, said, “It was my first time taking part in a City Run and I had absolutely no idea what it would be like. Being a regular runner (or jogger, to be precise!) I didn't think too much of it and didn’t do any special training! I had no idea where I was going and throughout the race, there was only one childish question on my mind, ‘are we there yet?’ When I saw the finishing line, I was just grateful that I made it. The team caught up in a bar for some post-race drinks and it was nice to gather and have a cold beer and a greasy dinner. I can't think of a better ending than that!” Being able to finish such a difficult task under a hot and sweltering sun was an accomplishment in itself. But our very own Chay Creighton, managed to finish the race ahead of everyone else in a fantastic 28 minutes flat, a mere 10 minutes and 21 seconds after the first athlete to cross the finishing line.

Congratulations to everyone who took part! The only question is, when’s the next Corporate Challenge?