SPH Magazines Pte Ltd's (SPHM) SHAPE, the complete mind and body guide for women, is bringing back Shape Run for the fourth year on next Sunday, 19 July 2009. As one of Singapore's best received women-only sporting events, it has proven to be an enormous hit with female running enthusiasts. All 8,000 spaces were snapped up within 42 hours when registration began on 25 April 2009.

"The overwhelming response is a strong indication that women in Singapore place great emphasis on health and fitness," said Allen Loh, Managing Director of SPH Magazines Pte Ltd. "SPH Magazines is glad that we are able to contribute towards a healthy and active lifestyle through SHAPE and Shape Run."

SHAPE started Singapore's first women-only competitive run in 2006, sparking off a trend of women-exclusive running events. This year, Shape Run is held in conjunction with the magazine's fifth anniversary. There will be the 5km and 10km categories as well as the 5km Corporate category.

Shape Run 2009 attracts both first-timers and seasoned runners. The Corporate category has garnered 101 teams. Meanwhile, 39 per cent of the runners are competing in the 10km category, while 61 per cent are taking up the 5km challenge - a category suited for novices.

The route starts at Raffles Boulevard and takes runners down Republic Avenue, before turning into Temasek Avenue where it ends. Roads in the area, including Raffles Boulevard, Republic Boulevard, Republic Ave, Nicoll Highway, Temasek Ave and Mountbatten Road will either be closed or partially closed. Delays are expected. (Refer to Annex A for running route and road closures)

Guest-of-Honour of the event, Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, will flag off the races.

All participants will receive a Runner's Kit after completing the race. It consists of a SHAPE sports bag, Nike T-shirt, bodycare products, health supplements, yoghurt, fitness trial classes, spa vouchers, fragrances and many other freebies. Runners will also be given certificates with their personal time.

The winner of the 10km run will receive a $1,000 cash prize and over $13,000 worth of products. For the 5km category, a $500 cash prize and $8,000 worth of products await the fastest runner. Prizes will also be given to participants who come in second to 10th placing for both categories (5km/10km). In addition, winners will be sponsored by SPHM to participate in regional Shape Runs in Malaysia in July and Thailand in November.

In conjunction with the Shape Run, there will be a three-day Shape Run Carnival from 10 to 12 July 2009 (this Friday to Sunday), from 11am to 9pm daily at the Marina Square Atrium. Visitors can browse through the latest health, beauty and fitness products and services at the 26 booths. With the hottest offers and giveaways, fun games and lots of prizes to be won, this is one fair not to be missed. Registered runners can also collect their race packs at the carnival.

The Shape Run 2009 is organised by SHAPE, SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, and presented by Subaru. The event's co-presenter is Nike Run and it is also supported by the Singapore Sports Council. Official partners are AIBI, California Raisins, CITISPA, Dr Joint Pain, Equal, H-Two-O, Kao, Kellogg's, Marigold Yoghurt, Parkway Health, Polar, Vitagen Collagen and True Fitness. Its partners in sports are Singapore Pools and Singapore Totalisator Board, while the carnival's venue partner is Marina Square.

For more information on Shape Run 2009 and Shape Run Carnival, please visit www.shape.com.sg.