Less than four hours of sleep. A 5.30am alarm. And a goal of completing our first Skechers Friendship Walk and Run. Somehow, Dennis and I found ourselves heading to Marina Barrage before sunrise on a Sunday morning.
The ninth edition of the Skechers Friendship Walk and Run 2026 saw some 5,000 participants this year.
Getting to Marina Barrage early, meant that we could catch today’s glorious sunrise. Weather was perfect and cooling, having suffered the blistering heat the past few days after returning from an even hotter Taiwan earlier this week. Marina Barrage was already bustling with a lot of activity. The waves of runners had already been flagged off and the non competitive walk participants were busy chatting and some warming up. This the second consecutive year, the event was held at Marina Barrrage.
For just a S$35 fee, participants got a 5km Event T-Shirt, a finisher medal for completing the walk, a Skechers Drawstring Tote Bag and Skechers voucher. There were also two limited-edition Performance Shoe pack options, limited to the first 50 participants that feature Skechers’ latest footwear.
The 5km route took participants around Marina Barrage and the Marina Bay area, with views of Singapore’s skyline throughout the morning. The cooler weather made the walk far more enjoyable than expected, especially after the intense heat of the past week.
For the 5km walk, we laced up in the Skechers Max Cushioning Glide-Step (220427-CHAR) and the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins: Max Cushioning Glide-Step (220425-SLT). Both models are designed for comfort over longer distances, combining Skechers’ Max Cushioning technology with a Glide-Step geometric midsole that helps create a smooth, rolling stride. Features such as Natural Rocker Technology, Soft Stride foam and Air-Cooled Goga Mat insoles provided a cushioned and responsive feel throughout the walk, while the Hands Free Slip-ins version added extra convenience with its easy step-in design and secure Heel Pillow fit.
So, was it worth waking up before sunrise after getting less than four hours of sleep the night before, just to clock 15,883 steps in a day?
Absolutely.
According to my Google Fitbit Air tracker stats, I burned 2,552 calories, walked 10.32 kilometres and stayed active for 159 minutes. For someone who doesn’t exercise regularly, that’s quite an achievement.
More importantly, it reminded me that getting active doesn’t always have to feel like a chore. Sometimes, all it takes is a scenic route, good company and a reason to get moving. Would I do it again next year? Without hesitation, provided I’m not travelling. Here’s to a healthier and more active year ahead.