Linus’s Boston Marathon Dream

A total life changer journey begin in Sep 2016, where I was fortunate to ballot for a place in Tokyo Marathon 2017.

The long hours of training, nerves building up prior to Tokyo Marathon 2017 (sometimes wondering at night if I could complete my first Marathon) and the amazing support allowed me to appreciate the joy of completing my first marathon!

Over the same period, my health also vastly improve. My doctor was pleasantly surprised at the benefits which running brought me over a short span of 6 months. This made me all the more committed in my belief that running is for life! With Tokyo Marathon 2017 done, I started on this journey to chase for the Abbott World Marathon Majors six stars (https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/).

Fast forward 3 years, I was lucky enough to ballot for a slot in Berlin Marathon 2018 (completed), Chicago Marathon 2019 (completed) and New York Marathon 2020.

In the chase for the six stars, I am also fortunate to have the opportunity to run with a London-based charity at the London Marathon 2019. This is with the aim of achieving another star, and at the same time, raising money for a good cause. The charity run brings my marathon running to a new level - every step of the way, enduring the pain throughout the full 26.2 miles, I knew that with each leg forward, someone will benefit from the donations coming in.

Bearing in mind of the wonderful experience that I had during London, the search for a supportive charity that will not only allow me to run the 2020 Boston Marathon, but at the same time which reasonate with my personal beliefs, landed me with 26.2 Foundation.

I first took notice of the Boston Marathon way back in 2013, due to the unfortunate incident when I have not started my running journey. Back then I did not understand the significance of the incident in one of the world’s oldest annual marathon, but that opinion has since changed, and since Boston Marathon is regarded as the “Holy Grail” of all marathons.

Fortunately, 26.2 Foundation had also been convince of my views and fund raising plan, and graciously accepted me into their team.

The 26.2 Foundation, an official Community Partner of the Boston Atheletic Association, who is the organiser of the Boston Marathon, is a non-profit organisation founded in 1996, based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, with their branches in China, Cyprus and Greece. Its mission is to promote and support the sport of marathoning, as well as health, wellness and economic developement intiatives through strategic investments in innovative, multi-generational programs on local, regional and global needs.

26.2 Foundation has a global outreach, and has recently established the International Marathon Centre ("IMC"). This is a unique instituition designed to recognise runners past and present, to focus on fitness and health, and to build community and engagement through rich cultural and educational programs. A place that will honour, celebrate and inspire. The funds I raise will help establish the IMC.

One of the focal points of the IMC is offering opportunities to discover and learn how nutrition, fitness and exercise contribute to a healty lifestyle, like in my case. Running turned my life for the better. Medically, my health improved vastly to the extent that doctor stopped my medications. Socially, it widens the social network as many friends are made around the globe during the runs. On a personal level, it expanded my knowledge and sharpen and my focus on the important things in life.

I greatly benefited from the sports of running and hope many will do so.

So help me out by making a donation to Team Inspire, as I'll think of you all every step of the way, 26.2 miles through the streets of Boston on 20 Apr 2020.

Thank you, thank you and thank you once again!

Dear family and friends, this fund raising page is actually a proxy for the actual fund raising page. Anyone inside Singapore can access the actual fund raising page, but cannot donate funds as IMDA blocks us from donating to non profit charity organisations outside of Singapore.

The actual fund raiser can be found at the following website.

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/teaminspir...

So if you make a donation here, the funds will actually be wired to me, and I will transfer it in batches to 26.2 Foundation, the charity I'm running for. For accountability, the names and donation amount (unless you wish to remain anonymous) will be mentioned on the comment section of my actual fund raising page. And, as this is an overseas charity, I'm afraid there'll be no 250% tax deductions for donations from taxable income.

But the story shared here, is exactly the same one shared on the actual fund raising page.