For COL (NS) Edwan Nizar, the REAL® Run isn’t just an annual fitness challenge — it’s a celebration of family, fitness, and togetherness.
With more than 15 REAL® Runs under his belt —and running shoes — COL (NS) Edwan Nizar, 51, is a seasoned veteran of the annual HomeTeamNS event. It’s a tradition that he’s eager to share with his children, one of whom has joined him in the last two races.
COL (NS) Edwan Nizar at REAL® Run 2022
Now in its 28th edition, the REAL® Run — short for “Regular Exercise Active Lifestyle Run” — will take place this year at OCBC Square on Sunday, 6 October. The race offers three categories: the 10km race, the 5km race, and the 1.6km Fun Walk, which is perfect for families with kids and seniors. HomeTeamNS members can still register for the 5km and 1.6km Fun Walk categories before 25 September and enjoy special member rates.
Started as an annual run for Home Team NSmen, REAL® Run has since evolved to include shorter routes for young and senior family members of our NSmen. This expansion promotes the message of “Regular Exercise Active Lifestyle” across all ages — from the youngest to the most senior.
A key highlight for this year’s REAL® Run is the 1.6km Fun Walk, ideal for families, seniors, and those seeking a more relaxed pace. In addition to completing the route, Fun Walk participants will receive a task card with challenges to complete along the way. Completing these tasks will give them a chance to be 1 of 3 lucky winners to win a set of 6 Access Passes to T-Play, Adventure HQ, and Aqua Adventure, worth a total of $839. At the finish line, Fun Walk participants will be greeted with a special “ReRu” plushie — a delightful keepsake that serves as a lasting memory of the event. Additionally, for every child aged 12 and under, one adult can accompany them and walk for free.
Edwan, who looks forward to “good weather, a smooth race, and a fun post-race carnival” this year, has run the last two REAL® Runs alongside his son, SGT (NS) Muhammad Zidny Ilman.
Currently a full-time business administration student at the National University of Singapore, 24-year-old Zidny was persuaded by his father to sign up for their first REAL® Run together in 2022.
“I encouraged him to join because we’re both part of the Home Team, and he could also represent his Singapore Police Force (SPF) TransCom NS unit at the same time,” Edwan recalls. “It’s special for an NSman father and his NSF son to run together in the REAL® Run, and I’m grateful we get to share this experience year after year.”
SGT (NS) Muhammad Zidny Ilman at REAL® Run 2022
Edwan, a real estate salesperson in civilian life, is a devoted father to four children: Zidny, 23-year-old Hani Bisyri, 17-year-old Muhammad Ilhan Fakhry, and 14-year-old Muhammad Afnan Zikry.
Together with his wife, Madam Rahayu Rawi, Edwan enjoys brisk walks or runs every weekend along the park connectors near their home. When time permits, the children join them for these family workouts.
“Last year, my wife and youngest son took part in the REAL® Run 5km event,” he proudly shares. “Running is a healthy way for us to bond as a family, and it keeps us away from our mobile devices for a while.”
(From Left to Right) Muhammad Afnan Zikry, Muhammad Zidny Ilman, Edwan Nizar, and Madam Rahayu Rawi, getting ready for REAL® Run 2023
To prepare for the REAL® Run, Edwan runs at least twice a week, although he doesn’t follow a strict training routine. Instead, he enjoys mixing things up with running, interval training, and brisk walking.
“Over the years, the REAL® Run routes have changed, but the Sentosa course is one I’ll never forget,” he says. “The soft, sloping beach sand was a real challenge — my shoes kept getting stuck, and ironically, walking was faster than running!”
As a father-son pair, Edwan and Zidny make it a point to start the race together, but they eventually split to run at their own paces.
“Of course, he’s much faster than me,” Edwan laughs. “But we push each other to go further and faster. After the race, we check in on each other for injuries and share recovery tips.”
Running with his son has taught Edwan valuable lessons in time management, perseverance, and discipline. His advice to other families thinking about joining the REAL® Run is simple: “Just join in and have fun. Run or walk at your own pace—there’s no need to compare yourself to others. We’ll be cheering you on!”
Ultimately, Edwan believes that the REAL® Run is more than just a fitness event — it’s an opportunity to grow closer as a family and as a community. “The REAL® Run is organised by NSmen volunteers, and many participants come from various Home Team agencies like the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and SPF. Whether you’re running for fun or competitively, there’s a strong bond that forms when you run alongside your mates or your family,” he reflects.
Muhammad Zidny Ilman (Left) and Edwan Nizar (Right) at REAL® Run 2022
Register here for REAL® Run 2024, taking place on Sunday, 6 October 2024 at the OCBC Square. Registration closes on 25 September.
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