The two-day STAR WARS DAY: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Festival concluded with a bang with the second edition of the STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018. The festivities, presented by local event organiser Esprimo and supported by Singapore Tourism Board, drew legions of fans from Singapore and the region. Fans united together as one to celebrate their love for the iconic franchise.
STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018
The thematic night run saw over 10,000 local and overseas participants across three race categories. There was the competitive 10km, the non-competitive 5.4km, and the inaugural 540m Young Jedi Dash. That last category is specially designed for children aged 4 to 9 years.
Participants get to choose one of two routes – to join the Rebellion on the Light side, or answer the call to the Dark side. Despite being divided between the Dark and Light sides of the Force, everyone remains united as one strong STAR WARS force!
In addition, runners in the non-competitive 5.4km had a unique flag-off that saw Light and Dark side participants run in opposite directions. They were also treated to sensational pyrotechnics displays that illuminated the Singapore skyline.
Another motivational aspect for the runners was the appearance of members from the Rebel Alliance, and soldiers from the Empire at the respective start lines. What better way to pump yourself up than to be cheered on by your allies?
The STAR WARS legacy proves once again to transcend generations. Participants of all ages and fitness levels participated in the run. This included a three-generation family of six that took on the 5.4km run on both Light and Dark sides.
Mdm. Chia, 77, who participated in the run with her children and grandchildren, shared: “This is my first time taking part in a run, so it is an extremely memorable experience for me. The run was a fun opportunity to bond with my family.”
Albin Johnson And Pink Astromech Droid R2-KT
STAR WARS fans also got a chance to get up close and personal with Albin Johnson. For those who don’t know, Albin Johnson is the founder of the international STAR WARS costuming organisation, 501st Legion. He and his special pink astromech droid, R2-KT, roved around the festival grounds on both 4th and 5th May. The stars were warmly welcomed by huge fan crowds, here to meet them for the first time.
One of the fans among the crowd was Ms. Tina Gan, 50, who shared: “I am super-excited to meet Albin Johnson and R2-KT. When I heard R2-KT was appearing in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I went back to the cinemas at least 3 times to search for her scenes. It was such an honour to be able to thank Albin Johnson and R2-KT for all the good deeds that they have done, for the joy they have brought to the fandom, and for the hope they have inspired in the Star Wars community.”
Costumed Band Fan Performance
Festival-goers were treated to a line-up of classic STAR WARS themes by the Dark Empire. The fan band performed five famous pieces, such as The Imperial Suite, The Imperial March “Darth Vader’s Theme”, and the Star Wars Main Theme.
The five-member band is Singapore’s first very own STAR WARS tribute band. They arrange and perform their own rendition of classic STAR WARS themes.
Picnics, Costumes, Toys, and More
Fans and collectors were awed by the collection of more than 500 vintage and contemporary STAR WARS toys. The toys span from 1977 to today, and were on display at the fan zone.
Over 30 STAR WARS fans from various fan clubs, including the 501st Legion Singapore Garrison and Rebel Alliance, dressed in costumes. They marched around the festival grounds, and posed for pictures with their fans.
Participants ended off the night with a movie and picnic under the stars. Movie-goers sat back and enjoyed Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which were screened on the night of May the 4th and 5th respectively.