Run to Celebrate: 57km of Determination on Singapore’s Birthday
On the morning of National Day, a Filipino domestic helper turned the streets of Singapore into her own marathon track. With a 57‑kilometre sprint, she marked Singapore’s 57th birthday in a way that’s as impressive as it is inspiring.
Why the 57‑km? A Fun Numbers Game
- 57 kilometres = 57 years of Singapore—equal and sweet.
- She joined a wave of four other runners who had already tackled the same distance the weekend before.
- Jeanette’s own “big run” began at 11:15 pm on Monday—yes, you read that right, the very same night she clocked her friends’ achievements.
The Trail She Traveled
Starting from her home near Somme Road, Jeanette heated the pavement all the way to the East Coast and breezed past the Marina Barrage, finally winding down near the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
She clocked in at 8 hours and 51 minutes—less than a full day, but enough to cover a realistic marathon twice over!
One Tweet, Two Statements
“This is for you, Singapura,” she posted on Facebook, followed by the gem, “I still can’t believe I could do it.”
Running Back in Her Roots
At 33, Jeanette’s first long‑distance foray dates back to her 21‑year‑old jog in the Philippines. A kind neighbour—a pro marathoner—spotted her and opened the door to races. “I only got a few because work and family bills came first,” she confesses.
She balanced her duties, her family’s needs, and her newfound love for running, all while ferrying across countries.
Family & Finance
- Five sisters, a mother, and a late father (died 2017).
- Eight years in Singapore, five in her current role (a domestic helper serving a French chef’s family).
- She earns enough to join challenges without draining the household budget.
Other Talents, New Challenges
“They pushed me to be more active,” she says. “I learned to swim, tried cycling—I’m a jack‑of‑all‑trades now.”
Her employer is as understanding as a calm host: No curfew, Sunday off, and you can be back at midnight as long as you’re on track the next day. That flexibility let her finish her run when the culinary crew was away.
Why This Race? A Moment of Pride
She’ll film this as the last race in Singapore before her contract ends on December 28, when she plans to return home to finish building her own house.
“What’s next?” she asks. “I’ll be ready to jump back into any run once the house finishes up.”
Closing Thoughts
Jeanette’s 57‑kilometre run isn’t just a number game—it’s a testament to perseverance, juggling work and family, and stepping out of the ordinary. On a day of national pride, she proved that a helper’s heart beats just as strong as any marathon runner’s.
