Running with Heart: Eunice Chin on Finding Balance and Purpose at the Great Eastern Women’s Run 2025
- SportPlus Feature
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
How NTU runner Eunice Chin is redefining success, balance, and empowerment through the 10km Tertiary Challenge at Great Eastern Women's Run (GEWR) 2025
The Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) 2025 is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of women, community, and empowerment through sport. This year, the event debuts the 10km Tertiary Challenge, designed for young women across Singapore’s universities and tertiary institutions.
Among those taking part is Eunice Chin, a double-major student at NTU and long-time runner who embodies the spirit of running with resilience and heart.
A Journey That Began in Primary 3
Eunice’s story as a runner started unexpectedly when she was just nine years old. “My journey in running began in Primary 3 when I was selected to join the school’s track and field team after a time trial,” she recalls. “At that time, I didn’t even know what track and field was.” What began as chance grew into a passion that has carried her through every stage of school and now into university. Running gave her a sense of purpose, belonging, and discipline. “The friendships I built with teammates, the discipline from training, and the thrill of competition kept me going,” she says.
Running with Heart
For Eunice, the meaning of running has evolved with time. “In Singapore, we tend to prioritise merit—whether in grades or sports, there’s always this drive to be first,” she explains. For much of her life, that was true for her as well.
“I enjoyed competing, chasing faster times, and seeking validation in winning races,” she says. “But when I entered university, I realised speed and medals cannot be the sole purpose of running.”
Instead, running became her anchor in the fluid rhythm of university life. It became a way to care for her physical and mental well-being. She remembers advice from her coach that continues to resonate today: Run with your heart.
“At the time, I thought it simply meant giving my all in the race. But now I see it differently—running with heart means running for what truly matters: the joy, discipline, and renewal the sport brings.”
The Power of Community at NTU
As a member of the NTU Cross Country team, Eunice has discovered that running is as much about community as it is about individual effort. “Being part of the team has shown me how people from all walks of life can be united by a shared passion for running,” she shares.
Training alongside teammates keeps her motivated, while post-race celebrations and simple dinners remind her that sport is also about camaraderie. One highlight was a team trip to Surabaya, where Eunice not only bonded with her teammates but also picked up photography. “Contributing in this way gave me a fresh perspective on the team spirit that makes cross country so meaningful,” she reflects.
Balancing Academics, Sport, and Self-Care
Life as a double-major student in Communication Studies and Public Policy & Global Affairs is demanding. Eunice admits that time management is one of her greatest challenges.
“Juggling coursework from two majors alongside training and other commitments can feel overwhelming,” she says. “There are times when I experience burnout when school and sport demands peak simultaneously.”
Running, however, remains her sanctuary. “After a long and busy day at school, running is one of the few things that truly helps me to destress. I always look forward to putting my devices aside and giving space to clear my mind, recharge, and stay motivated.”
Her strategy is simple but effective: set priorities, carve out protected time for both academics and running, and allow herself to rest when needed. “Checking in with my limits, leaning on teammates and friends for support, and remembering why I started running in the first place helps me strike a healthier balance.”
Why the Tertiary Challenge Matters
When Eunice heard about the new 10km Tertiary Challenge at GEWR 2025, she was immediately drawn to it. “It offered me both the chance to set a personal goal and be a part of something bigger,” she explains.
What excites her most is the inclusivity of the category. “It encourages participation regardless of experience level and gives every runner the space to define success on her own terms—whether that’s completing the distance, improving on a previous time, or simply enjoying the run.”
She believes this category empowers young women in Singapore to reclaim time for themselves amid the pressures of academic life. “It underscores how running can be empowering and transformative, shifting the focus from purely competitive outcomes to personal development and shared experience.” What GEWR Represents
Being part of the Great Eastern Women’s Run is deeply meaningful for Eunice.
“GEWR celebrates not just achievement, but participation, resilience, and solidarity among women,” she says. “It’s a chance to be visible in a space that honours women’s strengths, challenges, and stories in sport.”
For Eunice, the event also connects back to her roots. Having taken on leadership roles in an all-girls secondary school, she witnessed firsthand how empowering it was when young women had platforms to lead and inspire. “Being part of GEWR now feels like a continuation of that journey—this time on a national stage that celebrates women in sport.”
Redefining Women in Sport
Eunice believes that events like GEWR can reshape how society views women in sport. “Running and platforms like GEWR highlight that women can be strong, competitive, and committed, while also embracing collaboration, personal development, and well-being,” she explains.
Visibility, she insists, is key. “Seeing women confidently taking part in these events encourages younger generations to pursue sport, while challenging outdated assumptions about gender and athleticism.” She points to athletes like Faith Kipyegon and Allyson Felix, who have expanded the conversation around women in sport by embracing motherhood alongside elite performance.
Inspiring the Next Generation
When asked what message she has for women hesitant to begin running, Eunice’s response is clear: “Start where you are, and don’t be afraid to take small steps. Running isn’t about being the fastest—it’s about discovering what your body and mind are capable of. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and remember that every runner’s journey is unique.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond GEWR 2025, Eunice is setting her sights on new challenges. This December, she will be running her first half-marathon. “I see it as both a milestone and the start of many more running adventures ahead,” she says with a smile.
At the same time, her professional aspirations are equally ambitious. Passionate about journalism and policy research, Eunice hopes to contribute to conversations that matter in society, while also mentoring others.
“Just as I’ve benefited from the guidance of coaches, teammates, and mentors, I want to give back by helping others discover their own strengths and passions.”
Ultimately, she hopes to grow holistically—balancing sport, career, and personal relationships in a way that reflects resilience, curiosity, and purpose.
In Conclusion
For Eunice Chin, running has evolved from chasing medals to embracing meaning, balance, and community. As she steps into the 10km Tertiary Challenge at the Great Eastern Women’s Run 2025, she embodies the event’s true spirit: running not only for achievement, but with heart. Join the Movement Beyond the Race
The Great Eastern Women’s Run 2025 may have sold out all five race categories, but there’s still a way everyone—ladies and gentlemen alike—can be part of the movement.
Support the event’s fundraiser, which closes at 2359 hours on 15 October 2025. Donations, which enjoy 2.5 times tax deduction, will go towards charity partners Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT) and the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), helping to empower women and support those impacted by cancer.
👉 Contribute here and make your step count towards something greater. #GEWR2025 #ReachForGreat