The Shape Run, organised by SHAPE, SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, is happening this Sunday. This all-women affair will see 6,000 participants of all fitness levels turn up at the Esplanade.

There is a 5km route, as well as a more challenging 10km route. Both will require preparation from the runners to keep themselves in top shape for the run.

For those who cannot, or did not, sign up, there is a three-day Shape Run Carnival, from tomorrow to Sunday, 7 - 9 September 2007. The Carnival starts from 11am to 9pm daily, and 8.30am on Sunday, at the Marina Square Atrium.

Visitors will be able to check out the latest health, beauty and fitness products and services there. There will be lots of offers and giveaways, games and prizes to be won.

For participants who did put their names down for the Shape Run, the event presents a good opportunity to catch up on exercise as well as build family bonds.

Ms Hannah Teoh, 25, who signed up to run the 5km route with her mother, sees the event as a good time for some mother-and-daughter bonding. She said: "I think there aren't many people my age who do things together with their mums or 'hang out' with them, so people do get surprised when I tell them that I'm running with her."

For others, such as experienced marathon runner Ms Grace Tan, 24, running the 10km route is a change from her usual marathon distances.

AsiaOne spoke to to them and asked how they got themselves geared up for this Sunday.

Hannah Teoh, 25 years old, Editor

Why she is participating: My mum, who is 52, was the one who gave me the idea to run.

She recently started going to the gym regularly - 3 times a week! - and she really wants to continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her gym buddies were going to do a group sign up, so she asked if I was interested.

At that time, I wanted to get into a regular exercise routine because I was spending too much time at the office, so we decided that if we ran the Shape run together, we could train together after work. So it was a good opportunity to exercise regularly, as well as to spend time with my mum.

We usually run around our estate, or at the sports stadium near our place.

Current fitness level: I guess I'm trying to make an effort to exercise regularly.

I've tried kickboxing, and I play badminton with my colleagues every week. I'm not usually the running type because I think running can be really monotonous, so I'm trying out running this time since I have someone to run with. Plus, running is cheaper than buying a gym membership!

How she prepared for the Shape Run: Mum and I run together at least twice a week at the sports stadium.

What she hopes to gain from participating: I am glad that I am making the effort to have a healthy lifestyle and not allow work to become my life. It motivates me to leave the office on time, and training with mom has helped us to bond and improve our relationship.

I think there aren't many people my age who do things together with their mums or "hang out" with them, so people do get surprised when I tell them that I'm running with her.

They usually say, 'wah, your mother so happening'. I think she is also proud of the fact that we can still do things together. She tells her friends at the gym, and a few of them remarked that it was unusual for a mother-and-daughter pair to still do things together. The fact that we are running together is a way of saying that family is important.

Grace Tan, 24, Teacher

Why she is participating: I'm running the 10km route. It's something new and I wanted to try it out.

I have been doing long distance for the past 3 years, so I thought of going for a shorter one this year for a change. Otherwise, I also swim and play badminton.

Current fitness level: I have participated in full marathons (42.125km) and half-marathons (21km).

It began during JC days where I was involved in the Outdoor Activities Club. I had to undergo a lot of physical training as part of the weekly activities and gradually, my fitness level improved. Soon after, I was involved in representing the school in cross-country events.

All that training helped to boost my self-esteem and upon graduation, I wanted to keep up with the running and not waste all the long hours put into the training. Hence, I got myself into marathons and even biathlon just to push myself to see how far I can go.

Exercise keeps me mentally alert and refreshed on the whole.

How she prepared for the Shape Run: I have been going for middle distance runs, which is about 15km, twice a week, and I alternate my routine with swimming. I also cycle to work daily as a form of strengthening my leg muscles.

What she hopes to gain from participating: I am hoping for a good timing. I would like to challenge myself to complete the 10km run in less than an hour; 50 minutes, to be specific.