Rundefeated

After testing my legs and lungs at the 100PLUS Promenade around the Singapore Sports Hub, I wasn’t expecting to find another memorable running route so soon. But then came Fort Canning Park—an unexpected treasure hidden right in the middle of Singapore’s urban jungle. It felt like stumbling upon a secret garden in a concrete city, where history whispers through the trees and the air actually smells like… trees. Real trees, not just the kind printed on eco-friendly packaging.

Fort Canning reminded me of one of my favorite green spaces: Kebun Raya Bogor. Both are rich in botanical beauty and provide a much-needed escape from noisy streets. But there’s one major difference: elevation. While Kebun Raya spoils you with gentle flat paths and shady loops, Fort Canning is like that one gym coach who thinks stair workouts are a form of kindness. Uphill, downhill, turn left, surprise!—another hill. It’s basically a treadmill set to “random incline” mode, but with way better scenery.

Despite the leg-burning terrain, I found myself enjoying every step. Fort Canning’s green canopy shields runners from the tropical sun, and the air feels noticeably fresher—like a reward for leaving the traffic behind. There were moments when I paused, not just to catch my breath (okay, mostly that), but to admire the contrast of nature and skyline. From the park’s elevated spots, you get breathtaking views of Singapore’s urban elegance, rising like glass mountains in the distance.

What really sets Fort Canning apart is its rich history. You’re not just jogging through a park—you’re weaving through centuries. There’s an old fort gate here, a colonial barracks there, and even a spice garden that smells like a cooking show in the making. You half-expect to see Sir Stamford Raffles tying his running shoes next to you. It’s part workout, part time travel, which makes those uphill sprints feel slightly more heroic.

But no place is perfect. My only complaint is the lack of signage for runners. There’s no marked route, no “You Are Here” map boards to save the directionally challenged. I got lost more than once and ended up accidentally looping the same path like I was trapped in a time-space vortex. It’s a beautiful place to be lost in, but still—maybe one directional arrow wouldn’t hurt?

Still, that confusion added a bit of charm. Unlike rigid track loops, Fort Canning invites you to explore, not just follow. You can make your run as short or as long as your curiosity (and knees) allow. Every fork in the path offers a new adventure—stairs, statues, secret trails—like a jungle gym for grown-ups who wear GPS watches.

As I finished my run and cooled down on a quiet bench, I realized that Fort Canning offers something rare: solitude in the center of a bustling city. It’s peaceful, lush, and brimming with character. Not many cities offer that kind of experience in the middle of downtown. And even though my calves were complaining, my heart—and camera roll—were full.

If you’re ever in Singapore and looking for a run that’s more than just cardio, give Fort Canning a try. Bring water, prepare for hills, and maybe a map. And who knows—you might find yourself running not just through a park, but through history.