Under The Spotlight | MAD Hike: 25km. One Mission.

The MAD (Move Against Diabetes) Hike is SingHealth Polyclinic’s (SHP) signature event that unites staff, volunteers, and partners in a meaningful effort to raise awareness of diabetes and raise funds to support those living with the condition. More than a physical challenge where participants race to complete missions at pit stops, the hike aims to promote healthy living, spark conversations on diabetes prevention, and raise funds for research and programmes that improve the lives of patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. It is a walk with purpose — one that symbolises the collective efforts needed to combat a condition that affects so many in Singapore.

 

 

This year’s MAD Hike celebrates both its fifth edition and SHP's remarkable 25th anniversary; uniting 140 participants from across 28 teams for a symbolic 25km hike.The hike kicked off bright and early at SHP-Outram in high spirits. Joining the teams were former staff, staff from our corporate partner, Lifeline Singapore, and SHP Helping Hands volunteers.

 

 

The triumphant blast of the horn at the official flag off filled our participants with instant excitement, as their eyes lit up with determination and took their best foot forward!

 

 

Following the planned route, the teams journeyed through SHP-Marine Parade, SHP-Tampines, SHP-Sengkang, and SHP-Bukit Merah on foot, via the MRT as well as bus. With every step, the teams were rewarded with breathtaking sights as they passed through charming neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, and iconic spots including Sentosa and Marine Bay Sands. Participants constantly looked out for one another and offered words of encouragement when the going gets tough, reminding them that no one will walk this meaningful journey alone.

 

To heighten the excitement, attractive prizes awaited the fastest teams who completed the route, along with a special prize for the most creative team photo taken during the hike. To commemorate SHP 25th anniversary, many teams creatively injected the element of ‘25’ in their photo-taking.

 

 

At each pit stop, teams enthusiastically participated in specially designed games aimed at raising awareness of diabetes prevention and health information.

 

The first pitstop at SHP-Marine Parade featured the “2,500 Calories Team Lunch” challenge. Participants had to purchase and consume lunch within 2,500 calories for the entire team, highlighting the importance of controlling daily calorie intake, and that smart choices are key to keeping diabetes at bay!

 

 

The second pitstop at SHP-Tampines presented “25 Seconds to Sugar Sense”. This challenge required participants to pick up 20 jumbo pick-up sticks in 25 seconds, perfectly simulating the precision and steady hand control required for managing daily tasks.

 

 

 

At SHP-Sengkang, teams tackled “Hoop against Diabetes 25,” where the members of each team held hands and formed a line while passing a hula hoop across all members. This activity reflected how diabetes affects the entire family and communities, requiring collective efforts and understanding to combat this condition.

 

 

The final pitstop at SHP-Bukit Merah gamely challenged participants to find diabetes-friendly teatime snack combinations under $2.50 per person from the supermarket. This activity addressed the misconception that healthy, diabetes-friendly meals are expensive and inaccessible. Teams put on their thinking caps and returned with a variety of healthy snacks and drinks, ranging from fresh apples, wholegrain bread to low-fat biscuits.

 

 

The hike also witnessed many heartwarming and inspiring moments that exemplified the SHP spirit! Dr Jason Seah Ming Jie, Resident, SHP-Punggol, demonstrated his dedication by bringing his National Service (NS) equipment along as he stood by for mobilisation.

 

Dr Jason shared, “Taking part in MAD Hike 2026 was truly meaningful - especially with the support from everyone in the clinic through encouraging messages and donations. I would also like to give a special shoutout to Dr Tan NK, who participated in the MAD Hike in 2021 and joined us again this year on various parts of the hike. Knowing that our efforts helped to raise funds and awareness for people living with diabetes made the experience extra rewarding, and I highly encourage everyone to participate in the next MAD Hike!”

 

 

After hours of navigating the route and weather conditions, all teams gathered back safely at the end point at SHP-Outram.

 

 

Despite the exhaustion, the radiant smiles on the faces of our participants told a story of endurance and determination. A video montage that captured the day’s best moments was screened before the prize presentation.

 

 

As the fundraising campaign concluded on 31 January, a total of $52,974 was raised. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who bravely conquered the MAD Hike 2026. From start to finish, they have demonstrated unwavering resilience, camaraderie, and determination.

 

 

We would also like to extend gratitude to the following sponsors, Gardenia Foods and Winstar Marketing (Win2), for making this event possible. Their generosity and support have significantly improved the participants’ experience and highlighted the power of community collaboration in addressing diabetes.

 

Together, let’s Move Against Diabetes!