For REAL® Run Committee Chairman LTC (NS) Mohd Rozaiman Bin Rosidi, running is more than a fitness habit — it’s a way to bond with family, nurture values and give back to the Home Team community.
When LTC (NS) Mohd Rozaiman Bin Rosidi’s 14-year-old daughter clocked an impressive 2.4km timing for her National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) test, he was delighted, joking with her that she had run as fast as some of the Home Team NSmen under his command.
His words of encouragement spurred his daughter to become more serious about the sport, joining her mother on her weekly runs. “She has turned out to be a good running partner for my wife,” says the proud father. “My second daughter, who is nine, occasionally joins my wife and I on our runs on her bicycle or skate scooter, making it a family affair.”
RUNNING THE EXTRA MILE
As Chairman of both the REAL® Run Committee and Executive Committee at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, Rozaiman finds similar joy in helping others embrace fitness.
The 42-year-old Assistant Director at SkillsFuture Singapore began volunteering in 2018 with the North Development Committee at HomeTeamNS Khatib. After serving four years on the Audit Committee and three years on the REAL® Run Committee, he was appointed Chairman this year — a reflection of his growing involvement with HomeTeamNS, which was recognised with a 5-Year Long Service Award at the recent HomeTeamNS Awards.
Rozaiman (third from right) with fellow teammates on the REAL® Run Committee.
“I volunteer because I want to help improve the NS experience beyond in-camp training,” he shares. “REAL® Run is meaningful to me because it is an event that brings together thousands of NSmen, their families and friends for a great reason. Seeing everyone’s smiles before and after the run, catching up with old friends and making new ones? That’s the best reward.”
He shares that this year’s event will build on the committee’s collective experience from past editions, while also bringing in fresh ideas contributed by committee members and HomeTeamNS staff. As a teaser, this year’s REAL® Run will take place on 11 October 2025 at an exciting new location that blends the challenges of urban routes with the beauty of nature trails. Participants can enjoy Early Bird rates when they register between 18 June and 31 July 2025. Follow REAL® Run’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
MOTIVATING YOUNG RUNNERS
An avid runner, Rozaiman clocks two to three runs weekly, mixing up his routine with high-intensity interval sessions and longer-distance runs of up to 30km. Depending on what he’s training for — whether it’s the 2.4km IPPT, the 10km REAL® Run, a half-marathon or a full marathon — his sessions range in pace and distance. His yearly goal? To clock over 1,000km.
Giving it everything he’s got at the 2022 REAL® Run.
His usual route takes him from his home in Keat Hong to the scenic Ulu Pandan Park Connector, a stretch that allows for extended distances. “It’s a beautiful place to run, especially when I’m going for anything above 30km,” he shares. “Occasionally, I will join my wife at Jurong Lake Gardens, which is her favourite spot for a run.”
While Rozaiman often runs solo, he’s happy to have company — whether it’s his wife, kids or fellow NSmen. “Once, my second daughter insisted on joining me,” he fondly recalls. “We ended up walking 3km together, just chatting and laughing the whole way.”
Rather than being strict disciplinarians, the couple believe in letting their children ease into physical activity at their own pace. If the girls are reluctant to hike or run, they don’t insist — instead, they create space for family bonding through more enjoyable activities. Whether it’s going on family walks, cycling at nearby parks like Jurong Lake Gardens or simply having the kids join them at the stadium track, these moments help build positive associations with fitness.
Rozaiman’s girls join him for a breather at the track.
“It’s important to ensure that the kids never feel forced,” he says. “What matters most is the quality time we spend together, even as we work towards our own fitness goals.”
At the stadium, the couple run at their own pace while keeping a watchful eye on their daughters. If the girls decide they’ve had enough and want to draw or colour in the stands, they’re free to do so. It’s all part of learning — including how to be respectful and mindful of other track users, he explains.
“For young kids, it’s about nurturing interest gently,” he advises. “Set little rewards — a trip to the playground after a run or a treat from the neighbourhood shop. Once a week, try a slower walk through a park where you can explore nature together. It makes the experience more engaging and gives them something to look forward to.”
TAKING STRIDES TOWARDS A LIFETIME OF DISCIPLINE
Staying active is a family affair with rollerblading and bike rides.
Instead of pushing his daughters to run longer and harder, Rozaiman takes a more balanced approach, mixing things up with swimming, cycling and rollerblading to keep fitness fun and manageable. His philosophy: Tailor the activity to each child’s interests and abilities to avoid burnout or resentment. “Ultimately, we need to communicate with our kids and understand their individual limits,” he says. “What works for one child may not work for another.”
That patience has paid off, as his older daughter now enjoys running, and both girls often take part in the kids’ categories at marathons that he or his wife participate in. He hopes that the discipline gained through running will serve his children well in the long run, helping them set goals and stay the course even when the going gets tough.
Lacing up together for a Mummy-and-Me run.
It’s a mindset Rozaiman embraces himself. Every year, he signs up early for the 10km, 21km and 42km races — personal milestones that keep him focused and motivated as he trains throughout the year.
He shares a piece of fatherly advice acquired from his years of running: Progress matters more than perfection. “Competitions like marathons are a great way to push yourself, but it’s important to have a healthy attitude towards the outcome,” he reflects. “Setting time goals helps with training, but on race day, many things are out of your control. What really matters is showing up, giving your best and crossing that finish line — that’s motivation enough.”
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