From catwalks to kilometres: Kwan Kavan on modelling and co-founding Easy Pace* Run Club

What are/were you doing at 23? I, for one, was a fledgling, still learning the ropes of the working world. But for Kwan Kavan, he’s juggling university, modelling across Singapore and Bangkok, and co-running one of Singapore’s fastest-growing running communities – Easy Pace* Run Club.

“The term ‘easypaceonly’ was never supposed to be a run club name,” Kavan reveals. “It was actually the name of my personal running diary on Instagram I used to document my own runs and workouts.”

How running changed from punishment to purpose for Kwan Kavan

Turns out, running wasn’t something Kavan always loved. “Coming from a background of ball sports, running was always a form of punishment,” he says. “Miss a free throw? Run. Distracted while the coach is speaking? Run. Late for practice? Run. To me, everything running was associated with seemed negative.” But that changed in January 2024 when his friends from Run Your Own Thing prompted him to sign up for the 2XU Half Marathon.

“I had never run more than 6km at that point in time, and I had just four months to train,” he recalls. Thinking what’s the worst that could happen, Kavan trained almost daily with a structured programme consisting of Easy Runs, Intervals, Tempo Runs and Long Runs.

“​​It was tough increasing my mileage by that much in such a short period of time, but I fell in love with the routine, the discipline, and the occasional surge of endorphins going through my body in the last kilometres of my long runs.”

Easy Pace* started around that same time – unintentionally. “I had the [easypaceonly Instagram] account for a couple of months before my friend and co-founder, Shane Tan, sent me a logo mock-up with the words ‘Easy Pace Run Club’ on it,” Kavan explains. “Back then, the idea of starting a run club was already sitting at the back of my head, and I mentioned it casually to Shane a couple of times. When I saw the logo, I just knew I had to finally take action and full send this dream.”

What began as a small idea soon turned into a movement: “[Our vision was] to gather runners of all abilities, spend their mornings right, and give them an alternative to partying and drinking while retaining the key aspect of socialising.”

Kwan Kavan on building Easy Pace* Run Club that moves differently

Unlike most running groups focused on performance, Easy Pace* emphasises connection and inclusion. “We have pace groups, but they’re all extremely beginner-friendly, ranging from 6:30/km to 7:30/km,” Kavan says.

He’s aware that this approach isn’t for everyone: “People do come by for our runs and complain that we run too slow and that there is no structure, but we just have to remind them that our runs are built around socialising and going easy, not speed and intensity.”

Over time, his focus shifted from numbers to genuine connection. “In the early days of our club, I feared not having enough attendees, and a lacklustre presence in the Run Club scene,” he admits. But seeing the same runners return week after week, trusting him and showing up consistently, felt far more rewarding than a big turnout or growing Instagram follower count.

“We try to make an effort to go up to new and familiar faces each run and welcome them to the club, reassuring them that our runs will be very easy. Every run will also have a rear sweeper who will run with the last person, giving them encouragement and ensuring that they’re not left behind, even if they end up walking.”

The club has since expanded to include weekday evening runs to accommodate working members. “Same old Easy Pace*, just better,” Kavan says.

He’s also noticed how Easy Pace has helped bring style into Singapore’s running scene. “We have sort of influenced the idea of how a run club is traditionally perceived, and incorporated a mix of fashion and no frills running to run club culture in Singapore,” he says, citing how they often mix boutique running labels with DIY touches like cropped vintage tees. It’s a look he describes as part of a growing “running fashion” trend that blends performance with personal expression.

Kwan Kavan as a Singapore model and his money mindset

Outside of Easy Pace*, Kavan has built a parallel career in modelling. He got his start in 2023 after attending an open casting at the end of his National Service. “I [applied] for fun and ended up getting a callback about three months later while I was on vacation in Seoul,” he says. When he couldn’t attend, he reached out to Now Model Management, who later signed him.

Since then, he’s worked across both Singapore and Bangkok. Kavan reflected that Singapore’s market is smaller and more saturated, but the pay is generous if you land the right jobs. In contrast, Bangkok has a wider range of opportunities – commercials, runways, editorials, campaigns – but you need to take on more volume to make up for the lower pay.

The unpredictable nature of his income has taught him to set aside an emergency fund and plan carefully. “Brands practically take forever to pay sometimes. What you earn today may only come to you in another 6 to 12 months,” he says. He also tries to save by taking public transport and only spending on what he needs: “Instead of taking a Grab to shoots or castings, I leave my home slightly earlier and utilise public transport, or walk if I can.”

His approach to budgeting follows the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for investments or other financial commitments. “Most of my modelling earnings go to my living expenses and building the brand (e.g. making merch) or getting that one running item or accessory I really need,” he says. “I don’t come from a wealthy family, and I strive to build this life on my own. I’m in it for the long game, so every cent matters.”

Kwan Kavan’s advice for fellow Gen Z

Balancing work, study, and community isn’t easy, but Kavan finds intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in what he’s doing: “Incorporating both [business and fitness] helps me find joy in my craft, while also fuelling my passion at the same time. Seeing people enjoy our events makes it even better, as it gives me motivation to go even harder.”

His philosophy extends to self-care, too. “Hustle is important, but also keep your physical and mental health in check at all times,” he says. Kavan encourages people to slow down amid Singapore’s intense hustle culture, reminding them that even a short walk or run can do more for their well-being than staying glued to their screens.

For those who want to start something meaningful, Kavan believes authenticity is the foundation of any lasting community. “Don’t do it for clout or just because it’s trendy. You have to be truly passionate about building a community, because it sounds easy on paper, but the moment something goes awry, a goal without passion will cause you to lose everything.” he says. For him, Easy Pace has endured because it was built with purpose – knowing their “why” and staying true to their niche rather than copying others.

“Sometimes people like you better for being you. That is how EP*RC was built. We don’t try to be someone else; we try to be creative and organic. Same with modelling. Brands want me to be myself – they look out for my personality and workability.”

What’s next for Easy Pace* Run Club?

Kavan hopes to expand Easy Pace* further and collaborate with more international brands. “[We want to] give our runners the best experiences – shoe trials, product trials and even performance nutrition samples,” he says. “Also, make more merchandise to spread the Easy Pace* love.”

What keeps him going is, ironically, to slow down and carry on at an easy pace: “Be patient, play the long game, invest in yourself and your brand, and always have emergency funds when things go south.”