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The 17th edition of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) raised the bar for endurance races in the region, with a world class weekend of racing. Over two days, tens of thousands of athletes from 127 different countries, regions and territories took in the stunning sights and sounds of an all-new course which spanned the lush greens and striking skyscrapers of the world-renowned garden city.
Five new champions and one back-to-back winner were crowned across the strongest-ever elite, local and elite wheelchair categories.
In their SCSM debut, 24-year-old Joshua Kipkorir (KEN) and 38-year-old Priscah Cherono (KEN) came out victors in the men’s and women’s elite categories, respectively. Their wins began a run of Kenyans who finished one, two and three, securing the podium spots for the elite men’s and women’s marathon categories.
In the men’s race, Kipkorir gradually broke away from the pack after the halfway mark and crossed the finish line in a blazing time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 20 seconds, the second fastest time in the race’s history. SCSM 2016 champion Felix Kirwa (KEN) took second finishing a minute behind.
After setting the pace for the majority of the women’s race, Cherono made a winning move as she broke away at the 40km mark to finish ahead of compatriots Stella Barsosio (KEN) and Jane Jelagat (KEN). The 38-year-old defeated her competition with a time of 2 hours 32 minutes and 12 seconds - the second-fastest ever timing for the women’s elite category at SCSM.
Speaking on the win, Cherono said, "Singapore is a good place, I’m lucky to be here. Yesterday was so hot, but today the conditions were good. I am so happy I won the race. I came to this race and I prepared myself, so I’m dreaming.”
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon also hosted its inaugural elite Wheelchair Marathon category which brought a scintillating race to the finish. Kota Hokonuie (JPN) and 2016 Paralympic champion Zou Lihong (CHN) took home the top prizes for the men’s and women’s category with a time of 1 hour 13 minutes and 36 seconds and 1 hour 46 minutes and 48 seconds, respectively.
Enjoying the technically challenging route, Zou expressed a desire to return to SCSM. “I really enjoyed the course, the city is very beautiful, and I really hope to return with my teammates to participate in the race next year.”
Winning the title of Singapore’s National Champions at SCSM 2018 were Soh Rui Yong and Lim Baoying. The duo fended off fierce competition from over 20 Team Singapore runners, which included former champion Rachel See, and veterans Mohamed Iskandar and Giebert Foo. Soh defended his title with a winning time of 2 hours 41 minutes and 49 seconds, while Lim shocked with an impressive 3 hours 16 minutes and 36 seconds. A sports doctor and member of the SCSM 300km Club, Lim was overcome with emotion upon crossing the finish line.
Celebrating his victory, Soh said, “It’s an honour to be this year’s National Champion, having competed against such a tough field. The race was a complete joy to run from start to finish, the organisation was smooth and the setup bodes well for future editions. The new two-day format seems to be well-received by the runners, and I hope that the local running scene continues to grow from strength to strength and join the competition.”
Southeast Asia’s only IAAF gold-labelled race flagged off both the marathon and half-marathon races at 4.30am. The new route gave participants an unparalleled experience traveling through the sights and sounds of the all-new iconic city route spanning the eastern and western coasts of Singapore.
On Saturday, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2018 kicked off the race weekend with the Kids Dash at Universal Studios Singapore and the re-introduction of the 5km category supported by the National Steps Challenge. Together with the 10km race, the three events brought together thousands of participants, from all ages to pursue their passion for running.
Spectators were treated to live entertainment, and the first SCSM Foodtastic Village added a touch of vibrancy along Marina Bay. On route, spectators enjoyed 30 entertainment points keeping them pumped and driven throughout the race.
