SINGAPORE, 3 December 2023 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2023 culminated in an extraordinary weekend of world-class racing, setting new benchmarks for endurance races in the region. With the triumphant return of the World Athletics Gold Label race and National Championship, SCSM2023 witnessed over 44,000 runners taking to the streets and finishing at the National Stadium, including more than 8,000 international participants – the highest in the marathon’s history – marking SCSM2023 as a truly global race.
- David Barmasai Tumo and Rose Chelimo emerged victorious in the male and female Gold Label Elite Marathon, while Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See are the male and female champions of the National Championship Marathon.
- A record high for international participation – over 8,000 international runners from more than 70 countries flew in to participate in the event.
- Singapore’s para-athlete, Zac Leow, sets a new Guinness World Record with a timing of 4 hours 51 minutes.
- Over 44,000 participants raced the streets of Singapore across three days and five event categories – including sold-out 5km and 10km events.
A Spectacle of Endurance and Determination
SCSM2023 saw runners from over 70 countries, including elite athletes, passionate runners, and first-timers, complete the marathon and half marathon distances. The total distance clocked amounted to more than 768,800km, equivalent to covering the distance to the moon and back. The event also featured a series of shorter races, including the 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash, ensuring an inclusive event that welcomed runners of all ages and abilities.
Gold Label Elite Marathon: A Display of Exceptional Grit and Determination
In the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Kenya’s David Barmasai Tumo emerged victorious in the men’s category, with a time of 2:14:15. He finished ahead of Kenya’s Geoffrey Birgen who finished in 2:14:30 while Kenya’s Anderson Seroi was third in 2:15:59.
More than 44,000 Runners in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2023 cover distance to the moon and back
Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo claimed the top spot in the women’s category with a timing of 2:37:18 just before Beatrice Jelagat Cherop in 2:37:35. Meseret Dinke of Ethiopia finished in 2:37:48 to take the second runner-up spot.
National Championship: A Testimony to Running Excellence in the Local Community
The National Championship also saw compelling performances, with runners Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See claiming the titles of men’s and women’s marathon champions, respectively. Soh finished with a time of 2:40:34, while See clocked in at 3:05:51. These victories underscore the depth of running talent in Singapore and the event’s role in fostering a vibrant local running community.
A New Guinness World Record: A Pursuit of Resilience
A new Guinness World Record was set on Sunday, with Singapore Para-athlete, Zac Leow, finishing the marathon in the CI1 (men) para-classification in a record time of 4 hours 51 minutes 59 seconds.
A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Global Unity
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group commented on the success of the race, “SCSM2023 epitomised the unifying power of sports, and its ability to cross cultural and geographical boundaries to unite individuals through their shared passion for running and their pursuit of personal excellence. We are especially pleased that we were able to offer runners a truly special finish at the National Stadium this year. The strong showing of international participants is a testament to the event’s growing stature, not just in Singapore, but also with serious runners everywhere. We look forward to elevating the event further and are deeply grateful for the wholehearted support of Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, and Standard Chartered, which have helped make the event what it is today.”
The North Face Unveils New Mountain Exploration Store in Pavilion Damansara Heights
SCSM2023 concluded with a closing ceremony at the National Stadium, where top finishers were presented with their awards. The event left a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike, solidifying its position as one of the most prestigious and well-respected marathons in the world.
