Singapore Marathon
Kenya’s Yegon and Ethiopia’s Jifar triumph in Singapore
Over 55,000 runners, including nearly 13,000 internationals, participate in this year’s event, reinforcing its status as a premier World Athletics Gold Label event.
8850 Media
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2024 concluded on Sunday, drawing record-breaking participation and remarkable achievements.
More than 55,000 runners, including nearly 13,000 international participants from 84 countries, participated across seven categories, cementing its reputation as the region’s premier World Athletics Gold Label race. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, Kids Dash, Double Up Challenge were held over three days.
The marathon’s refreshed routes and new finish line at the iconic Anderson Bridge provided a scenic yet challenging course, drawing praise from participants.
In the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Kenya’s Geoffrey Yegon triumphed in men’s section, finishing in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 6 seconds, while Ethiopia’s Fantu Zewude Jifar claimed the women’s title in 2:39:04.
Expressing pleasure on his debut win in Singapore, Yegon said: “The race was challenging due to the heat, but training in Kenya prepared me well.” Jifar echoed similar sentiments, calling Singapore a beautiful place to race. Both champions took home US$45,000.
Singapore’s own running stars shone brightly in the National Championship, with Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See claiming victory in the Men’s and Women’s marathon categories.
Soh secured his fifth title with a time of 2:46:05, while Rachel finished in 3:00:45, highlighting the depth of local talent. Rachel, a champion of mindfulness, remarked, “This race was about more than chasing a personal best; it was about enjoying the journey and celebrating the process.”
In the Half Marathon, Shaun Goh and Vanessa Lee dominated their respective categories, with Shaun finishing in 1:12:31 and Vanessa in 1:24:17. Both returning champions reflected on the challenges posed by new route additions, including the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, but celebrated the opportunity to race in Singapore’s most iconic running event.
The SCSM continues to exemplify the power of sport to bring people together. Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered, emphasised the marathon’s spirit of inclusivity, highlighting the involvement of elite athletes, national champions, everyday runners, and individuals of all abilities. “This year’s marathon celebrates strength, focus, and resilience—qualities we deeply value,” he said, while also noting the funds raised for the bank’s Futuremakers programme to empower youth.
Executive Director for Sports & Wellness at the Singapore Tourism Board, Ong Ling Lee, praised the marathon’s contribution to positioning Singapore as a global sports hub. “The SCSM continues to attract international runners, offering them an unforgettable experience and showcasing Singapore’s vibrant sports scene,” she said.
The event’s success also resonated with Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, who described the marathon as a “celebration of endurance, achievement, and competition,” while pledging to elevate the event further in 2025.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with stories of perseverance and triumph. From elite athletes to first-time participants, runners pushed their limits and created lasting memories. With record participation and a spirit of camaraderie, SCSM 2024 has set a high bar for future events, inspiring a growing community of runners to return for yet another exhilarating race in the heart of Singapore. (With inputs from agencies)
