The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2023 concluded with a bang, setting new standards for endurance races in the region. Hosted by L.A.M.C. Productions, the event witnessed over 44,000 runners from more than 70 countries taking on the challenge, including elite athletes, passionate runners, and first-timers.
Global Reach and Inclusivity
SCSM2023 marked a historic moment with more than 8,000 international participants—the highest in the marathon’s history—solidifying its reputation as a truly global race. Participants covered marathon and half marathon distances, collectively clocking a staggering total distance of over 768,800km. To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to traveling to the moon and back! The event also embraced inclusivity, featuring shorter races such as the 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash, making it an event for runners of all ages and abilities.
Scenic Route and Landmark Highlights
The runners embarked on a scenic route passing by iconic Singapore landmarks, including the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, War Memorial Park, Esplanade, and Gardens by the Bay. This year, the excitement soared as the finish line was set at the National Stadium, a first-ever for the SCSM, adding an extra layer of thrill to the race.
Elite Marathon Winners
In the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Kenyan runner David Barmasai Tumo clinched victory in the men’s category with a remarkable time of 2:14:15. Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo took the top spot in the women’s category, finishing in 2:37:18. The winners in both categories received a substantial prize money of USD $30,000 each.
National Championship Triumphs
The National Championship witnessed outstanding performances, with Singaporean runners Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See claiming the titles of men’s and women’s marathon champions, each securing SGD $10,000. Soh finished with a time of 2:40:34, showcasing the depth of running talent in Singapore.
In the half marathon category, Shaun Goh emerged victorious in 1:12:49, while Vanessa Lee claimed the women’s title in 1:28:30. The event showcased not only individual achievements but also the vibrant running community in Singapore.
Guinness World Record Achievement
Adding to the list of achievements, Singapore Para-athlete Zac Leow set a new Guinness World Record by completing the marathon in the CI1 (men) para-classification in a record time of 4 hours 51 minutes 59 seconds. Leow, who celebrated his daughter’s birthday during the run, announced his retirement from races but expressed his commitment to continue running to stay fit.
