Kenya Yegon, Ethiopia Jifar clinch marathon titles in Singapore

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2024 concluded with record participation, featuring over 55,000 runners from 84 countries.

Held over three days, the event included five race categories, such as the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Half Marathon, and the Ekiden relay.

This year’s turnout marked a 33% increase in international runners compared to 2023, solidifying the marathon’s global presence.

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The refreshed routes, culminating at Anderson Bridge, added a new layer of challenge and excitement for participants.

Kenya’s Geoffrey Yegon emerged victorious in the men’s Gold Label Elite Marathon with a time of 02:16:06. Reflecting on his triumph, Yegon said, “It feels very good to win.

It’s my first time in Singapore, and I trained very hard in Kenya to win.” Ethiopia’s Fantu Zewude Jifar secured the women’s title, finishing at 02:39:04. Jifar expressed her gratitude, stating, “Happy to have won; Singapore is a beautiful country to race in” .

Singaporean runners Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See won the men’s and women’s National Championship Marathon titles, finishing in 02:46:05 and 03:00:45, respectively.

Sharing his thoughts, Soh noted, “This year’s race was tougher with the new routes and conditions, but I’m happy with the results.” Rachel highlighted the personal significance of the run, saying, “This race was about more than chasing a personal best; it was about being present and enjoying the journey” .

The Half Marathon also showcased remarkable performances.

Shaun Goh and Vanessa Lee took the men’s and women’s National Championship titles, finishing at 01:12:31 and 01:24:17, respectively.

Reflecting on her win, Lee stated, “It was a tough course, but it’s the biggest running event of the year, and it was fun” .

Standard Chartered CEO Patrick Lee praised the event’s inclusivity and community impact, emphasizing its ability to unite elite runners, national champions, and everyday participants.

He added, “This year, we’ve raised funds for our Futuremakers programme, empowering young people with skills to build a better future” .

Ong Ling Lee of the Singapore Tourism Board highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “The marathon showcases Singapore as a premier destination for international sporting events.

It’s inspiring to see more global runners participate each year” .

With inspiring performances and stories of resilience, SCSM 2024 celebrated endurance and community.

Organizers are already looking forward to elevating the marathon further in 2025. Jeff Edwards of The IRONMAN Group remarked, “The success of this year’s marathon is a testament to the dedication of the athletes and the running community” .