BY The 12th edition of the OSIM Sundown Marathon Singapore came to a successful conclusion over the weekend, with close to 25,000 runners taking part in all the race categories.
The event was once again flagged off from the F1 Pit Building, and while the route was largely familiar to regular runners, the unusually high humidity that has been hanging around the region over the last few months made the race more challenging than usual to run.
Singapore’s SEA Games marathon gold medallist Soh Rui Yong shone in the half-marathon, winning with a finishing time of 01:11:47.
He said, “I’m actually pretty happy with today’s race being my first ever Sundown race. Despite the weather, I think this is the fastest time I’ve ran for a half marathon in Singapore. My objective was to run at my usual marathon pace and stay chill, but Kiptanui Rodgers showed up close behind me and then the racing took over!
The route had lots of sharp turns in the dark, which again is normal for Singapore races, making it impossible to run fast. However, the humidity and nature of the route ironically helped me in my duel with Kiptanui as it kept us together for up to 18km, allowing me to conserve energy for the finish. Once we ran past Marina Barrage, the route was better lit and I kind of knew my way around, having run there many times after work. I pushed the pace and managed to break away, running 3:22, 3:12 and 3:03 for the final 3km. It can be scary leading a race with a Kenyan in hot pursuit, but I managed to pull off the win this time!"
In the women’s half-marathon, Maki Inami won with a time of 01:22:19, ahead of local favourites Mok Ying Rong in second and Rachel See in third.
Clinching the full marathon men’s title was Hillary Kipkering from Kenya, with a time of 02:49:33; while Singapore’s Sharon Tan, who previously won this race in 2016, clocked a timing of 03:23:16 to finish as the first in the women’s category.
“The course was quite clear,” said Sharon. “My favourite part was running at East Coast Park cos it was really peaceful and surreal. I don’t get to run there often so I really appreciated it. I was aiming for a sub 3:30 today so I’m very happy with my timing. I normally train alone, but for this run I started training with a running group. It’s very encouraging to see familiar faces along the route and your friends will motivate you.”
While mostly smooth, the race was not without its hiccups. An obstruction along the route had to be cleared just before the start of the main events, resulting in a lengthy delay with runners waiting within the starting pens.
Half marathon participant Chua Khai Leng noted that the hosts and emcees did a good job of keeping everyone entertained. “Although there was quite a long wait, they did their best to manage the runners and it didn’t feel as long as it really was.”
This year’s race weekend saw further enhancements at the race village too, with an array of new experiences lined up for participants until the break of dawn. Participants were treated to post-race massages, Marvel movies being screened though the night, and even sunset yoga sessions for runners and supporters.
Football fans were also very pleased to catch the UEFA Champions League Finals early this morning and witness Liverpool clinch the coveted title with their running buddies.
The event organisers Infinitus Productions also took the opportunity to announce that they will be releasing a running app, where runners from all over the world is able to join in and run at the same time virtually as the race in Singapore.
“Through the app, we want to make it possible to connect with runners not just physically at a race, but also virtually across borders. So runners in other countries who are not able to be here physically with us, can still be a part of it by running at the same time as the race in their own countries, and have a virtual connection with us through our app. This app will also reward you with points that you can redeem for products from our merchants in the near future,” said the Director of Infinitus Productions, Jeffrey Foo.
See the full results at www.sundownmarathon.com/sg/
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