Sunday, December 07, 2025

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025: Records, Drama & Double Triumphs


Singapore, 7 December 2025 – What a weekend it was in the Lion City! The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ (SCSM) 2025 wrapped up with unforgettable moments, record-breaking runs, and stories that will live long in the memory.

A City That Never Slept

From as early as 4:30 am, the streets of Singapore came alive with over 55,000 runners pounding the pavement across categories – 10km, Marathon, and Ekiden. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing past landmarks like the National Stadium, Esplanade, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the lush East Coast Park.

Soh Rui Yong, Aaron Justin Tan and Darren Chong

Double Up Challenge: A Bold Test of Stamina

This year’s two-day format introduced the Double Up Challenge, where runners took on both the Half Marathon and Marathon on consecutive days. Nearly 850 participants signed up, but one name stood out – Soh Rui Yong. The celebrated athlete made history as SCSM’s first-ever double champion, clinching victories in both the Half Marathon and Marathon. His grit and determination embodied the tagline of the year: “Make That Finish Line Yours.”

Elite Gold Label Marathon: International Glory

The Gold Label Elite Marathon brought world-class performances.
  • Abel Boniface Sikowo of Uganda defended his men’s title with a time of 02:15:40, dropping to his knees in joy at the finish line.
  • In the women’s race, Shuko Genemo of Ethiopia finally claimed her long-awaited victory with a time of 02:41:24, after missing out back in 2016.
Both champions walked away with USD$50,000 each, cementing their place in SCSM history.

Shuko Genemo (Gold Label Elite Marathon, Womens Category winner) 

National Championship: Local Heroes Shine

On the home front, Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See once again proved their dominance. Soh clocked 02:46:23 to secure his sixth national marathon title, while Rachel finished in 02:58:15, defending her crown in the women’s category. Soh’s double triumph – Half Marathon and Marathon – is a feat never before achieved at SCSM.

His words summed up the spirit of the weekend: “Challenge yourself—even if you fail, that’s okay. At least you tried and finished.”

Soh Rui Yong (Marathon, National Championship Mens Category winner) 

Rachel See (Marathon, National Championship Womens Category winner) 

Rachel, meanwhile, was all smiles: “Completing the marathon under three hours feels incredible. I’m going to cherish this moment.”

Chris Koch participating in the Half Marathon and Marathon

Stories Beyond the Podium

The marathon wasn’t just about elite athletes. Everyday runners and para-athletes added their own chapters to the story. Canadian para-athlete Chris Koch made history by completing both the Half Marathon and Marathon on his longboard, with times of 02:52:32 and 04:20:05. His achievement drew admiration from fellow runners and spectators alike.

Japanese runners also impressed in the non-competitive marathon, with Kodai Ogawa and Asami Minakawa posting strong times despite battling Singapore’s humidity.


A Celebration of Sport & Community

From elite champions to recreational runners, from international stars to local heroes, SCSM 2025 showcased the inclusivity and vibrancy of running culture. With thousands of supporters lining the streets and volunteers cheering every step, the marathon was more than a race – it was a festival of resilience, camaraderie, and passion.

As the 10th year of IRONMAN Group’s involvement, the event proved once again why SCSM is Southeast Asia’s premier running spectacle. And with stories like Soh’s double triumph, Shuko’s redemption, and Chris Koch’s groundbreaking run, this edition will be remembered as one of the most inspiring yet.

For more information, please visit https://singaporemarathon.com/


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