Singaporean distance runner Soh Rui Yong has set a new national record in the 5km race, clocking 15:08 at the Friday Night Under the Lights 5K in Battersea Park, London.
His new time breaks his previous record of 15:15, set at the same venue in August 2023 and matched in February 2024. This achievement adds to Soh’s already impressive array of national records, which include the 5000m on track (14:44.21), 10,000m (31:10.70), 10km road (31:37), half marathon (1:06:45), and marathon (2:22:59).
The 33-year-old runner’s latest record came despite challenging conditions, as Soh battled a throat and chest cold leading up to the race. “I was actually considering whether racing was the best course of action,” Soh remarked, though a strong training session earlier in the week convinced him he could handle the competition.
Held at night, the race presented its own difficulties. Soh pointed out that some parts of the park were poorly lit, which made it hard to maintain rhythm and pace. “There are sections of the park that are not very well lit… It’s important to see where you’re going and stay on your feet,” he explained. He chose to run conservatively at first, positioning himself towards the back of the field for better visibility, then gradually moved up towards the end of the race.
Soh completed the first kilometre in 2:58 and the second in 2:56, eventually settling into a steady pace and finishing with a strong push in the final kilometre. He crossed the line in 15:08, breaking his previous national record by seven seconds. “It felt like I was picking it up because I was passing people, but in reality, I was just slowing down less,” he reflected on his performance in the disorienting, dark conditions.
This record aligns with Soh’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of Singaporean long-distance running, particularly after being left out of the Singapore contingent for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Despite meeting the qualifying mark for the men’s 10,000m event and winning a silver medal in the men’s 10,000m at the May 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh—where he set a new national record—Soh was not selected by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC). This decision followed a series of previous exclusions from the 2019 and 2021 SEA Games due to clashes with the council.
In response to his omission, Soh maintained a positive outlook, saying, “I’m focused on training well and building on the positive momentum we managed to establish at the SEA Games.”
He added , “Should I eventually be selected, I am confident I’ll be in shape to be the first Singaporean to break the 31-minute barrier for 10,000m at the Asian Games.”
Soh now looks ahead to his next race, the Valencia Half Marathon on 27 October 2024, where he aims to continue breaking records and proving that strong performances can be achieved with age, through smart training and self-care.
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