The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2025 ended its two-day race weekend on an exhilarating high, delivering breakthrough moments, inspiring personal victories, and historic firsts. True to its rallying call “Make That Finish Line Yours” the event transformed Singapore’s streets from 4:30am onward as thousands of runners pushed their limits across the 10km, Marathon, and Ekiden categories.
A New Era With the Double Up Challenge
This year’s refreshed two-day format introduced the bold Double Up Challenge, allowing runners to tackle both the Half Marathon and Marathon on consecutive days. Nearly 850 runners rose to the occasion, embracing this test of endurance.
Among them was national athlete Soh Rui Yong, who made SCSM history as the first-ever double champion, claiming victories in both the Half Marathon and Marathon. His achievement cemented the spirit of the event: resilience, ambition, and the drive to finish strong.
A Global Sporting Icon
As Southeast Asia’s only World Athletics Gold Label race, SCSM 2025 welcomed over 55,000 runners from around the world, including 14,000 international participants from 80 countries, reaffirming its status as the region’s premier running festival.
A Scenic Journey Through Singapore
Marathoners and Ekiden teams set off at 4:30am, coursing past Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, the National Stadium, Esplanade, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the green expanse of East Coast Park, before making their final ascent at Marina Barrage.
The 10km race later followed with a vibrant route through Suntec City, War Memorial Park, and the Esplanade Bridge, blending modern cityscapes with heritage landmarks. The Ekiden relay, featuring multiple changeover points at Bayfront Plaza, ECP Carpark E1, and Marina Barrage, brought teams together in an exciting test of teamwork and pacing.
Race Results: Champions Take the Spotlight
Gold Label Elite Marathon
- Men’s Champion: Abel Boniface Sikowo (Uganda) — 02:15:40
The defending champion celebrated his win with an emotional kneel at the finish line. - Women’s Champion: Shuko Genemo (Ethiopia) — 02:41:24
After missing the top spot in SCSM 2016, Shuko finally claimed her long-awaited victory.
Both champions walked away with USD $50,000 in prize money.
National Championship Marathon
Local stars delivered equally inspiring performances:
- Men’s Champion: Soh Rui Yong — 02:46:23
Marking his sixth National Championship Marathon title, adding to his Half Marathon win for a historic double victory. - Women’s Champion: Rachel See — 02:58:15
A strong showing that earned her the women’s title and a SGD $10,000 prize.
Non-Competitive Marathon
Japan’s runners shone brightly:
- Kodai Ogawa (Men) — 02:24:53
- Asami Minakawa (Women) — 03:01:39
Despite battling Singapore’s humidity, Minakawa enjoyed the challenge and credited her preparation from the Tsukuba Marathon two weeks prior.
Defying Limits and Making History
SCSM 2025 also spotlighted exceptional stories of grit. Canadian para-athlete Chris Koch completed the Double Up Challenge using a longboard as his mobility device, finishing the Half Marathon in 02:52:32 and the Marathon in 04:20:05. He became the first-ever SCSM participant to complete both races on a longboard.
