From Runner to Multi-Sport Athlete: How Meliani Lee Is Taking on Her First Singapore T100 Long Duathlon
- John Yeong
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
In what is set to be the biggest edition of T100 in Singapore with over 7,000 participants alongside the pros, Meliani Lee represents a growing wave of athletes discovering that multi-sport racing isn’t just for elite triathletes — it’s an exciting pathway for everyday runners looking to push their limits.
The 2026 Singapore T100 happening on 25-26 April is set to be the biggest edition yet with over 7,000 amateur athletes competing alongside the pros with up to three new race categories against the scenic Marina Bay skyline. For many endurance athletes, the journey into multi-sport begins with curiosity. For 24-year-old Meliani Lee, that curiosity turned into a bold new challenge: competing in her first Singapore T100 Long Duathlon.
A member of Team SportPlus and a regular runner with Fast and Free Running Club, Meliani represents a growing wave of athletes discovering that multi-sport racing isn’t just for elite triathletes — it’s also an exciting pathway for everyday runners looking to push their limits.
Her story shows that you don’t have to grow up athletic to find your place in endurance sport.
From Non-Athletic Beginnings to Marathon Finisher
Unlike many endurance athletes who started young, Meliani describes herself as “very unathletic” growing up.
That only changed in 2024 when she began running recreationally and training for road races. What started as casual running soon turned into structured training as she prepared for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.
That experience opened the door to a deeper appreciation for endurance sport.
“I started learning more about endurance training and structured training,” she says. “I’ve always been really curious about endurance, and multi-sport felt like a really nice segway into exploring endurance beyond just running.”
Watching friends take on multi-sport events — including the T100 — planted the seed for what would become her next challenge.
“One of my friends did the Singapore T100 last year and did really well. A lot of my friends were racing too, and I told myself that next time, that would be me.”
Soon after, she bought her first bike.
“I never looked back.”
Learning a Whole New Sport
For runners transitioning into multi-sport, cycling is often the biggest adjustment — and Meliani felt that immediately.
Training for the Singapore T100 Long Duathlon, which combines cycling and running, brought new challenges beyond her usual run training.
“It’s a lot more stressful than just training for a run,” she explains. “There’s a whole other aspect to it and so much more to learn.”
But that learning process has been part of the appeal.
“It’s really fun learning about bikes and cycling as a sport. Bridging cycling and running has been really enjoyable — being a beginner at something again.”
The biggest difference? Time.
“Cycling takes a lot more time. You’re essentially doing double the sports — running and cycling — so it’s about learning how to juggle both rather than just chasing a running goal.”
The Humbling Reality of Multi-Sport Racing
Meliani’s first experience in multi-sport racing came at the MetaSprint Series Duathlon in Singapore, where she got her first taste of race dynamics.
For a runner, the experience was eye-opening.
“I was humbled,” she says candidly. “As a runner, I realised I didn’t even have 50 percent of the race covered.”
One of the biggest lessons came from an often overlooked part of multi-sport: transitions.
“I looked at my race time afterwards and realised transitions were something I didn’t even consider before the race.”
For many beginners entering triathlon or duathlon, these small technical elements — transitions, pacing between disciplines, and energy management — can make a significant difference.
Discovering Balance Through Training
Training for the T100 also taught Meliani an important lesson about endurance sports: balance matters.
“I realised I was doing too much,” she admits. “I’m someone who is very disciplined and tends to push through everything.”
But multi-sport training forced her to rethink that mindset.
“Now I try to find a balance. It’s okay to feel tired and miss a workout. You don’t have to push through every single one.”
Ignoring early signs of fatigue or injury can derail progress — something she’s learned to watch closely.
“Don’t ignore the small signs that you’re burning out or about to get injured.”
The Most Underrated Challenge: The Second Run
Ask experienced duathletes about the hardest part of a race, and many will say the same thing: the second run.
Meliani agrees.
“That second run is really underestimated,” she says. “Even if you run a lot in training, it’s a completely different monster.”
Coming off the bike, the body responds differently.
“You just feel really tired. Everything feels slower and harder, even if you’ve trained the distance before.”
For beginners, this is one of the most surprising parts of multi-sport racing — how drastically the body changes between disciplines.
Racing Alongside the Pros
What makes the Singapore T100 Long Duathlon even more exciting for Meliani is the global stage.
“It’s something bigger and different from other races I’ve done,” she says. “You have professional athletes from all over the world competing.”
For amateur athletes, racing on the same course as elite professionals adds an entirely new dimension.
“It’s an iconic event, and it brings a different level of professionalism and intensity. I’m really looking forward to taking on the same course as the pros.”
Advice for Beginners: Just Start
For runners curious about trying multi-sport, Meliani’s advice is simple.
“Just start,” she says.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out. A lot of things I learned along the way.”
Finding a supportive community can also make the journey much easier.
“When you start out with people who are experienced, they help guide you through things you don’t even realise you need to know.”
Her biggest takeaway from training?
“Consistency isn’t about chasing something huge. It’s about putting in small efforts every day. A little effort goes a long way.”
One Step at a Time
As race day approaches, Meliani keeps her mindset simple — especially when things get tough.
“I tell myself to stay present and focus on one step at a time.”
For many beginner athletes watching from the sidelines, her story offers a powerful reminder: endurance sport isn’t about being naturally athletic.
Sometimes, it’s just about being curious enough to start.
And brave enough to keep going.
For the first time ever Singapore T100 is offering Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons, alongside the returning 100km triathlon, long and standard distance duathlons and a sold out 5km Music Run.
Those who don't want to miss out on the fun can still sign up for the event here. #SingaporeT100 #Duathlon
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