Nicole Low Wins Nagoya City Half Marathon 2026 in 1:17:41, Moves Closer to Singapore Half Marathon Record
- John Yeong
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Nicole Low's half marathon rivalry with Vanessa Lee continues to edge both closer to national mark, as Malaysia's Esther Joy Chen obliterates Malaysian national record with a time of 1:19:27 in Nagoya
NAGOYA, JAPAN — 8 March 2026. Singapore distance runner Nicole Low delivered a career-defining performance at the Nagoya City Half Marathon 2026, storming to victory in 1:17:41 to set a new personal best and reinforce her status as one of Singapore’s fastest female distance runners.
The result shaved more than a minute off her previous personal best of 1:18:43, set at the Gold Coast Marathon 2025, and puts Low within striking distance of the long-standing Singapore women’s half marathon national record of 1:16:29, set by Yvonne Danson at the Sendai Half Marathon on 10 March 1996.
For Singapore athletics, the race marks another major milestone in a remarkable year of progress for the country’s women’s distance running scene.
Nicole Low Claims Nagoya City Half Marathon Title
Running with confidence from the gun, Low executed a bold race strategy aimed squarely at national record pace.
“My plan was to go out at NR pace and see how long I could hold it for,” Low said after the race. “It was an ambitious goal but I knew at the very least I had a good chance to PB.”
The strategy paid off. Low held strong over the fast Nagoya course, crossing the finish line in 1:17:41 to secure the women’s title at the Nagoya City Half Marathon 2026 and mark the fastest time of her career.
The performance represents a 62-second improvement over her previous best and confirms the steady upward trajectory of the Singaporean athlete over the past year.
While still 1 minute and 12 seconds shy of Danson’s national record, the gap is now closer than it has been in decades — a sign that the historic mark may soon come under serious threat.
Singapore Half Marathon Record in Sight
The Singapore women’s half marathon record of 1:16:29, set by Yvonne Danson in 1996, has stood untouched for nearly three decades.
But Low believes breaking it is a realistic long-term goal.
“This is definitely in the works,” she said. “Hopefully I will have more time to train and build up for this.”
Given her rapid improvement in the past year, many observers believe the record could fall if Low continues on her current trajectory.
Friendly Rivalry With Vanessa Lee Fuelling Singapore Running
Low’s rise has coincided with a friendly but fiercely competitive rivalry with fellow Singapore runner Vanessa Lee.
After Low clocked 1:18:43 at the Gold Coast Marathon 2025, Lee bettered the mark later in the year, running 1:18:07 at the Run Prix 2025 in Melbourne to become Singapore’s second-fastest female half marathoner.
Lee was visibly emotional at the finish line that day as she reclaimed the No.2 spot in Singapore’s all-time rankings — edging past her coach and close friend Nicole Low.
That dynamic has pushed both runners to new heights.
When asked about the recent breakthrough in her performances, Low credited Lee — with a touch of humor.
“Vanessa scammed me into coming out of retirement,” she laughed. “I think it’s also about peaking at the right time. My body wasn’t ready to handle the training load back then, and in hindsight that might have led to my burnout.”
Now coaching herself and managing her own training load, Low believes the balance has made the difference.
“It helps that sometimes I train with a group of guys from TREX. That really helps during tougher workouts.”
Malaysia’s Esther Joy Chen Breaks Through in Nagoya
Low’s victory was part of a strong showing for Southeast Asian distance runners at the race.
Malaysia’s Esther Joy Chen delivered a breakthrough performance to finish third overall in 1:19:27, likely setting a new Malaysian women’s half marathon national record, pending official ratification.
If confirmed, Chen’s time would significantly improve upon the previous national mark of 1:24:52, set two years ago — also on the Nagoya course.
The result highlights the rising standard of women’s distance running across Southeast Asia.
Post-Race Banter Between Teammates
Despite the serious racing, the atmosphere between Low and Lee remained lighthearted after the finish.
Asked what Lee said to her after the race, Low revealed the playful exchange.
“She said: ‘You are literally the worst at running a half marathon.’”
The comment reflects the easygoing camaraderie between the two athletes — a friendship that has become one of the most compelling storylines in Singapore endurance running.
A Breakthrough Year for Nicole Low
Low’s victory in Nagoya caps an extraordinary 12 months that has seen her:
She set multiple personal bests
Return from a period of burnout and reduced competition
Re-establish herself as one of Singapore’s leading long-distance runners
With the Singapore half marathon national record now within reach, the next chapter could be even more historic.
For now, the Nagoya City Half Marathon champion is enjoying the moment — and the friendly rivalry pushing her forward.
If the trajectory continues, Singapore athletics fans may soon witness the fall of one of the nation’s longest-standing records. #NagoyaCityMarathon #SingaporeAthletics
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