Soh Rui Yong Takes on Historic Double-Up Challenge at Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025
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Singapore’s marathon star eyes historic back-to-back Half Marathon and Marathon victories in bold Double-Up Challenge
SINGAPORE, 22 October 2025 — The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ (SCSM) 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with national marathoner Soh Rui Yong announcing his bold plan to compete in both the Half Marathon and Marathon National Championship races.
Thanks to the event’s new two-day race format, Soh will attempt the gruelling Double-Up Challenge, running the Half Marathon on Saturday, 6 December, followed by the full Marathon on Sunday, 7 December 2025.
This marks the first time in SCSM’s history that both races will be held on separate days — paving the way for endurance athletes to test their limits over an entire weekend.
Soh Rui Yong Eyes Triple Triumph
A five-time SCSM National Champion since 2017, Soh remains undefeated on Singapore soil. His comeback this year follows a stellar 2024 season, during which he claimed his fifth consecutive national marathon title and set a Guinness World Record in London for the fastest marathon run in a suit.
Now, at 35, the celebrated runner is ready to elevate his game. Soh will attempt to clinch both the Half Marathon and Marathon national titles, and then pursue a 10,000m medal at the SEA Games, eyeing an unprecedented triple victory across 10 days.
“Running the Half Marathon before the Marathon adds a whole new layer of strategy and unpredictability,” Soh shared. “At this stage of my career, I’m also exploring longer ultramarathon races like the Two Oceans (56km) and Comrades Marathon (88km). The Double-Up Challenge is the perfect opportunity to test how I manage exertion, nutrition, and recovery under back-to-back race conditions.”
A Record Field of Runners for SCSM 2025
Over 850 participants have already signed up for the Double-Up Challenge, taking on various combinations across the race weekend. Each finisher will receive an exclusive commemorative medal alongside their individual category awards.
Fellow national athletes Serena Teoh and Aaron Justin Tan will also compete in their respective categories at this year’s National Championship, adding further excitement to Singapore’s flagship endurance event.
Big Rewards for Local and International Athletes
The SCSM 2025 boasts a total prize purse of SG$335,000, reinforcing the event’s status as one of Asia’s premier running festivals. Of that, SG$89,000 is dedicated to Singapore’s National Championship athletes, while the World Athletics Gold Label Marathon winners will compete for US$190,000 (approximately SG$245,955) in prizes.
Santoz Kumar, General Manager of The IRONMAN Group, organisers of SCSM, said:
“Soh has always been bold in his ambitions, and his pursuit of the Double-Up Challenge embodies the spirit of endurance sport. We’re proud to support him and every athlete pushing boundaries at SCSM 2025.”
The IRONMAN Group also continues its partnership with Singapore Athletics and the One Team Singapore Fund (OTF), pledging an additional SG$60,000 donation for 2025 to support local athlete development.
Flatter, Faster, and More Scenic Race Routes
The 2025 SCSM routes have been reimagined to showcase Singapore’s stunning cityscape — from Marina Bay’s skyline to the lush greenery of the Gardens by the Bay. Key elevation points such as West Coast Highway and Sheares Avenue have been removed, creating a flatter, faster course that’s ideal for personal bests.
“The removal of Sheares Bridge will come as a relief to many runners,” Soh commented. “It’s now one of the best layouts we’ve had for achieving strong finishing times.”
World-Class Elite Lineup Returns
SCSM 2025 will also welcome top-tier Gold Label athletes, including defending champion Abel Sikowo (Uganda) and Kenyan elites Laban Korir and Moses Kibet in the men’s field. The women’s elite lineup features Viola Kibiwot (Kenya), Sifan Demise (Ethiopia), and Sharon Arusho (Kenya), all vying for the coveted Gold Label title.
With more than 45,000 runners — including 11,800 international participants — expected to take part, SCSM 2025 cements its reputation as Southeast Asia’s premier marathon event.
Registration and Event Details
Late registration prices (inclusive of GST and processing fees):
Marathon (42.195km): SG$197
Half Marathon (21.1km): SG$175
10km: SG$131
5km: SG$99
Ekiden (Team of 4): SG$545
Kids Dash: SG$44
Standard Chartered cardholders enjoy a 15% discount on registration fees.
For full event details, prize breakdowns, and registration, visit: www.singaporemarathon.com #SCSM2025 #SgMarathon #OurHomeRace