A record high for international participation at the 2023 StanChart Singapore Marathon, as over 8,000 international runners from more than 70 countries flew in to participate
Singapore, 3 December 2023 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2023 concluded an exceptional weekend of world-class racing, setting new benchmarks for endurance races in the region.
As the World Athletics Gold Label race and National Championship made their triumphant return, SCSM2023 witnessed over 44,000 runners taking to the streets and finishing at the National Stadium, including more than 8,000 international participants – the highest in the marathon’s history – marking SCSM2023 as a truly global race.
SCSM 2023 saw participants from over 70 countries, including elite athletes, passionate runners, and first-timers, complete the marathon and half marathon distances. The total distance clocked amounted to more than 768,800km, equivalent to cover the distance to the moon and back.
The event also featured a series of shorter races, including the 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash, ensuring an inclusive event that welcomed runners of all ages and abilities.
This year’s event featured spectator and cheer zones, keeping the excitement of the race high, as runners headed to the finish line at the National Stadium, a first-ever for the SCSM.
The route had runners pass multiple Singapore landmarks including Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, War Memorial Park, Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay.
Gold Label Elite Marathon: A Display of Exceptional Grit and Determination
In the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Kenya’s David Barmasai Tumo emerged victorious in the men's category, with a time of 2:14:15. He finished ahead of Kenya’s Geoffrey Birgen who finished in 2:14:30 while Kenya’s Anderson Seroi was third in 2:15:59
Reflecting on the victory, Tumo said, “Running is my passion. I was aiming to improve my position from my last SCSM race here in 2018, and I focused on my agenda and got on track with my training gradually. Today, I’m getting the fruits of that.”
Bahrain's Rose Chelimo claimed the top spot in the women's category with a timing of 2:37:18 just before Beatrice Jelagat Cherop in 2:37:35. Meseret Dinke of Ethiopia finished in 2:37:48 to take the second runner-up spot.
Chelimo, who gave birth to her second child in 2021, said, “This is my first marathon win since 2018 and since I went on maternity leave in 2021. There were a lot of challenges to come back from maternity leave and I had to train very hard to do so."
"Although this was the most difficult race I have ever done due to the heat and the humidity, it is a great feeling to know I can still compete for championships. I am looking forward to seeing my family back home and I know they will give me a warm welcome.”
Winners of the Gold Label Elite Marathon men’s and women’s categories took home prize money of USD $30,000 each
Mr Roy Teo, Industry Development, Technology & Innovation Group of Sport Singapore and Mr Patrick Lee, Cluster Chief Executive Officer of Singapore & ASEAN Markets of Standard Chartered were present to congratulate the male elite runners at the Gold Label Elite Marathon finish line.
Mr Patrick Lee also joined Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Experience Development Group, Sports & Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, in welcoming the female elite runners as they crossed the finish line.
As the race started, Mr Roy Teo commented, “As one of Singapore’s largest mass participation athletic events, SCSM today is a testament to the passion and dedication of Singaporeans for sports and fitness. It was inspiring to see these runners come through the National Stadium this weekend as they pushed their limits and celebrated the joy of running.”