Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 National Championship Preview: Who Will Claim Singapore’s Marathon Crowns This Weekend?
- John Yeong
- 19 hours ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Your Guide to the Local Elite Fields, Favourites, and Surprise Contenders at This Year’s SCSM National Championship
As the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 National Championship returns this weekend, Singapore’s best distance runners are set to battle for national glory across the Marathon and Half Marathon.
Despite a few notable absentees with the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand around the corner - with national records, SEA Games experience, rising stars and colourful personalities on display, this year’s field promises to be one of the most competitive edition in years.
Below is your full preview of the favourites to watch—perfect for fans tracking the race, runners heading to the start line, and anyone following Singapore’s fast-growing running scene.
MEN’S MARATHON: Soh Rui Yong Stands Tall—but the Chase Pack Is Ready
The spotlight inevitably falls on Soh Rui Yong, whose dominance over the years has shaped the landscape of Singapore distance running. Holding national records in the 5,000m, 10,000m, half marathon, and marathon, and boasting two SEA Games marathon titles, Soh enters the weekend as the clear favourite.
He comes into this race weekend fresh off rewriting the national 10,000m record at the Nittaidai Challenge Games in Tokyo on 29 November with a time of 30:33.29 to slash nearly 30s off the previous mark of 31:02.40 set by Shaun Goh in August.
His consistency at SCSM—where he has already won five national marathon titles—reinforces his stature, while his build-up for the 2025 SEA Games 10,000m suggests he is carrying exceptional form - as he intends to complete his first double-up challenge of both the half and full marathons.
And yes, he also held the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in a suit—a testament to both his speed and flair.
Fierce Competition
But the race will be far from a solo showcase. While there are notable absentees from this year's men's marathon such as Ben Khoo (2-time SCSM national championship podium finisher in 2023 and 2024), Richard Heng (SCSM National Championships - Men's Marathon 3rd Place in 2024), and Gordon Lim racing in Valencia; other in-form athletes are poised to keep the pressure on Soh.
How the full marathon pans out on Sunday will also depend on how much energy is expanded by Soh in his head-to-head challenge with Keane Ko over the half-marathon distance on Saturday, as neither will want to lose in a bitter rivalry and arguably one of the biggest battles to be seen over the weekend.
Keane Ko – The Rapid Improver
Keane Ko is one of Singapore's rising distance athletes looking to challenge Soh's crown and legacy - and unsurprisingly has also taken up the double-up challenge in the half and full marathon distances in this year's National Championship.
Missing out on a SEA Games marathon slot, Keane Ko is the 2024 SCSM Half Marathon runner-up, and has set a new half-marathon personal best (1:10) in a mid November race in Italy. Known for wearing mismatched socks—a quirky trademark—Keane is fearless, fast, and getting faster. If he sticks with Soh early on, he could force a tactical showdown.
Aaron Tan – The Relentless Climber
After finishing 2023 as Singapore’s top-ranked marathoner, Aaron Tan (PB: 2:35:28) has cemented himself as a serious threat. His journey—from TAF Club struggler to national podium contender—gives him both grit and perspective. If Soh falters, Tan’s patience and even pacing could put him in striking range.
Melvin Wong – Tactical and Experienced
2015 and 2022 SEA Games representative Melvin Wong (PB: 2:34:33) knows how to pace a championship race and has been trending upward throughout the year. His strength lies in his race discipline and ability to pick the right moment to strike.
Daniel Leow – A Legitimate Dark Horse
Adding intrigue is Daniel Leow, a former SEA Games representative and SCSM podium finisher who is no stranger to the local national championships. The Singapore Shufflers runner will be looking to remind everyone of his running prowess having stayed low profile in the last few years.
WOMEN’S MARATHON: A Tight Three-Woman Contest
On the women’s side, the marathon promises a far less predictable storyline. Singapore's SEA Games 2025 representative and Great Eastern Women's Run 2025 winner Goh Shing Ling is an obvious absentee, while Verna Goh is also racing overseas - but even they have not cemented a place as an all-time Singapore marathon great.
Rachel See enters as the defending 2024 SCSM National Champion and multi-winner, although the gap between her and the chasers is narrowing enough to make this a compelling three-way battle.
Rachel See – Calm, Experienced, and Dangerous
With a PB of 2:50:54 and SEA Games appearances in 2015 and 2017, Rachel See brings invaluable championship composure. Her late start in running—beginning only in her mid-twenties—makes her progress all the more remarkable. She has proven she can time her peak perfectly for big races, and is our multi championship winner in Singapore races over the past decade.
Sharon Tan – Toughness Defined
Sharon Tan, a back-to-back SEA Games representative (2022, 2023), finished third in last year’s National Championships and returns looking sharper than ever. Her PB of 2:57:24 puts her in range of a breakthrough performance. Known for her hearty appetite—she once ate an entire loaf of bread in one sitting—she brings both humour and hunger to the start line.
Chng Siew Lu – The Wildcard With Momentum
Ranked number 2 in Singapore for 2024, Chng Siew Lu (PB: 2:56:31) has been quietly building momentum. More than just a runner, she balances her training with scuba diving and an unabashed love for French fries. If the front pack starts conservatively, Siew Lu has the closing strength to mount a late-race challenge.
MEN’S HALF MARATHON: The Most Open Race of the Weekend
In contrast to the marathon distances, the men’s half marathon stands out as the most unpredictable matchup of the Championships. Although a smaller field of athletes—each bring along with them compelling credentials that could see them realistically cause a serious upset to the big guns.
Here is our take on the likely podium finishers together with Soh Rui Yong:
Henry He – The Athlete to Catch
Henry He enters with the strongest credentials, having represented Singapore at both the 2024 and 2025 Asian Marathon Championships. His marathon PB of 2:29:43 makes him Singapore’s fourth fastest marathoner in history, and his half marathon PB of 1:11:00 puts him firmly in pole position. With a 2025 SEA Games marathon berth already secured, Henry is expected to set the standard from the front.
Keane Ko – Rapidly Rising
Having lost to Shaun Goh in 2024 finishing as 2024 SCSM Half Marathon runner-up, Keane Ko is eyeing to cause an upset on Saturday in his latest efforts to dethrone Singapore's distance king. Keane's vocal nature may have ruffled several feathers in the running scene but he remains a firm favourite to cause a potential upset given his inherent potential.
It remains to be seen if he will complete the double up challenge he committed to, largely depending on how the half-marathon race goes on Saturday.
Ahmad Arif Ibrahim – The Experienced Racer
Arif, the 2019 SEA Games duathlon mixed relay silver medallist, brings multisport strength and a knack for pacing. With a PB of 1:14:06 and a podium finish at last year’s Nationals, he remains very much in the mix—particularly if the race becomes a strategic chess match.
He brings championship experience and the ability to read a race’s shifting dynamics. If the field goes out too hard, his tactical patience could pay off.
Najib Mooiz – A Genuine Wildcard
Najib Mooiz has been steadily gaining traction in the local racing scene and brings both speed and racing grit. Known for strong mid-race surges, he could cause serious disruption if he latches onto the front pack early. He enters the SCSM race weekend with multiple podium finishes this year, most notably clinching second place on 2 November in Putrajaya's Garmin Run Malaysia with an impressive 1:16 tropical race finish.
Evan Tang – Improving With Every Season
Another dark horse, Evan Tang, has built a reputation for consistent improvement across road distances. If the favourites underestimate him, he has the closing speed to snatch a late top-five or even podium finish.
WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON: Vanessa vs Nicole—Best friends and Rivals
The women’s half marathon features a fascinating narrative: two athletes with nearly identical resumes and who are best friends off the track but fiercely competitive on it.
The race category's obvious and most notable absentee from this year's half-marathon national championships is Ng Xuan Jie, who finished 3rd in 2024 but is focusing on representing Triathlon Singapore at the 33rd SEA Games in December.
Vanessa Lee – The Record-Breaking Specialist
Holding national records in the 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, 5km road, 10,000m and 10km road, Vanessa Lee has become a defining force in Singapore distance running. Her PB of 1:18:07 and victory in the 2024 SCSM Nationals make her the favourite—but only just.
She will be looking to bounce back from her recent loss at GEWR to defend her SCSM national championships half-marathon crown.
Nicole Low – Matching Fire With Fire
Nicole Low interestingly works as Vanessa's coach, and mirrors Vanessa’s achievements almost one-for-one: the same international representation, and almost the exact same half marathon PB. Their rivalry pushes both to new heights, and this weekend could add the next chapter to a growing domestic duel.
Jasmine Teo – Ready to Capitalise
Just behind them stands Jasmine Teo, the 2024 SCSM Half Marathon runner-up, who holds a strong PB of 1:20:02. Her no-caffeine lifestyle embodies calm focus—something that could pay off if the leaders lock into an aggressive early pace. If the Vanessa-Nicole duel gets too heated, Jasmine may be the biggest beneficiary.
Cloey Wong – Ready for a Breakthrough
A rising name in the local running scene, Cloey Wong has been posting breakthrough performances throughout the year. If the pace settles early, she has the strength to stay close and the tenacity to fight for a top 3 finish.
Serena Teoh – Fearless and Fast
Another dark horse, Serena Teoh brings strong training momentum and a racing style that thrives in competitive fields. She may not yet have the accolades of the favourites, but her current trajectory suggests she could surprise many by staying in contention deep into the race much like META : Time : Trials 2023 Malaysia where she surprised everyone to emerge as overall champion in a stacked regional field.
A Defining Weekend for Singapore Running
From Soh Rui Yong’s double-up challenge head-to-head with Keane Ko as Singapore's distance king pursues another marathon crown to the thrilling Vanessa-Nicole showdown in the half marathon, the 2025 SCSM National Championships are set to deliver drama, speed and some of the deepest domestic fields ever assembled.
Whether you're racing, spectating, or following from afar, this weekend promises to be a milestone moment in Singapore’s long-distance running journey.
Lace up, cheer loud, and get ready—SCSM 2025 is about to make history.
SCSM 2025 National Championship (Full Start List) Men's Full Marathon
Soh Rui Yong
Darren Chong
Murakami
Hia Wei Jie
Evan Chee
Daniel Leow
Seah Chuan Heng
Tan Wei Bin
Giebert Foo
Yaping Ma
Chua Kok Soon
Desmond Ang
Ansgar Cheng
Jasper Tan
Yuting Loh
Poon Zi Li
Toh Wen Sheng
Wang Hua Peng
Jason Tan
Ashley Liew
Liang Zhongbao
Chan Yik Ley
Joshua Li
Goh Eu-Jin
Aarya Parab
Ho Ghim Khoon
Liu Zongqiang
Lin Junyu
Daniel Tan
Dong Haiyu
Melvin Wong
Aaron Justin Tan
Wong Hoong Wei
Shao Yong Tan
Kerwin Tan
Charlton Ng
Mitchell Tan
Gamaliel Gan
Women's Full Marathon
Rachel See
Chng Siew Lu
Sharon Tan
Yin Fuyu
Yvonne Elizabeth Chee
Rachel Lee
Sabrina Kek
Men's Half Marathon
Timothy Liau
Keane Ko
Evan Tang
Raymond Sng
Najib Mooiz
Glean Oun
Daryl Thomas
Ahmad Arif
Jeevaneesh
Soh Rui Yong
He Yong
Ong Chee Yong
Swee Weidi
Jeremy Foo
Nazri Rahman
Shohib Marican
Women's Half Marathon
Vanessa Lee
Nicole Low
Cloey Wong
Vanessa Chong
Jasmine Teo
Serena Teoh
Han Qinfei