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Extra time double by Hami Syahin and Anderson Lopes Seal Treble of Singapore Cup Wins for Lion City Sailors PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS SINGAPORE, 11 January 2026 – Lion City Sailors etched their name even deeper into Singapore football history on Jan 10, completing a remarkable Singapore Cup treble with a hard-fought 2-0 extra-time victory over Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium. In a tense and absorbing final that showcased the quality of the country’s two leading club sides, the Sailors once again delivered on the biggest domestic stage, lifting the Singapore Cup for a third consecutive season. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS Extra-Time Heroes Seal the Treble With neither side able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes, it was Sailors’ depth and composure that proved decisive in extra time. Substitute Hami Syahin struck in the 115th minute, calmly finishing off a cut-back to give his side the breakthrough. Moments later, prolific forward Anderson Lopes wrapped up the victory, converting a long ball forward with virtually the final kick of the match. The goals crowned another resilient performance from the Sailors, who defended stoutly while continuing to threaten against a disciplined Tampines side that refused to back down until the very end. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS Fast Start, Fine Margins Despite missing influential winger Maxime Lestienne , the Sailors began brightly. Early efforts from Shawal Anuar and Song Ui-young set the tone, while Tampines responded with moments of their own, including a bold long-range attempt that narrowly missed the target. The first half was played at a high tempo, with both teams moving the ball confidently and pressing aggressively, much to the delight of the 3,700-strong crowd in attendance. Chances were limited after the break as defensive structures tightened, forcing the contest into extra time. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS Champions’ Mentality on Display Sailors head coach Aleksandar Rankovic hailed his team’s achievement, describing the treble as a milestone moment for the club’s rapid rise in Singapore football. Winning three Singapore Cups in a row underlined the Sailors’ consistency, squad depth and winning mentality, especially after earlier setbacks this season. Defender Bailey Wright, named Man of the Match, highlighted the belief and togetherness forged through repeated success in finals. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS Subtle Footnote to a Dramatic Night While post-match discussions included a brief administrative issue involving Tampines during extra time, it did little to detract from the Sailors’ on-field dominance when it mattered most. The champions ensured there was no doubt about the outcome by settling the final with decisive goals. A Dynasty in the Making With this latest triumph, Lion City Sailors continue to set the benchmark in local football, adding another chapter to their growing legacy. The Singapore Cup treble not only reinforces their domestic dominance but also fuels confidence as they look ahead to regional and league challenges. For now, though, the Sailors can savour a familiar feeling – champions once again, and firmly established as the team to beat in Singapore. #SgFootball #SingaporeCup #LionCitySailors #TampinesRovers

29-year-old Kyoga Nakamura joins the Sailors after mutually terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United, returning to Singapore football as one of the region’s most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS FOOTBALL CLUB Singapore football powerhouse Lion City Sailors have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura , securing the experienced playmaker on a two-and-a-half-year contract that runs until the end of the 2027/28 season. The 29-year-old joins the Sailors after mutually terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United , returning to Singapore football with a proven reputation as one of the region’s most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS FOOTBALL CLUB Kyoga Nakamura Returns to Singapore Premier League Born in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, Kyoga Nakamura first made his mark in Singapore after arriving from Japan’s J3 League in 2019. He debuted in the Singapore Premier League with Albirex Niigata (S) before becoming a mainstay at BG Tampines Rovers, where he accumulated the majority of his 141 SPL appearances across five seasons. Nakamura left Singapore in June 2025 to join Bangkok United, making 17 appearances in all competitions before deciding to return to the Lion City, where he has long been regarded as a fan favourite for his relentless work rate and professionalism. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS FOOTBALL CLUB Proven Winner and Singapore International Nakamura’s influence on Singapore football extends well beyond club level. Granted Singapore citizenship in October 2024, the left-footed midfielder has since earned 17 caps for the national team, playing a key role in Singapore’s historic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup on merit. A four-time Singapore Premier League Team of the Year selection (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023), Nakamura brings composure, creativity and tactical intelligence to the Sailors’ midfield as they prepare for a decisive second half of the season. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS FOOTBALL CLUB Lion City Sailors Target Multiple Trophies in 2026 The Sailors remain firmly in contention on multiple fronts. The defending champions are bidding to retain both the Singapore Premier League and the Singapore Cup, while also targeting a maiden semi-final appearance in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup. Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković praised the signing, saying Nakamura’s game management and positional awareness align perfectly with the club’s ambitions. “Kyoga is one of the top players in Singapore football. His calmness, experience and hunger to succeed are exactly what we want as we push for silverware,” Ranković said. Sporting Director Luka Lalić added that Nakamura’s arrival signals the Sailors’ intent to compete at the highest level while building for long-term success. PHOTO: LION CITY SAILORS FOOTBALL CLUB Potential Singapore Cup Final Debut Against Former Club In a fitting twist of fate, Nakamura could make his Lion City Sailors debut in the Singapore Cup final on 10 January, facing his former club BG Tampines Rovers — a symbolic start to the next chapter of his career. Expressing his excitement, Nakamura said: “Singapore is my home, and I’m proud to represent the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, and I’m going to give everything to help us fight for every trophy.” #LionCitySailors #SPL #SgFootball

From Firsts to Finals: How 2025 Became a Defining Year for Singapore Sport From snow-covered slopes in Harbin to sold-out stadiums at Kallang, 2025 will be remembered as one of the most transformative sporting years in Singapore’s modern history. This was the year Singapore broke new ground, ended long droughts, hosted the world, and redefined belief across elite, grassroots, and lifestyle sport. Here’s our definitive wrap of the key sporting milestones that shaped Singapore in 2025. January 2025: Tennis Tennis Makes Its Breakthrough with the Inaugural Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup Singapore marked a milestone in tennis development by winning the inaugural Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup, a regional showcase staged at the Kallang Tennis Hub . Featuring men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, the tournament symbolised Singapore’s renewed push into high-performance tennis. The home victory reflected years of investment in facilities, coaching depth, and competitive exposure—turning Kallang into a true tennis heartbeat for Southeast Asia. February 2025: Winter Sports Singapore Enters the Winter Sports Arena at the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games For the first time, Team Singapore competed meaningfully at the Asian Winter Games, marking a defining chapter in the nation’s sporting evolution. Alpine Skiing Breakthrough Faiz Basha became Singapore’s first competitive alpine skier, finishing 12th in the men’s slalom—the highest-placed Southeast Asian athlete in the event. Short Track Speed Skating Milestones Singapore’s short track speed skaters reached three finals and rewrote the record books: Alyssa Pok set a personal best in the women’s 1000m. Brandon Pok reached the men’s 1500m Final B. The team set a new national record in the Mixed Relay 2000m. Winter sport was no longer symbolic—it was competitive. February 2025: Badminton Jason Teh Claims His First International Badminton Title Jason Teh announced his arrival on the international stage by winning the Thailand Masters. The victory earned him his first international title and a career-high world ranking near No. 30, an official recognition of Teh as Singapore’s next men’s singles standard-bearer after Loh Kean Yew. March 2025: Badminton Yeo Jia Min Ends a Six-Year Title Drought at the German Open Yeo Jia Min delivered one of Singapore sport’s most emotional moments of 2025 by winning the German Open. Her straight-games victory over Nguyen Thuy Linh marked her first BWF World Tour title since 2019 and resurgence after years of injuries and setbacks. It was a powerful reminder of Singapore badminton’s resilience and a triumph defined by patience, perseverance, and belief. April 2025: Rugby Sevens Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s Break Their Finals Curse on Home Soil At the SEA 7s Finals during the Singapore Rugby Sevens , the Singapore Women's Rugby 7s finally broke through. After losing two previous finals, the hosts staged a thrilling comeback against Malaysia—powered by a brace from Jayne Chan’s unshakeable defensive discipline—to clinch their first-ever SEA 7s title. This was more than a trophy—it was validation for women’s rugby in Singapore. April 2025: Indoor Skydiving Singapore Indoor Skydivers Triumph Despite Burglary Shock The Singapore Indoor Skydiving Team showcased extraordinary mental strength at the FAI World Championships in Charleroi, Belgium . Despite their accommodation being burglarised mid-competition, the team regrouped to win four medals, earning global respect for their resilience and professionalism under pressure. April 2025: Running Natalie Dau Took on Project 1000 Philippines — Again Ultra-endurance athlete Natalie Dau returned to the extreme in 2025, completing Project 1000 Philippines —a staggering 1,000km run across the country, marking the second time in back-to-back years she has conquered the distance. While her 2024 feat earned recognition in both the Guinness World Records and Singapore Book of Records, the 2025 edition was about something deeper: purpose, resilience, and advocacy. Running through heat, terrain, and logistical challenges, Natalie once again demonstrated why she remains one of Singapore’s most compelling endurance figures—pushing human limits while using sport as a platform for social impact. May 2025: Football Lion City Sailors Make History in Asian Football The Lion City Sailors rewrote Singapore football history by reaching the AFC Champions League Two Final. It marked the first time a Singaporean club reached a continental final, signalling a shift in regional perception and proving that Singapore football can compete beyond its borders. June 2025: Cycling Cycling Consistency as Yeo Boon Kiak Wins OCBC National Championships Again Yeo Boon Kiak added another national title at the National Championships in Bintan, underlining his experience and Singapore’s depth in endurance cycling. The OCBC National Championships in Bintan for 2025 happened from June 19-22, featuring MTB/Off-Road (July) and Road Races (June), bringing together elite riders and para-athletes for intense competition, with organisers praising the joint effort between Singapore Cycling Federation and the Indonesian Cycling Federation. While OCBC Cycle's main event went virtual, the Bintan championships served as a major national event for various cycling disciplines, including para-cycling, with riders competing in ITT, Criterium, and Road Races. June 2025: Fitness Racing HYROX Makes Its Asian Championship Debut in Singapore Singapore hosted the inaugural AIA HYROX Open Asian Championships 2025 at the National Stadium, cementing its status as Asia’s fitness capital. Thousands of participants and spectators transformed hybrid racing into a mainstream sporting spectacle. July 2025: Aquatics Singapore Hosts the World Aquatics Championships for the First Time The World Aquatics Championships made its debut in Singapore, placing the nation firmly on the global hosting map. Beyond medals, the event elevated aquatic sports participation and showcased Singapore’s world-class infrastructure. July 2025: Athletics Vanessa Lee & Shaun Goh Claim National Running Titles Singapore's leading distance runners Vanessa Lee and Shaun Goh captured the 2.4km national titles, reflecting Singapore’s growing competitive depth in middle-distance running. August 2025: Floorball Singapore Women’s Floorball Shine on the Asian and World Stage The Singapore Women's Floorball Team enjoyed a breakthrough year marked by consistency and continental success. They emerged as champions of the 2025 Women’s World Floorball Championships Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation (AOFC) Qualification Tournament , hosted at Our Tampines Hub, after a dominant 5–0 victory over Thailand in the final. That momentum carried into the World Floorball Championships in Chengdu, where Singapore finished a credible 6th overall. The year concluded with another strong showing at The World Games, where the team again placed 6th, capping a season that affirmed Singapore’s growing stature in women’s floorball. August 2025: Basketball Stephen Curry Brings the Curry Camp to Asia NBA icon Stephen Curry mentored young athletes in Singapore during the Curry Brand China Tour, hosting the first-ever Curry Camp in Asia. Singapore representative and UA ambassador E J Molino was the beneficiary of the camp, etching unforgettable memories with an NBA legend in his hopes to become a professional basketballer. August 2025: Running Sydney Marathon Completes First Year As A World Marathon Major The TCS Sydney Marathon completed its first year as a World Marathon Major, after attaining the WMM status following a 3-year campaign period. Following an intense campaigning period with the SportPlus.sg team and the Singapore running community heavily involved in 2023 and 2024, 2025 witnessed the first year Sydney Marathon ran as a World Major, and the event did not disappoint with record-breaking participation internationally, strengthening regional distance running pathways and benefitting Singapore’s growing marathon community. September 2025: Badminton Singapore Badminton Opens the KFF Badminton Arena Singapore Badminton Association unveiled the KFF Badminton Arena at Guillemard Road , a dedicated high-performance training hub designed to nurture future champions. The facility represents a long-term commitment to elite development, sports science, and athlete welfare. September 2025: Running AirAsia Kallang Run Debuts as a Carnival of Community Running Mass participation running took on a fresh identity as AirAsia Kallang Run made its debut at The Kallang. With its aviation-themed race experience, carnival-style activations, and family-friendly atmosphere, the inaugural edition proved it was more than just a run. It became a full-scale celebration of movement, community, and lifestyle sport—reflecting Singapore’s evolving approach to making fitness inclusive, social, and fun. October 2025: Table Tennis Table Tennis Returns to the Asian Podium After Four Years October 2025 marked a long-awaited return to continental relevance for the Singapore women's table tennis team. After a four-year hiatus from the podium, the team clinched bronze at the Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in Bhubaneswar, India. The result underscored renewed depth and resilience in Singapore’s women’s table tennis programme, reaffirming its place among Asia’s elite after years of transition. November 2025: Running Goh Shing Ling Wins Maiden GEWR Title Goh Shing Ling clinched her first GEWR (Great Eastern Women’s Run) title , inspiring a new generation of female runners. November 2025: Football Singapore Qualifies for AFC Asian Cup on Merit The Singapore national football team qualified for the AFC Asian Cup on merit—ending years of reliance on external qualification routes. It was a landmark achievement built on tactical discipline, squad unity, and renewed belief in the national programme. November 2025: Football Gavin Lee Named As Permanent Head Coach of National Football Team Interim coach Gavin Lee was officially appointed Singapore's permanent Men's National Team Head Coach on November 28, 2025, by the FAS after leading the Lions to their first-ever qualification for the AFC Asian Cup on merit, a historic feat for the nation's football. The 35-year-old was given an 18-month contract and will lead Singapore into the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2026 ASEAN Championship. November 2025: Lifestyle Singapore Sports Hub Rebranded as “The Kallang” The iconic Singapore Sports Hub was officially renamed The Kallang, reinforcing its identity as the nation’s cultural and sporting heart. December 2025: Running Soh Rui Yong Clinches SCSM National Championship Double Singapore national distance runner Soh Rui Yong conquered both the 21km and 42km at the Singapore Marathon National Championships, winning both titles and in so doing becoming the first person ever to do so. The rare double-up feat reaffirms his status as the nation’s leading distance runner and one of the region’s toughest competitors. December 2025: Athletics Shanti Pereira Makes SEA Games History Shanti Pereira defended both her 100m and 200m SEA Games titles, completing a historic double-double across consecutive Games. She remains Singapore athletics’ gold standard. From winter sports debuts to continental football finals, 2025 was not just about medals—it was about belief, identity, and ambition. Singapore didn’t merely participate in sport this year. It arrived. 2025SportingYear 2025Wrapped

Best Running Clubs in Singapore to Join in 2026 for Motivation, Community, and Fitness Consistency PHOTO: RUN.JP G Sticking to New Year fitness resolutions is easier said than done. Motivation dips, schedules get busy, and solo runs can start to feel repetitive. That’s where running clubs in Singapore come in. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a casual jogger, or a serious racer, joining a running club adds structure, accountability, and—most importantly—community. As we head into 2026, Singapore’s running scene continues to thrive, offering everything from performance-focused training squads to friendly social run crews. Here’s a curated guide to the best running clubs in Singapore to join in 2026 to keep your fitness goals on track. PHOTO: THE HIGH PANTERS Why Join a Running Club in Singapore? Before diving into the list, here’s why run clubs remain one of the most effective ways to stay consistent: Joining a run club can help you with built-in motivation and accountability particularly if you haven't reached the level of self-discipline required to self train for races. Some run clubs also provide structured weekly runs and training plans which can benefit those preparing for races during the year. Most run clubs in Singapore offer support for all paces and experience levels which can be helpful for those new to running, while a strong social element keeps running fun. Even for more experienced runners looking for access to experienced pacers and coaches, joining some run clubs could help you run further, faster, or simply be more consistently in 2026, so for some a running club can be the difference-maker. Top Running Clubs in Singapore to Join in 2026 1. Fast and Free Running Club (FFRC) PHOTO: FAST AND FREE RUN CLUB Founded in 2022 by a group of friends with a shared love for running, Fast and Free Running Club (FFRC) is one of the most personality-driven run clubs in Singapore. FFRC blends fitness with local flavour—literally. Its kaya toast theme has pacers known as Toasties, while weekly programmes are charmingly named Kaya Run and Toasted Thursday. Best of all, runs end with kaya toast and coffee on Saturday morning. Best suited for: Intermediate Runners with Some Experience Running schedule: Thursday evenings – 100PLUS Promenade, National Stadium Saturday mornings – 18 Robinson Road Membership fees: Free How to register: Check FFRC’s Instagram page or Telegram group and simply turn up 2. Run.JPG (Jolly Pace Group) PHOTO: RUN.JP G Jolly Pace Group —better known as Run.JPG—is a community-driven running club founded in 2019. While known for its welcoming, well-paced runs, the group has also shown how shared goals can create something deeper than just weekly meet-ups. Today, RunJPG's runs happen weekly on Wednesday evenings with a group bonded by camaraderie, discipline, and a shared commitment to race day. Many members now proudly describe the group as family. Best suited for: Beginners to Intermediate Best for: Runners seeking both social connection and race-focused motivation Membership fees: Free 3. Running Department PHOTO: RUNNING DEPARTMENT Founded in 2013, Running Department may have a straightforward name, but it’s far from boring. Known for its feel-good, welcoming ethos, this club hosts two free weekly sessions and draws a large crowd—especially around the CBD. If you’ve ever spotted a massive running group midweek in town, chances are it was them. Best suited for: Intermediate Runners with some experience Running schedule: Twice weekly (notably Wednesday evenings around the CBD) Membership fees: Free How to register: Just arrive about 10 minutes before the session starts 4. Singapore Runners Club (SGRC) PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUNNERS CLUB With over 14,000 online members, Singapore Runners Club is the largest online Facebook Running Community. Its programmes include weekly social runs across the island, structured interval sessions at stadium tracks, and access to workshops, seminars, and cross-training activities. Ideal for runners who want structure and a strong support network. Best suited for: Beginners to Advanced Runners Running schedule: Weekly social runs + track sessions Membership fees: Varies Best for: Runners serious about long-term fitness progression 5. ASICS Running Club Singapore PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG ASICS Running Club Singapore is ideal for runners who appreciate professional guidance. Expect structured sessions, coaching insights, and well-planned routes. It’s a strong choice for those training toward races while still enjoying a group environment. With various training groups tailored to a runner's specific needs, ARC promises exciting running sessions, optimised to help you reach your personal best. Best suited for: Intermediate to Advanced Runners Running schedule: Every Tuesday at Singapore Indoor Stadium Carpark L, 7pm Membership fees: Free Best for: Runners serious improving their run timings or progressing 6. Garmin Run Club Singapore PHOTO: GARMIN RUN CLUB SINGAPORE Garmin Run Club Singapore appeals to runners who love data and progress tracking. With coached sessions and performance-focused workouts, this club is excellent for runners who want measurable improvement and motivation backed by metrics. Best suited for: Beginners to Advanced Runners Running schedule: Every Thursday at MOE Evans Road Membership fees: Free Best for: Runners serious improving their run timings or progressing 7. PUMA Nitro Run Club Singapore (PNRC) PHOTO: PUMA NITRO RUN CLUB SINGAPORE Energetic and community-driven, PUMA Nitro Run Club was rebranded in early 2025 from originally a lifestyle focused running club to being more performance focused. Its weekly sessions are designed to help runners improve and prepare for races from HYROX to 10ks and half marathons as well as marathons. The sessions balance effort and fun, making it a great choice for runners who thrive on group energy and shared post-run conversations. Best suited for: Intermediate to Advanced Runners Running schedule: Every Tuesday and one Saturday a month, check PNRC Instagram for venue updates Membership fees: Free 8. adidas Runners Singapore PHOTO: ADIDAS RUNNERS SINGAPORE adidas Runners Singapore is part of a global running community spanning over 76 cities worldwide, united by a shared purpose: to grow—not just as runners and athletes, but as people. Built on the belief that every pace has a place , the community welcomes runners of all experience levels. With bi-weekly weekend morning runs and monthly weekday evening sessions, adidas Runners Singapore supports both newcomers and seasoned runners in working towards their fitness goals together, as one inclusive community. Keen to run with the team? Download the adidas Running app and find adidas Runners Singapore  under the Community  tab. Stay updated by following @adidasSG on Instagram and joining the club’s Facebook Group for the latest run schedules and events. Best suited for: Beginners to Advanced Runners Running schedule: Bi-weekly on Saturdays, and one Thursday a month Membership fees: Free but requires app download 9. The High Panters PHOTO: THE HIGH PANTERS The High Panters are known for their bold personality and strong social culture. The Singapore based run crew believe in remaining focused on community building and raising social awareness and funds for communities-in-need, running free from pace groups. This club is ideal if you enjoy expressive running, high energy runs, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond just logging kilometres. Best suited for: Beginners to Intermediate Runners 10. Happy Pace Club PHOTO: HAPPY PACE CLUB Happy Pace Club is an all-female running group designed as a safe, empowering space for women who want more than just a casual stroll. The runs focus on easy pacing, honest conversations, and genuine camaraderie—perfect for runners who value both mental and physical well-being. Best suited for: Beginners Running schedule: Wednesday evenings – Funan Membership fees: Free How to register: Check Happy Pace Club’s Instagram page and turn up That Run Club PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG That Run Club has quickly gained popularity for its welcoming atmosphere and consistent meet-ups. It’s a great middle ground for runners who want structure without intensity, making it easy to stay motivated all year long. Best suited for: Beginners 12. Easy Pace* Run Club PHOTO: EPRC True to its name, Easy Pace* Run Club focuses on comfortable, conversational running. Ideal for beginners, recovery runners, or anyone prioritising sustainability over speed in their fitness journey. At Easy Pace Run Club, pace is never the priority—participation is. Members, affectionately called Easy Pacers, can choose from four pace groups suitable for everything from marathon training to casual walks. Organised via Telegram, the club keeps things simple, social, and inclusive. Best suited for: Beginners 13. Zephyr Running Club PHOTO: ZEPHYR RUNNING CLUB At Zephyr Running Club , weekly structured training sessions are designed to help runners train with purpose and variety. Meet-ups take place across some of Singapore’s most popular running routes—ranging from scenic CBD loops and challenging track workouts to steady, long-distance coastal runs. Whether your goal is to chase a personal best, build endurance, or simply stay active and healthy, there’s a session to match your focus. Weekly Training Schedule Monday | 6:30 PM — Tempo Run Start point: Red Dot Design Museum, 018940 Distance: 12–14km A scenic evening route taking runners from the CBD through Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, the National Stadium, and back. Wednesday | 6:30 PM — Interval Run Location: MOE Track & Field, Botanic Gardens, 259366 Distance: Approximately 10–12km total A structured interval workout focused on improving speed, strength, and race readiness. Saturday | 6:00 PM — Long Run Locations (rotating): East Coast Park, Parkland Green, 449875 West Coast Park, 12684 Distance: 20–30km Comfortable-paced long runs aimed at building endurance and mental resilience. Multiple pace groups are available at every session, ensuring runners of all levels—from beginners to seasoned athletes—can train together at a pace that suits them. Best suited for: Experienced and Advanced runners 14. Saurus Singapore PHOTO : SAURUS SINGAPORE Saurus Singapore stands out for its playful identity and supportive group culture. If you’re looking for a club that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still shows up regularly, this is a great option. The group comprises advanced and elite runners as well as runners representing Singapore on the international stage. Best suited for: Experienced and Advanced Runners 15. Off Form Running Club Off Form Running Club embraces the reality that not every run feels perfect. This honest, inclusive mindset makes it a refreshing space for runners who want to stay active without unrealistic expectations. Best suited for: Beginners Big Boyz Run Club PHOTO: BBRC “A run club that doesn’t run… very fast.” Big Boyz Run Club embraces the slower side of running, welcoming runners of all genders despite its tongue-in-cheek name. Weekly runs take place mainly around Punggol, with occasional routes elsewhere. Those seeking more intensity can opt into Boyz Night circuit training. Best suited for: Beginners Singapore Falcons RC PHOTO: SINGAPORE FALCONS Singapore Falcons RC is a non-profit community that supports runners of all abilities across multiple disciplines, including road, trail, track, ultra, and triathlon. While some members compete at a high level, the club measures success by inclusivity, encouragement, and shared progress. Best suited for: Intermediate to Advanced Runners 18. The Social Running Club PHOTO: TSRC INSTAGRAM Built around connection, The Social Running Club keeps all runs conversational and welcoming. Weekly sessions allow runners to meet new people while supporting charitable causes—adding purpose to every kilometer. Best suited for: Beginners Running schedule: Saturday mornings – locations include Keppel Road and Marina Barrage Membership fees: Free How to register: Join the Telegram group and indicate your interest 19. iRun SG Run Club Happening twice a month, the iRun Club brings together a good mix of runners from a wide variety of running backgrounds. The group mainly comprises community runs that offer two main pace groups at 06:00 and 07:00 minutes with runs ranging from 5km to 10km within the Marina Bay area. Running schedule: Tuesday evenings, follow iRun SG Run Community Telegram for latest updates Membership fees: Free 20. Project 1000 Run Club PHOTO: PROJECT1000 RUN Project 1000 Run Club is simple: show up. Every Monday morning at 6am, rain or shine, the run goes on—because getting wet is just part of the fun. The exact route and meeting point for each week will be shared via Natalie Dau's socials, so make sure to follow @nataliedau to stay in the loop. For now, both the meeting and finishing point are set at the Red Dot Museum near Marina Bay Sands (a quick Google Maps search will get you there). Whether it’s your very first run or your 1,000th, Project 1000 is built on inclusivity. No pressure, no expectations—just a community that shows up together, every single Monday. Final Thoughts: Start 2026 Strong with the Right Running Club No matter your pace or experience level, joining a running club in Singapore can transform your fitness resolutions into lasting habits. The right community keeps you accountable, motivated, and excited to lace up—even on days when motivation runs low. As 2026 begins, choose a running club that matches your goals, personality, and lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing performance gains or simply aiming to stay active, Singapore’s vibrant running community has a place for you. Your next best run might just start with a group. #SingaporeRunningClubs

From Apparel to Tech: The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Sporty People PHOTO: ADIDAS SINGAPORE Looking for the best Christmas gifts for athletes , fitness lovers, or anyone who lives an active lifestyle? Whether they're into football, running and fitness, health and recovery, or the newest sports wearables and technology, this guide highlights the top 2026 holiday gift ideas for sporty loved ones — curated to help you shop smarter. From high-performance apparel to the latest running shoes and smart wearables, here’s everything you need for stress-free Christmas gifting this season. Apparel: Performance Meets Style PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR ⭐ 2XU Compression Wear If you’re searching for practical fitness gifts, 2XU compression wear features some of the best compression wear for 2026, and works well as an athlete recovery gift and this is always a top pick. Designed to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, 2XU tights, sleeves, and tops help athletes recover faster and perform better. Beyond the usual popular compression tights, the Recovery FIR Compression Socks are a thoughtful and practical gift for athletes and active individuals who spend long hours on their feet. PHOTO: 2XU SINGAPORE Designed to alleviate tired muscles, these socks go beyond standard compression by incorporating a built-in, naturally occurring mineral additive. This additive works by converting the body’s natural thermo-energy into Far Infrared Rays (FIR), which are then reflected back into the skin. This gentle energy helps stimulate cells, enhance muscle elasticity, and support faster recovery — perfect for runners, gym-goers, football players, or anyone on their feet all day. Perfect for: runners, gym enthusiasts, triathletes, or anyone who trains frequently. PHOTO: 2XU SINGAPORE ⭐ 2XU Motion Smooth Spacer Hoodie: Stylish Comfort for Everyday Movement For sporty loved ones who value both style and comfort, the Motion Smooth Spacer Hoodie is an ideal gift. Made with smooth, lightweight spacer fleece, this hoodie offers a streamlined, modern fit that works perfectly for everything from a quick outdoor workout to a casual day on the move. The hoodie features a practical pouch pocket for essentials, blending convenience with a sleek, athletic-inspired look. It’s versatile enough to wear as part of an active outfit or as street-ready athleisure, making it a standout option for anyone who likes to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. Perfect for : teens, fitness beginners, and everyday active individuals. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG Running: Gifts for Runners of Every Level ⭐ ASICS Ekiden Pack (Megablast, Metaspeed Series, Superblast 2, etc.) If your loved one is a dedicated runner, the ASICS Ekiden Pack is one of the hottest running shoe collections for Christmas 2026. PHOTO: ASICS Featuring favourites and some of the best running shoes for 2026 like the Metaspeed Sky+, Metaspeed Edge, Megablast, and Superblast 2 , this pack offers options for speed training, long-distance runs, and cushioned mileage shoes. Perfect for: competitive runners, casual joggers, and anyone upgrading their footwear for 2026. ⭐ Purpose Performance Wear - Borealis Hypermesh PRO+ Series If you are looking for gifts for runners, then Purpose is known for its ultralight, high-performance running gear — especially their racing singlets. Built for tropical climates, they deliver exceptional sweat-wicking, airflow, and comfort during long runs. PHOTO: PURPOSE PERFORMANCE WEAR SportPlus Tip : Check out the new Borealis - Hypermesh PRO+ series , lighter than ever and a premium grade build with materials sourced and constructed for heat and humidity. Engineered in Singapore, no one know heat, and sweat thermoregulation better than we do. Purpose is offering up to 70 per cent off items in their online store until th end of 2025. PHOTO: PURPOSE PERFORMANCE WEAR Perfect for: marathon runners, track athletes, or weekend warriors training for their next race. Football: Perfect for Fans and Players ⭐ adidas World Cup 2026 Jerseys The FIFA World Cup 2026™ federation kits have officially landed in Singapore — and they’re already shaping up to be one of the best Christmas gifts for football fans this year. Whether your sporty loved one is a die-hard supporter, a fashion-forward streetwear fan, or simply obsessed with the new blokecore revival, these kits tick every box. PHOTO: ADIDAS SINGAPORE Just in time for the festive season, adidas has launched a blokecore-inspired local campaign featuring six iconic football nations: Argentina, Germany, Spain, Japan, Italy, and Mexico. Each jersey celebrates football heritage while delivering a fresh, modern street-ready aesthetic — perfect for holiday parties, weekend fits, or matchday gatherings. Perfect for: football enthusiasts, jersey collectors, and national team supporters. PHOTO: ADIDAS SINGAPORE ⭐ adidas Predator Boots A classic for decades, the Predator series remains iconic for players who love precision passing, powerful strikes, and standout design. A fresh pair of Predators makes an unforgettable gift for the footballer in your life. Perfect for: competitive players, school athletes, and Sunday league warriors. Wearables and Tech: Smart Gifts for Smart Training ⭐ Oakley Ellipse The Oakley Ellipse is a must-buy for anyone looking to combine style, performance, and versatility in one sleek package. With Oakley’s signature attention to detail, the Ellipse offers a modern, lightweight design that seamlessly transitions from outdoor adventures to everyday wear. Its cutting-edge lens technology ensures superior clarity and protection, making it perfect for sun-soaked winter getaways or city strolls alike. Whether you’re shopping for a trend-savvy friend or treating yourself, the Oakley Ellipse delivers a gift that’s as practical as it is stylish—a timeless accessory that will be worn and appreciated long after the holidays. Perfect for: sporty loved ones who value performance and style. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR ⭐ Garmin Forerunner 970 & 570 and Venu 4 For the tech-loving athlete, Garmin’s latest devices are the best fitness watches for Christmas 2026. Forerunner 970 & 570 — advanced metrics, GPS accuracy, race prediction, training readiness scoring Venu 4 — a stylish, lifestyle-friendly alternative for loved ones who want health tracking without the “sporty” look Perfect for: runners, cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, parents, partners, and teens who want to track their health. ⭐ SHOKZ – OpenRun Pro 2 & OpenDots One Wireless PHOTO: @IAMSEBASTIANRUN SHOKZ continues dominating the bone-conduction category in 2025 and we expect no different for 2026. The popular OPENRUN Pro 2 is ideal for runners who want situational awareness, while the OpenDots One Wireless offers lightweight convenience for commuting or light workouts. For runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts who want to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying high-quality audio, SHOKZ offers innovative bone-conduction headphones that combine safety, comfort, and performance. PHOTO: SHOKZ Southast Asia Why SHOKZ headphones make a great gift: Combines performance, comfort, and safety Ideal for outdoor and indoor workouts Works for a wide range of sporty lifestyles, from casual fitness enthusiasts to dedicated athletes Perfect for: outdoor runners, cyclists, or anyone who prefers open-ear comfort. ⭐ Apple Fitness+ + AirPods PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG  / HANA BASIR This festive season, Apple Fitness+ makes a perfect gift for anyone who loves staying active, tracking their progress, or adding variety to their workouts. Officially launching in Singapore on December 15, 2026, Fitness+ is Apple’s award-winning fitness and wellness service , now available in 49 countries and regions, offering an extensive library of guided workouts and meditations. Why Fitness+ is a Great Holiday Gift Apple Fitness+ integrates seamlessly across Apple devices — including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV — giving users a personalised fitness experience. Real-time metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, and activity ring progress can be displayed on-screen, while the Burn Bar feature lets users compare their effort with others. Whether your loved one is new to working out or a seasoned athlete, Fitness+ motivates them to stay consistent, push further, and reach their personal fitness goals. Workout Variety for Every Fitness Level Fitness+ offers 12 workout types, including: Strength, Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, Dance, Cycling, Kickboxing, Meditation Workouts range from 5 to 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into any schedule Custom Plans automatically create personalized routines based on activity preferences, workout durations, and music choices Music is a key part of the experience, with playlists ranging from Upbeat Anthems and Hip-Hop/R&B to Latin Grooves and a new K-Pop genre, plus Artist Spotlight series featuring global stars like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, BTS, Selena Gomez, and Coldplay. Additional Wellness Features Fitness+ isn’t just workouts — it’s a complete wellness solution: Time to Walk: Users walk alongside influential figures sharing stories, photos, and music, including Cynthia Erivo, Camila Cabello, and Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda Meditation Collections: Guided sessions for calm, sleep, sound, and mindfulness help users recharge and reduce stress Curated Collections: Programs like Run Your First 5K, Pilates for More Than Your Core, and No Shoes Workouts make it easy to find goal-oriented workouts Pricing, Availability and Bonus Subscription: S$9.98/month or S$79/year, shareable with up to five family members Three months of Fitness+ are included with the purchase of a new Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or AirPods Pro 3 Available in Singapore and 49 countries globally, Fitness+ is compatible with iPhone 8 or later (iOS 16.1+), Apple Watch Series 3 or later (watchOS 7.2+), paired with iPhone 6s or later (iOS 14.3+) Perfect for: casual exercisers, home workout fans, moms, dads, and anyone in the Apple ecosystem. Health & Wellness: For Recovery and Daily Performance PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG  / HANA BASIR The Redoxon 2026 Line-up If you’re looking for a meaningful, health-focused Christmas gift for your sporty loved ones — or for the entire family — Redoxon is a timeless choice. The trusted vitamin brand, known for supporting immune health across generations, has unveiled a bold new look for 2026: fresher, more vibrant, and designed to resonate with today’s modern, health-conscious families. From its beginnings as a simple Vitamin C supplement, Redoxon has evolved into a comprehensive immune-support range tailored to different ages, needs, and lifestyles. Whether you’re shopping for active adults, hardworking parents, or growing children, there’s a Redoxon product designed to support their everyday wellness. Pricing & Availability Redoxon products are widely available at major pharmacies, supermarkets, and the Official Bayer Store on leading e-commerce platforms, with prices ranging from $10.30 to $77.70 — making it easy to choose something thoughtful for any budget. Why Redoxon Makes a Great Christmas Gift Health is the most meaningful gift you can give — especially during the busy festive season. Whether your loved one is sporty, always on the go, or simply wants stronger daily immunity, Redoxon’s refreshed, modern range is a practical and heartfelt way to show you care. ⭐ Sport Massage Package @ The Muscle Lab PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG  / HANA BASIR Give the gift of recovery — something every athlete needs. A sports massage package at The Muscle Lab helps relieve muscle tightness, prevent injuries, and boost post-training recovery. Muscle Lab: Recovery, Relaxation & Performance for Every Athlete Whether your sporty loved one is a runner, gym-goer, football player, or simply someone who values feeling their best, Muscle Lab offers a full suite of recovery-driven services that make the perfect Christmas gift. Their treatments blend science-based methods with modern wellness practices — ideal for athletes looking to move better, recover faster, and feel stronger all year round. Sports & Remedial Massage Designed for active individuals, this massage targets tight muscles, overworked areas, and movement imbalances. It helps relieve tension, improve mobility, and support better performance during training or games. A thoughtful gift for anyone who trains regularly or struggles with stiffness after workouts. Facilitated Stretch Therapy Guided by trained specialists, facilitated stretch therapy helps improve flexibility, release tension, and enhance functional movement. It’s great for runners, footballers, or athletes who want to stay limber and reduce the risk of tightness-related discomfort. This is especially useful during busy festive seasons when people sit more and move less. Cupping Therapy A recovery method that uses gentle suction cups to support circulation and relieve muscular tension. Many athletes use cupping to promote relaxation and ease tightness in high-stress areas like the back or legs. It’s a great option for those who need targeted recovery without a full massage. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG  / HANA BASIR Nordic Dip (Cold Immersion) Cold immersion — often called a Nordic dip — is a rejuvenating recovery experience loved by athletes worldwide. It provides a refreshing way to support post-exercise recovery and helps people feel invigorated after intense training sessions. It’s a unique, exciting gift idea for fitness lovers who enjoy trying new wellness trends. Perfect for: runners, cyclists, gym-goers, and anyone who trains regularly. Final Thoughts: The Best 2026 Holiday Gifts for Sporty People Whether you’re shopping for a football fan, a dedicated runner, or someone who prioritises health and wellness, this curated list ensures you’ll find a thoughtful, practical, and exciting Christmas gift for your sporty loved one. From high-performance apparel to smart wearables, recovery packages, and World Cup 2026 football merchandise, there’s something here for every personality and budget. #HolidayGiftIdeas #Christmas2026

With over 3,000 booths displaying the industry's best creations, it is easy to get overwhelmed. So, what were some things that caught our eye? Find out here. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Just as you enter the huge TaiNEX 1 Exhibition Center, you're immediately drawn to the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i Awards 2024 booth, featuring groundbreaking innovations in the form of complete bicycles, tyres and even helmets. ‘What could possibly be interesting about a bicycle tyre?' you may ask, but that's exactly what makes these innovators stand out – making something ordinary extraordinary. The awards were organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Bicycle Association, aiming to showcase the industry's best innovations. With over 150 global entries, seven took home gold. Let’s take a look at three of the most interesting winners. Terreno Pro T60 Mixed (Gravel Race) Sustainable Bicycle Tyre – Vittoria PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Earning gold in the Parts and Components category is this first ever high performance gravel bicycle tire made up of 92% renewable and recycled materials. Not only are the tires greener, they are also puncture resistant and increase performance and speed. What exactly makes the Italian-made product sustainable? Firstly, nylon that’s usually used was replaced by organic cotton casing and any necessary nylon was swapped with yarn made from recycled fishnets. Secondly, the oils needed to bind the tyre materials together were instead replaced by soybean oil, which is one of the most bio-renewable and abundant materials.  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG With these materials, Vittoria guarantees a 10% improvement in rolling resistance and grip. Bicycle Helmet - Strategic Sports Hailing from Hong Kong, Strategic Sports is a global leader in helmet manufacturing with a focus in advanced technology and sustainability. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Believing that bike helmets could serve a bigger purpose than only absorbing impact – which is arguably already a huge purpose, considering it’s lifesaving – Strategic Sports set out to manufacture a helmet that records data. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Fit for mountain biking, the full-faced helmet tracks and records telemetry and crash data with the help of the integrated Quin Sensor. With this, if an accident or emergency were to unfortunately occur, it would be communicated in real time to first responders. We know what you’re thinking, where in Singapore can you even do ride trail? According to Shimano , Chestnut Nature Park and Mandai are popular places for mountain biking. If you look for it, tranquil mountain biking trails do exist in our little urban jungle. Silex All-round Gravel Bike - Merida PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Taiwanese company, Merida made their country proud by earning gold on home soil with their versatile invention. Whether you want to experience Chestnut Nature Park’s dirt trails or Lim Chu Kang’s popular flat roads, this bike is perfect for both terrains. Awarded for its simplicity, aesthetics and component selection, the Silex All-round Gravel Bike will only allow you to ride with style. A VARIETY OF INNOVATIONS PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG With Singapore’s scorching heat and long working hours, cycling and running at night is one of the most popular workout activities. In the dark, this comes with its dangers especially if your route consists of pedestrian crossings. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Taiwan Smart Textiles Association specialises in combining technology and wearable materials. They have created several innovative products promoting safety and recovery. Some of their products such as calf sleeves and motion capture devices records the amount of energy generated. Through this, users can take note of their muscle strength and dynamic data, allowing them to plan their future workouts and track their progress. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore’s waters are known for being clean and safe to drink. While it is highly unlikely for anyone to be stranded in our nature parks, water filtration products can be useful for those who love going overseas to hike.  Just this year, Singaporeans participated in the Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race, an overnight endurance race spanning 100km in the mountain trails of the Sai Kung Peninsula. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Perfect for such races, Mbran Filtra’s compact water filtration system turns the brownest of waters clear and drinkable. Trust us, we tried it out and our organs survived! The brown water in question. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The exhibition didn’t just consist of cycling innovations. Held in conjunction with TAIPEI CYCLE, Sports and Fitness Taiwan (TaiSPO) also showcased booths and products of a variety of sports. The most prominent sport on the first floor of TaiNEX 2 was deep sea diving. An increasingly popular sport, many Singaporeans travel yearly to dive in the crystal clear waters of the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG It was no different in Taiwan, as exhibition-goers flocked to the booths to check out the latest suits, gear and merchandise. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG While E-bikes are generally monitored and discouraged in Singapore, the E-Bike demo was one of TAIPEI CYCLE’s most anticipated activities. There was a diverse selection of E-Bikes from different companies available for tryouts. Some were the usual, some were pet-friendly and some just downright quirky. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Today marks the culmination of the four-day renowned cycling exhibition nestled in the heart of the Nangang District. As one of Asia's premier cycling showcases, it has unfolded as a global extravaganza, showcasing the industry's finest innovations and creations. #TaiSPO   #TAIPEICYCLE   # Cycling

With sustainability as the main theme of the TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO 2024 exhibition, countless booths had on display their creatively green designs PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “We only have one earth. We must start the sustainability project every day,” Robert Wu, Chairman of Taiwan Bicycle Association boldly said in his address at the TAIPEI CYCLE and Sport and Fitness Taiwan (TaiSPO) opening ceremony. Sustainability took centre stage at the 2024 edition of TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO – and it was evident for all to see. At the entrances, stacks of ‘Green Map’ brochures made their TAIPEI CYCLE debut. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Free for the perusal of exhibition-goers, the brochure charted booth locations of 68 key companies who featured sustainable designs under three categories – Green Manufacturing, Innovate Proudly and Corporate Sustainability.  The SportsArt's ECO-POWR treadmill stood out prominently at TaiSPO . With its compelling tagline, "change the world one workout at a time," the machine guarantees an eco-friendly workout experience. Once plugged in, the generator and patented micro-inverter present in the treadmill turns energy back into utility-grade electricity, ready for immediate use. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Cycling is often hailed as one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, yet many are unaware of the environmental hazards still inherent in the manufacturing processes of bicycles and E-bikes around the world. Norwegian tire company reTyre specialises in pioneering innovative tire designs, and they unveiled one of their latest and most environmentally sustainable creations at the exhibition. Developing a new production technology which managed to eliminate rubber entirely, their tyres are ones to look out for on the market. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “We are the only producer in the world to produce rubber-free tires,” Mattis Norgreen Håklev , Global OEM Sales Manager and Member of Sustainability and Ethics Committee at reTyre told SportPlus.sg . “They are made entirely by bio-based elastomers. The elastomer tyres are reusable and recyclable after they are used. We are also using full automation in production so our tyres are made in a machine instead of a huge factory,” he added. reTyre’s elastomers are a direct substitute of rubber and can be sourced from renewable biological resources such as corn, sugarcane and cellulose. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “The demand for sustainable products has been growing every year. We have been working on this project for the last five years. One tyre reduces carbon dioxide by 65% so if you take millions of bicycles and use these tyres, that’s a huge number,” he shared. “For the tyre industry, most recycle carcasses and fish nets. For us, we go a step further in eliminating rubber altogether. Rubber is terrible!” Many companies had recognised the potential of repurposing abandoned fishing nets into more sustainable bicycles, evident in the abundance of fish nets on display at numerous booths throughout the exhibition. Among these booths was Giant, who proudly showcased their 'Trail to Zero' section of their display. Founded in Taiwan in 1972, the brand is on track to help with the Taiwanese government’s goal to reach net zero by 2050. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG One of the items on display was one of its bicycle handlebars, where the middle was made of a mesh material made out of Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified recycled polypropylene. The handlebar’s bottom layer, on the other hand, was constructed out of bio-based foam, bamboo and rice husk powder. The most common theme amongst the companies was the recycling of ghost fish nets. While most companies used the abandoned nets to produce environmentally friendly tyres, Giant works with local recyclers who collect the nets to convert them into usable plastics. In turn, Giant produces green bottle cages. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Formosa Taffeta is another Taiwanese company making use of waste fishing nets to pedal the cycling industry towards a greener future. Made in their factory close to Taichung City, south of Taipei, the orange glow of the company’s Etycord fibres catches the attention of all who walk past. Together with its parent company Formosa Chemical and Fibre Corporation, the Etycord fibres lower the carbon footprint of tyres by turning ghost nets into nylon fibres which are then woven into the tyres. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Speaking to Taipei Cycle Daily Show – the exhibition’s daily magazine – Edward Lung, Formosa Tafetta’s sales and marketing representative in the company’s tyre cord business division said: “We take sustainability very seriously and are very proud that the first industry players have implemented this material into their portfolio.” A total of nearly 5,000 visitors from 80 countries attended both exhibitions with Singapore as one of its top five buyers. TaiSPO, which boasted booths of a variety of sports ranging from deep-sea diving to pickleball, hosted procurement meetings with buyers from eight countries. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG With TAIPEI CYCLE and TaiSPO 2024’s success at showcasing the industry’s latest sustainable innovations, one can only anticipate what next year's edition will bring to the forefront, especially with climate change only getting worse each passing year. Read here  for just some of the booths that caught our eye. #TaiSPO   #TAIPEICYCLE   # Cycling

NBA Star Kicks Off 2025 Curry Brand China Tour with Curry Con and First-Ever Asian Curry Camp Stephen Curry at Asia's first Curry Camp in Chongqing, China. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH Chongqing, China, August 18, 2025 - NBA superstar Stephen Curry kicked off his highly anticipated 2025 Curry Brand China Tour in grand fashion at the Chongqing International Expo Center. This event marked the world’s first Curry Con and the Asia debut of Curry Camp . PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH For fans across China, this wasn’t just another promotional stop. It was a cultural celebration, a basketball pilgrimage, and a showcase of how far Curry’s influence extends beyond the hardwood. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH A Decade in the Making This visit marked 10 years since Curry’s last trip to Chongqing. The city responded with unmatched spectacle. Subway cars were wrapped with Curry’s image. Skyscrapers lit up with his signature “Night Night” pose. A breathtaking 5,000-drone light show replayed his most iconic three-pointers across the skyline. A super fan of Stephen Curry at the Curry Con. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH Fans filled the streets in numbers rarely seen outside of championship parades. They chanted “MVP!” as though they were celebrating a Finals victory. For Chongqing, this wasn’t simply an NBA star’s visit. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment of civic pride. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH Curry Camp Asia: Empowering the Next Generation At the heart of the tour was Curry Camp Asia. This was the first time Curry and Under Armour’s Curry Brand brought their signature youth development program outside of the United States. More than 100 young athletes from across the region were handpicked to participate. Despite the sweltering 40°C heat, Curry’s energy never dipped. He guided drills, showcased his famous shooting touch with deep threes, and even surprised the crowd by throwing down a rare dunk that instantly went viral. First-Ever Curry Camp Outside the U.S. The centerpiece of the tour was the first Curry Camp in Asia. Here, Curry personally mentored young athletes. Despite the intense heat, the NBA’s all-time three-point leader ran drills, nailed deep shots, and even threw down a dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Athletes lining up on court on day 1 of the Curry Camp. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH But Curry Camp has always been about more than on-court skills. True to his philosophy, Curry emphasized teamwork, resilience, and self-belief. These are the same values that have carried him to four NBA championships and two MVPs. To cap off the experience, Curry personally handed out 400 signed pairs of Curry Brand x Under Armour sneakers. This ensured each participant left not just with a memory, but also a tangible symbol of inspiration. For many, it was the highlight of their young basketball journeys. Curry Con: A Festival for the Fans Stephen Curry applauding the participants in a match. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH Fan Devotion on Display The event featured sneaker showcases, interactive games, and exclusive Curry Brand merchandise drops. Fans lined up for hours to get their hands on these items. Beyond the products, Curry Con was about stories and connections. These moments reminded everyone why Curry holds such a unique place in basketball culture. One fan drove 3,000 kilometers from Beijing in a Curry-themed car. Along the way, he collected messages of admiration from supporters. When Curry sat down to watch the tribute, he was visibly moved. This showed once again the deep bond he shares with his fans. An Interview with Reggie Wilson, Senior Footwear Designer from Under Armour. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH A Cultural Exchange Curry also embraced local traditions. He enjoyed a Sichuan face-changing opera performance and laughed at a life-sized wax figure of himself, joking, “Is this my twin?” He reaffirmed his love for Chongqing hot pot, calling it his favorite Chinese dish. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH Bigger Than Basketball: A Cultural Bridge Curry’s reception in Chongqing underscored his rare ability to transcend basketball. For a few days, it wasn’t about politics or trade. It was about basketball, food, and human connection. NBA and China basketball legend Yao Ming makes an appearance. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH As Curry reflected: “Basketball is more than a game — it’s a language we can all speak. I’m humbled by the love and energy from my fans in Chongqing.” Jacob Zhu (left) and Stephen Curry in a Q&A session. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH With over 5.7 million followers on Weibo, Curry remains one of China’s most beloved NBA stars. His 2025 China Tour sets the stage for upcoming stops across Asia. This reinforces his role as not just an NBA icon, but also a cultural ambassador. Basketball UnderArmourSG CurryBrand Conclusion: The Impact of Curry's Tour Curry's 2025 China Tour is more than just a series of events. It represents a bridge between cultures, a celebration of basketball, and a testament to the power of sports in uniting people. As he continues his journey across Asia, the anticipation grows. Fans eagerly await the next opportunity to connect with their hero. The impact of Curry's presence in Chongqing will resonate for years to come. It serves as a reminder that basketball is not just a game; it is a global phenomenon that brings people together. As Curry himself said, “Basketball is a language we can all speak.” This tour is a significant chapter in Curry's legacy, one that highlights his commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes. The memories created during this tour will undoubtedly motivate young players to pursue their dreams, just as Curry has pursued his.

Captains of popular local running community Fast and Free Run Club, Azaria Heng and Dadima Kimmex are back in New York City this November for a different purpose and eyeing their second marathon finishers' medal PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The TCS New York City Marathon , held annually on the first Sunday of November, is one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world and part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It offers a 42.195km or 26.2-mile long course with electrifying crowds, taking runners through all five boroughs of New York City: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan finishing at Central Park. Meet the six runners from Singapore who will be taking on the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon with New Balance in this five-part series with Sportplus.sg . PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Founded as an inclusive running community by Azaria Heng and Dadima Kimmex with just a small group of friends from Barry's Singapore with the purpose of training for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, Fast and Free Running Club's (FFRC) growth two years on has been remarkable. Celebrating their second anniversary last month in an event that drew about 360 runners, the club went on to complete the run club's biggest overseas adventure to date at the 2024 TCS Sydney Marathon , with over fifty run club members traveling to the capital of New South Wales, with many members successfully finishing their first marathons and overseas race experience. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG It is undoubtedly the first of many more trips to come for the Toasties. In fact FFRC's captains need not even wait that long, with the two slated to run in the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon . It's just a little over a year since their last visit to the big apple, and a race that both captains are looking forward to with great anticipation. 1. Share with us what are your roles at Fast and Free Run Club? Dadima : As a co-founder, I handle a range of responsibilities including social media management, partnerships, and collaborations. I also oversee the creative direction of the club, working closely with photographers and designers. As a captain, I lead the pace groups for both Toasted Thursday—ensuring we maintain the correct paces and complete the right sets—and Saturday Kaya Runs—making sure we follow the proper routes, as Azaria's routes can be quite complex. Azaria : Founder and Captain of G3 of the club! I oversee the broad direction, plans and branding of the club. I also work closely alongside Dadima to be the check and balance required especially with our social media and collaboration endeavours by keeping it real, honest and painting the right story. I am also the Captain of G3 where the focus is to pace for at or around 3:45 Marathon / 1:40-1:45 Half Marathon target for intervals and long runs on Thursday and Saturday respectively. On the overall, I am also responsible for drafting the training plan for our Toasties (Pacers), of which we will use those workouts to craft into the public’s run on Thursday and Saturday. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your run club when you do your runs Dadima : Believe it or not, we’re at Kaya Run #79 now, and Azaria has never repeated a route! He’s dedicated to keeping running exciting through exploration, which is reflected in the diverse routes we offer each week. We’ve even run from the CBD to Jurong and from CBD to Pasir Ris. It’s quite the adventure! If I had to choose an iconic location, I’d say the Benjamin Sheares Bridge—it's become the signature mark of FFRC’s routes. Azaria : 18 Robinson! This is the start of our Saturday Kaya runs for all 79 editions of it so far. The club started out with a bunch of regulars at Barry’s Raffles wanting to do some long runs in preparation for the SCSM that year, hence the starting location at where Barry’s is located. It has continued to be our constant to explore routes starting from here and it is also what makes the club modern, central and accessible to all! PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 3. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? Dadima : My main goal is to run my heart out! I’m all about racing and want to make sure I train as hard as I can. It’s not really about hitting a specific time for me; it’s more about knowing I gave it everything I’ve got when I cross that finish line. Plus, I’m so excited to soak up the incredible energy of the NYC Marathon. It’s always been a dream of mine, and getting to experience it with what people say is the best crowd in the world is an absolute honour. Azaria : My personal goal is to run strong and run happy! At this point, I feel my preparation for Sydney hasn’t been the smoothest and a couple more months after that race, which is the NYC Marathon would be quite the ideal condition to race in. Mentally, I’m not the strongest when it comes to the Marathon distance but I certainly hope to harness my mind and come out stronger. Timing ambition wise, a Sub 3:30 attempt would be on the cards but that isn’t the main aim, what matters is to race physically and mentally happy and just to soak in everything that NYC has to give in one of the most prestigious majors in the world! PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon? Dadima : My biggest challenge has been dealing with my recent diagnosis of Graves' disease, which causes hyperthyroidism. It’s been a tough few months. I couldn’t share this with my runners right away, and they’ve been wondering why I haven’t been able to lead our runs. I miss running with them and felt embarrassed about not being able to be there. It’s hard to be a run captain who can’t run, and starting from scratch feels daunting. I was in great shape after the Hong Kong Half, but then I wasn’t able to train for the Sydney block, which was really disheartening. Graves' disease can elevate your heart rate, making even easy runs challenging. I remember struggling with an 8/km pace while my heart rate spiked to 200 bpm, which was both scary and frustrating. My usual intervals used to be around 5:15/km, but suddenly I couldn’t even manage 8/km easy runs. Being diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune illness at 23 felt like my world was crashing, especially since running has always been such a huge part of my life. My doctor advised me not to run for several weeks, and it felt like running was being taken away from me. But I’m hopeful for better days ahead and hope to share my experience with others going through something similar. Running will always be there for you; you just have to work towards it again. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Azaria : I would summarise it to sweat rate, nutrition and mentality. It's no secret to those who have trained and ran with me that I have an unusually high sweat rate especially in the already challenging conditions in Singapore. This meant a lot of adaptations that I have to make on a daily basis with my trainings, from simple things like keeping the hair length short, being picky about training gears, having almost 2 sets of outfits for each training session in order to keep myself fresh and crucially, learning to be patient with simulated paces and lactate spikes. Nutrition struggles are also a product of that high sweat rate. I’m definitely burning through a higher % of carbs and calories through any training sessions that involve race paces as compared to my peers and that requires me to train the gut to be able to replenish that similar amount of food and drink. From increasing my glycogen storage to getting about 60g carbs/hour during the run and balancing intake frequency to prevent fluid sloshing in the stomach and even increase sodium levels by adding sea salt into drink mixes are part and parcel of my daily processes. Mentality. I’ve always been a short course athlete when it comes to running in the past. Running long distances and long hours on foot has been a daunting thought and process. I’m nowhere near the range of 90-100 KM mileage a week but in order to simulate that stress, I try to mix things up with cycling which helps with my mentality going into every training session. I’ve also learned to take the positives from easy days by looking forward to podcasts on those runs. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training? Dadima : It’s definitely the bay area because we wake up at 3:30am and go do our sets before the public FFRC Kaya run starts at 6:30am! Azaria : I like to call it the Gardens By The Bay (GBTB) loop. It's been a constant for the race crew in completing a lot of our pre-Kaya Run sets where we have to get the mileage in earlier in the morning before we receive the public at 6:30am to complete the remainder of our mileage. As for the public Kaya Runs, there’s no real regular run route as I switch things up every single week to keep things exciting. But I would certainly say a couple of our staples are (1) Robertson Quay > Queensway Stadium > Rail Corridor > Town and (2) MBS > GBTB > Barrage > Bay Area > Benjamin Sheares > Town. These would be commonly featured as the starting bits of our routes. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Dadima : I usually do an interval and long run with my running club of course! Azaria : Ironically, I am quite introverted when it comes to nailing down my training plans. So that naturally means I only do the Thursday intervals and Saturday long run with FFRC. But all other bits of it, I usually do it alone or with Dadima or friends who live near the far east (Pasir Ris) with me. 7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences? Dadima : I come from a background of competitive team sports—I played volleyball, soccer, and basketball throughout middle and high school—so transitioning to running was quite a change for me. For one, running was often used as punishment in those sports, since we all dreaded running laps. Our coaches made us run when someone was late, which was always a drag! Also, in team sports, I relied heavily on my teammates, but running is more individualistic and can feel quite lonely—at least it did until I joined FFRC. Running with FFRC showed me that running doesn’t have to be solitary at all. In fact, our community makes it feel like we’re all in it together, training and pushing through the tough moments side by side. It’s a lot of fun and very supportive. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG One of my running role models is Anya Culling. She went from running a 4- or 5-hour marathon to becoming a full-time Great Britain athlete aiming for a 2:30 marathon. Her journey is incredibly inspiring to me. She started from a modest fitness background and has achieved so much, proving that anyone can pursue running and excel. It’s amazing and motivating to see what she’s accomplished. Azaria : I used to come from short course triathlon in polytechnic days, which revolved a lot around 5K specific work. Took a big break from that and only started to get my calling into the longer distance stuff during the covid period. Running tech had taken a big switcheroo and I was keen to find myself and explore the city (Nottingham, where I studied for university) again. I decided to aim for the Gold Coast Half Marathon as my first target, which gave me 6 full months to train up a base and half marathon specific work. One thing led to another, founded FFRC with friends and its been that ever since! I draw huge motivation from youtube really. I would say key figures like Ben is Running, Seth James DeMoor, Kofuzi, SweatElite, Philly Bowden, ThatTriathlonLife, Jan Frodeno etc, have all been super influential. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 8. Is NYC Marathon your first full marathon? Dadima : It will actually be my second marathon! However, it will be the first one I can properly train for. I was only cleared by my coach to start doing intervals this week, but the Sydney Marathon is next Sunday—so I’m a bit behind, haha. But it’s all good; I’m taking it day by day! Azaria : It will be my second too! Sydney Marathon being the first. 9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance? Dadima : It’s a World Major! Last year, I reposted an inspiring Instagram reel of the NYC Marathon and was amazed by the crowd and energy. I remember thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait to experience this one day.” When the opportunity to run it with New Balance came up, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of something so incredible. Azaria : Running the NYC Marathon with anyone is a dream come through to be honest! We were in NYC last year around 16 weeks out from the Marathon just visiting friends. It was such an experience to be immersed with run clubs who were starting their training towards the big race. I was already training in New Balance back then and to know NB is one of the title sponsors for the race makes it even crazier should I ever get the chance to race it with New Balance! PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 10. What does Run Your Way mean to you personally? Dadima : To me, "Run Your Way" means giving it your all and truly enjoying the process. It’s about soaking in every moment and having fun, while still putting in the effort to prepare and make the most of the race experience. Azaria : We have a saying in our club called #nevertooslow. It is similar to how I perceive ‘Run You Way’. Running is tough at a midpacker level, the pros make it look easy but the reality is that most normal people out here go through a lot more through the whole process of making it to the line. To me the term means to train, prepare and race it your way, no matter how fast or slow it might be. Everyone is different and everyone should run it their own way. 11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running? Dadima : I see running as a reflection of life. It’s all about what you put in—your effort, commitment, and heart—and that’s what you’ll get out in return. Azaria : I may not be the best but I am definitely not going to half ass it. Go all in, go one more, keep things honest and give it my best. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? Dadima : My goal is to run it non-stop, enjoy the route, and catch up with friends. Some of my childhood friends from the States are flying in to see me run, so I know it’ll be an emotional experience when I see them cheering along the course. Azaria : The goal remains Sub 3:30. Use the energy from the crowd, dial in the nutrition and run the data points (stride length, cadence, even pacing) well. And ofcourse, if all else fails, push through low moments and to always have a good time out on the course. #TCSNYCMarathon #NewBalanceSG #NewBalance #NewBalanceRunning #RunYourWay

Over 500 participants took part in the Bintan Triathlon and Sports Festival over two days, in a Race for All Levels PHOTO: BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR Singapore, 24 October 2023 - Over the past weekend, Bintan Resorts, in collaboration with TriFactor Asia, organised and flagged off the highly-anticipated return of the BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR in 2023 after a three-year absence. Set against the scenic backdrop of Lagoi Bay, Bintan, the event made its return to the world triathlon series with athletes from around the globe gathering to compete in a test of endurance, encompassing swimming, cycling, and running. Day 2 of the event witnessed a Gran Fondo competition for cycling enthusiasts, only just introducted this year. The total field of triathlon and other races’ participants surpassed 500, surpassing the target for this return event. PHOTO: BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR This year’s adult races saw the participation of athletes and sports enthusiasts between the ages of 16 to 71, and coming from more than 35 countries, including Indonesia and Singapore. The Bintan Triathlon by TriFactor 2023 is a significant milestone and a move to revive a sporting event that has captivated enthusiasts in the past. The previous edition was held in 2019 and discontinued due to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global pandemic from 2020 to 2022. This event is supported and partnered by Wonderful Indonesia - Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wonderful Riau Island: Kepri Tourism Province and Bintan District Tourism Official. The Guests-of-Honour presiding over the event included Pak Albert Wijaya, Indonesia Triathlon Federation - Riau Island Province, and Pak Max Federico Carlen, Indonesia Triathlon Federation - Riau Island Province. PHOTO: BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR Also taking part over the weekend were Bintan Triathlon by TriFactor Ambassadors are well-known figures within the triathlon circuit including athletes Arthur Tong (Singapore); Elaine Young (Singapore); Choo Ling Er (Singapore); Andy Wibowo (Indonesia); Leanne Szeto (HongKong); Faith Garcia Miss Aura (Philippine); Kelly Tandiono (Indonesia) and Michelle Surjaputra (Indonesia). Speaking at the event, Mr Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, PT Bintan Resort Cakrawala (Bintan Resorts) said: "We are very excited to welcome the Bintan Triathlon after a long absence from the sporting scene." PHOTO: BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR "With the support we received, we were committed to holding an excellent event that was enjoyed by many, including a wide range of triathletes from all over the world." He continued: “We would like to express our gratitude to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, the Ministry Tourism & Creative Economy, Tourism Office of Bintan Regency and Riau Islands Province, Governor Riau Islands Province, Regent of Bintan, Head of the Bintan Regency Tourism Office, Federation Triathlon Indonesia, Bintan Resorts Council, and media partners for their support. With their help, we look forward to bringing more of such events and we are committed to growing sports tourism in Bintan Resorts, so look out for more sporting events to come in 2024.” PHOTO: BINTAN TRIATHLON BY TRIFACTOR Elvin Ting, Managing Director and Founder of Orange Room, said: “TriFactor is delighted to have partnered with Bintan Resorts to organise the Bintan Triathlon by TriFactor Festival in 2023. Our close collaboration aims to revive sports tourism in the breathtaking setting of Bintan, for now and into the future. The island’s extensive coastline, well-maintained roads, and exceptional infrastructure create an ideal training ground for athletes, ensuring their safety, enjoyment, and inspiration, offering our community the perfect location to train and compete at the highest level. It has been a successful weekend and we hope to see even more participants in future events.” Readers who are interested to find out the full race results and times clocked can visit the links below: Bintan Triathlon Results Gran Fondo Results #Triathlon #BintanTriathlon #TriFactor

1,475 participants took part in the 2022 Desaru Coast 70.3 Ironman, with an overwhelming show of love by friends and family driving them to the finish line Elaine Young crosses the finish line as the first female. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Desaru, Malaysia, 24th July 2022 - Despite the pristine beaches that line Desaru coast, the town in Bandar Penawar was anything but relaxing for 1,475 70.3 Ironman participants. Blood, sweat and tears were shed as they put their bodies on the line to complete the race. Having to dig deep to find a means to push themselves to the finish line, a common theme was the love waiting for them at the end. Canadian-born Elaine Young was met by her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Haley cradled in her husband’s arms at the finish line. After lifting the banner in the air as the first female to cross the finishing line, she was made to sit on the wheelchair to recover but no form of fatigue could stop her from holding her beloved daughter. “It was everything. It was amazing to have her see me cross the line. Having her there makes the race so much more amazing,” she said with the love she had for her daughter radiating as she held back tears. Based in Singapore, Young trains with Elevate Performance Coaching and had already qualified for the World Championships in Kona through her race in Langkawi in 2019. “This was definitely a warmup race for my big race this year in October. It was nice to come here and experience racing again after a 3-year hiatus.” More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here . Elaine Young is greeted by a marshal waiting to escort her as she begins her run in poll position. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG At every corner in and around the transition area, loved ones lined the routes with signs and bells, their voices hoarse as they rallied the participants on. Sheng Thong Yin , part of the Singapore Women’s Triathlon Club came in first in the 50-54 age group, earning a spot in the Finland World Championships. Little did she know, her son had taken the 8.30am ferry from Singapore to surprise her as she came around the bend of the roundabout where the run began. “He was waving and I was like ‘Ryan! My god, you’re here!’ I almost teared up. When he was young, I always said that every race I raced for him.” Sheng Thong Yin with her son, who surprised her with a poster he made on behalf of the rest of the family. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG It was no different for some of the Singaporean participants who completed the grueling race that consisted of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike route and a 21.1km run. Triathlete Cheryl Tay , just completing her bike ride, where her lower back seized up. In the face of agony, she thought of Grace Huang, her wife who was supporting her at a triathlon for the first time. “When you dig deep and question your why, you think about who is cheering for you,” she kept her tears from falling before going on to say, “I didn’t want to make her stand in the sun for too long because she has a stiff neck but it makes me feel special because there’s someone waiting for me at the end. I just want to get back to her as soon as I can.” Cheryl Tay with her wife, Grace Huang as they celebrate after the race. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG In the second transition, Cheryl bumped into a familiar face, Neyton Tan . The Desaru Coast 70.3 Ironman was the first triathlon Neyton took part in since the Covid Pandemic but had prepared by racing in the L’etape Desaru. Managing his expectations, he only hoped to finish with a personal best. Known for racing in a multitude of Spiderman suits at running events in Singapore, he decided to leave his superpowers at home this time. “The suit is in the laundry. Spiderman does have to save the world sometimes but not every day! I’ll be racing as Neyton Tan this time round,” and race as Neyton Tan he did. He achieved his goal by clocking in a personal best at 5:41:14. “If I have to summarize it in one word, it’s brutal,” he recalled. “The rain was a blessing. Although I cramped up in the first kilometer of the run, it managed to ease off and I finished within my expected time.” Full pre-race interview with Neyton Tan. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Team Singapore duathlete, Yong Man Yun , shared the same sentiments regarding the weather. The 34-year-old never thought she would ever check going for a 70.3 Ironman off her books. “When I was collecting the race pack yesterday, it felt very surreal,” she shared. She was most afraid of the open water swim leg, as running and cycling were her forte. Unfortunately, the race didn’t go quite as planned as ironically, she swam well but crashed 2km into the bike leg. “I spent 35 minutes getting attention from medics and bike mechanic. With that, I knew it was all about completing the race, not results.” Man Yun bled profusely from her knee and elbows but powered by adrenaline, she completed the remaining 82km and the half marathon run to the finish line before having to get further medical attention. “I think the scariest part was that I pictured myself crying back in the hotel room because of DNF (did not finish).” Full pre-race interview with Yong Man Yun. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Another half Ironman debutant was Ryan Wong , who was one of the youngest participants at only 18 years of age. The third-year engineering student finished 4th in his age group after a little over six hours of racing in his first ever half Ironman. “I think I used too much energy on the bike. I had a cramp after the first km of running so I decided to walk the first 2km. After that, I managed to run the rest even though my leg was numb, I couldn’t feel my legs.” Before the race, the nerves were evident, but a smile seemed to be permanently etched on his face after. Ryan Wong with his mother after completing his first 70.3 Ironman. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Despite his busy schedule of a final year polytechnic student, Ryan found time to join his father on his cycling groups during training. Before becoming a triathlete, the youngster wasn’t keen on exercise, but it was none other than his father, an Ironman himself, who introduced him to the world of endurance sports. “Out of nowhere he just signed me up for these events like MetaSprint and after a while I liked it.” Full pre-race interview with Yong Man Yun. VIDEO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG There were plenty of other participants who also did Singapore proud. Benjamin Khoo was the first Singaporean and 5th overall participant to cross the finish line. Claudia Lim joined the significant number of Singaporeans going to the Finland World Championships in the roll down after finishing second in her age group. Jinella Chua , a sports massage therapist, was in the top 10 of the 45-49 age group. The mixture of jubilation, pain and pure relief in every finisher is a clear sign of how annihilated a triathlete’s body can get during a race. What’s clearer is why they put their bodies through such pain. The huge amount of passion emitting from each participant engulfed the coastal town and was felt by everyone part of the event and the most important driving force was the support from loved ones. Full post race interviews with Elaine Young, Cheryl Tay, Neyton Tan and Ryan Wong. VIDEO: HANA BASIR AND HANIDA HUSSEIN, SPORTPLUS.SG More photos from the Desaru Coast 70.3 IRONMAN in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here . #SportPlusSG #Football #IM703desarucoast #Triathlon

Over 1,400 triathletes participated in the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship & 2023 IRONMAN MALAYSIA IRONMAN 70.3 Asia Pacific Husband & Wife Champions - Josh Amberger & Ashleigh Gentle (AUS). PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA 7 October 2023, Langkawi - Newly married couple Josh Amberger and Ashleigh Gentle earned themselves a fairytale finish after they were crowned the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (APAC) male and female winners champions in a competitive field. It was a day that will live long in memory for Langkawi Island and Malaysia, with the country hosting its maiden IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) since IRONMAN first stamped its footprints here some 23-years ago. This year’s edition was even more significant with the return of the professional triathletes, some four years since 2012 Olympic silver medallist Javier Gomez shattered the IRONMAN Malaysia course record. On Saturday, it was Amberger who hogged the limelight in the men’s category after turning in a majestic performance to finish the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run course with a time of 3:50:47 under testing conditions on Saturday. IRONMAN 70.3 Asia Pacific Pro females swim start. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The Australian led the swim at the Danna Langkawi and kept his lead his advantage intact for large parts of the 90km bike course through the hilly and winding course terrain which took the participants through the Langkawi Falls and the coastline of Pantai Kok. The 34-year-old later saw his lead dissipate as fellow compatriots Mike Phillips and Kurt Mcdonald swapped places at the top, before regaining his advantage in the final stretch of the run as he made his way his through Cenang beach to the Pelangi Beach Resort finish line to seal victory. “I built into the run but didn’t take the lead until the final 11 or 12 kilometres. When I got it, I just wanted to push the advantage to seal the deal. It’s an amazing feeling to win the IRONMAN 70.3 APAC Championship in Langkawi. I’m super happy to win it,” said the 11-times IRONMAN 70.3 Champion, who also captured his second IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship. In this multisport event where women are on equal footing as the men, Amberger’s wife Gentle completed a magnificent day for their household as she finished champion with a time of 4:10:17, almost six minutes ahead of her closest competitor. Age Grouper - Last athlete to cross the finish line (after cut off time). PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Gentle saved her best for the final leg of the course when she completed the run course in less than 80 minutes. The two-time Olympian, who was greeted with a hug and kiss from her husband, hailed him as a bedrock to her success. “The highlight for me was seeing Josh win. He has helped me so much in my career and to see him have this success makes me happy. We got married last year, but we have been out on the triathlon circuit for over a decade and shared some great experiences together. To be able to come here and take two titles to one household feels pretty good,” she said. Besides a total prize purse of $75,000 (RM RM354, 562) and bragging rights, the top competitors were also vying for qualification to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. Meanwhile, Teh Kuok Yuen and Esther Joy Chen Hong Li did Malaysia proud by finishing the race as the fastest overall IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi age-groupers. IRONMAN Malaysia Age grouper bike course. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Kuok Yen clocked 4:32:13 to become the fastest Malaysian Male, while national triathlete Esther Joy Chen finished with 5:07:39 to become the quickest local female competitor. Jeff Edwards, the Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia said this year’s edition set a successful milestone for this series in the region. “The good number of participants for the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship and IRONMAN Malaysia continues to showcase the value and potential that Langkawi Island brings to this event. We saw how every athlete, both amateur and professional give their best, and what made it more compelling was the fact there were so many locals cheering them at the finish line. We foresee that the IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi & IRONMAN MALAYSIA will continue to be a signature event in the Asian region for many years to come,” he said. CG Lim, the Regional Director for IRONMAN Asia said the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship could open more opportunities for the island community moving forward. “The local communities and authorities remain one of the key pillars to our success, and again their dedication to ensure everything ran smoothly was of the highest order. We could see a bigger participation next year due to this, and that will create more economic opportunities for the local community which would be deserving of their efforts,” he said. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA While IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi saw athletes compete over a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run those taking on IRONMAN Malaysia took part in a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run, with all crossing the famous IRONMAN finish line. Muhammad Azmir Taib and Crystal Ng Pei Qi ensured Malaysia stood tall as the fastest male and female Malaysian. Azmir clocked in 11:02:44, while Crystal had a look of sheer satisfaction on her face when she crossed the end at 12:17:53. Romanian Toma Alexandru earned the recognition of fastest IRONMAN Malaysia age-grouper finisher with a time of 9:18:12. Besides the 40 qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, there were also 70 qualifying slots available for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championships. This includes 20 qualifying slots for the male triathletes at the World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii while the female athletes will receive 50 qualifying slots for their world meet at Nice, France. As mentioned by CG, the local community contributed immensely to the success of this event through almost 2,000 volunteers. The Langkawians played their part in every way possible, from their much needed help at the aid stations along the bike course to turning on their vehicle headlights as the field made their way along the Langkawi International Airport. Langkawi island continues to attract millions of tourists every year, and it was the same for this IRONMAN events as participants brought their friends and families to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the sumptuous delicacies and vibrant nightlife. #SportPlusSG #IRONMAN #Triathlon