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Singapore dug deep to secure a 3-2 victory against a determined Myanmar side in their first of two friendlies scheduled this month It was a night filled with many firsts for Singapore , whose grit led to a late 3-2 win against Myanmar in the first of two Men's 'A' International Friendlies this month. While Kyoga Nakamura's maiden cap since becoming a Singapore citizen dominated headlines in the lead up to the match, it was the team's first win under Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura that stole the limelight. Fuelled by the home crowd and the banging of the drums by the Singa Brigade, the Singapore side started on the front foot. Confidence paid off quickly, with the home side needing just five minutes to electrify the National Stadium. Nazrul Nazari dropped his marker, Aung Wanna Soe before sliding the ball across to Farhan Zulkifli who tapped in his first goal for Singapore. The Myanmar side were under constant pressure to defend their half for most of the first 45 minutes, with an exception of a few attacks that forced Syazwan Buhari into action. Though Singapore saw several chances at extending their lead, the two teams regrouped for the second half with only Farhan's opener to show for the first half. It was the visitors who, with newfound spirit, came back onto the pitch for vengeance. The Burmese turned the tides with two goals in quick succession just two minutes into the second half. Ye Yint Aung found the back of the net first, before substiture Thiha Zaw headed home Myanmar's second. Despite the sudden shift, the home crowd only grew louder, rallying Singapore forward. Resolve coursed through the resilient Singapore side, who unleashed a relentless onslaught of attacks on Myanmar. It finally came to fruition in the 83rd minute, when Singapore's substitutes stepped up for their side. Ryhan Stewart's cross into the box found Faris Ramli, who headed it down for Shawal Anuar to strike a powerful volley and level the score. Just two minutes later, fellow substitute Naqiuddin Eunos fired a powerful shot towards Myanmar's goalkeeper, Kyaw Zin Phyo, who, despite getting a hand to it, could only watch as the ball sailed into the net. Singapore were then left to defend their slim lead for the remainder of the game, with veteran Safuwan Baharudin putting in a crucial block to deny Myanmar an equaliser. Here are more highlights of the 3-2 win. Naqiuddin scores his first international goal and runs towards teammate Faris, after the duo's collaboration led to an emphatic comeback to seal the late victory. All eyes were on Nakamura, who was given his long-awaited Singapore citizenship on 25 October and the all clear to represent Singapore on the global stage. It was a dream debut, as he was named Man of the Match. Born in Chiba, Japan, the Tampines Rovers defender first arrived in Singapore in 2019 as a midfielder for Albirex Niigata (S). He is only the second footballer to be neutralised as a Singapore citizen after Song Ui Yong. Abdul Rasaq was also handed his first cap last night and created several chances for the home side. After a commendable debut, the Lion City Sailors forward was taken off in the second half. Faris leaps up high to latch onto Ryhan's cross, and nods it down to Shawal who equalised for Singapore. Veteran defender Safuwan, who plays his club football with Malaysian powerhouse Selangor FC, produced block and block for his side to deny Myanmar's forwards. Glenn Kweh is fended off as he fights for the ball. The winger has quickly solidified his spot as one of Ogura's charges, producing impressive performances in recent matches, with last night's being no exception. Shah Shahiran flies high to defend a corner in the first half. The defender turned 25 years old last night at the National Stadium with the gift of the captain's armband. The Singa Brigade was in full force last night, becoming the main voice for the 6,061-strong crowd. The fans sang tirelessly for all ninety minutes, ensuring the team was never without a chorus of cheers to propel them forward. The clash saw several high-speed challenges, a common sight in match ups between Southeast Asian sides. Three yellow cards were given in total, one for Singapore and two for Myanmar. Nakamura, accompanied by Head Coach and compatriot, Ogura, went over to the Singa Brigade to celebrate his first cap and the win. Edged on initially to give a couple of words with a loudhailer by a fan, a shy Nakamura simply cheered with the fans instead before bowing and posing for photos. Singapore will take on Chinese Taipei in their second Men's 'A' International friendly on Monday, 18th November at the National Stadium. The friendly will be their prelude to the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, set to kick off for Singapore on 11th December against Cambodia. For more pictures, visit our gallery here . #SgFootball   #MitsubishiElectricCup

In an exclusive interview with New Balance American distance athlete Emily Sisson, SportPlus.sg uncovered the training mantra that helped her set the North American marathon record at the Chicago Marathon 2022, among other useful nuggets of advice for runners the world over There was more on show than just the latest technology in running shoes and apparel over the New York City Marathon race weekend. At a special behind-the-scenes product session with New Balance, SportPlus.sg had the opportunity to sit down with American distance athlete Emily Sisson to pick her brains on what it means to be pushing boundaries as a female athlete in a sports arena often dominated by males. Emily Sisson is one of the most accomplished and exciting athletes in American distance running today with a career that spans track, road racing, and marathon distances, and she is also the current North American marathon record holder for women. Sisson has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in long-distance running and inspires many women today. The two-time U.S. national champion in the 10,000 metres is first known for her stunning marathon debut in 2021, where she clocked a time that placed her among the top American marathoners. She then set her famed North American record in the marathon on October 9, 2022, when she ran 2:18:29 to finish second at the Chicago Marathon. Having represented the United States on the world stage, including the World Championships and Olympic Trials, Sisson’s career has been marked by both triumph and resilience. She is celebrated not only for her competitive spirit but for her ability to balance the demands of elite sport with a grounded, humble approach to her training and personal life. In this interview with Emily, we explore her journey and how life's challenges have helped to keep her going and striving for more as she continues to challenge herself and shape the future of American distance running. You set the North American Marathon record at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, can you describe what that moment felt for you? Emily : I would say that is a culmination of years of working towards that moment, you just work so hard in this sport and sometimes things don't go your way, and you just have to have like this resiliency to just get back to it, for those days when things do come together. They don't happen that often in a career. So they are really special when everything falls into place and that's what that day felt like - just a culmination of years of work. What does 'Run Your Way' mean to you? Emily : I guess "Run Your Way" is exactly that - your journey. I found growing up in this sport it is important to be patient, and be someone that tries not to compare my path in this sport or my dreams to someone else's. It was definitely harder as like a younger teenager who is getting out, getting started in the sport. Always wondering and second guessing if this is what's right for me or should I be doing something else. "Run Your Way" means do what's best for you. I mean I spent years trying to learn what I feel like is the proper fit for me and that takes time and practice. Everyone's on their own journey in this sport - and you can think of other people and still create a community while forging your own habits. I think that's what so great about the sport - there are so many great people out there. How do you think your role as a female athlete can inspire other females in this male dominated environment? Emily : When I think of female athletes before me, seeing what they were able to accomplish in this sport, it kind of set my sights on what they did and I was like okay well she's got this medal, they ran this time, maybe I can do that too. And if I hadn't seen that happen, I don't know if I would have thought to dream that big. Do you have a personal training mantra that works well for you? Emily : Do you mean marathon mantra? I think it's important to have a marathon mantra because you will definitely go through pain and it's always good to have something to fall back on. I have had many mantras many of which I've forgotten but I remember the one I had in 2022 for Chicago was "I can do hard things", and that really helped me towards achieving what I did. What were some of your biggest challenges? Emily : Sport mirrors life in many ways like we were discussing so things like resiliency, and I think learning how to bounce back from setbacks in general, learning how to be positive or handling things as well as you can in the face of adversity whether it's an injury that causes you to miss a race or whatever it may be - I think those lessons have really become applicable outside of sports as well. #NewBalanceRunning #NYCMarathon

The Elevate Open Water Charity Swim Challenge brought rainbows to grey skies in Sentosa, all in support of raising vital funds for the Children's Aid Society SINGAPORE, 10 NOVEMBER 2024 — The third annual Elevate Open Water Charity Swim  Challenge, hosted by triathlon coaching company Elevate Performance Coaching , concluded  successfully today at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. The event brought together over 100 participants from the water sports community to raise essential funds for Children’s Aid Society (CAS).  Despite an early morning of torrential rain, participants were rewarded with multiple rainbows and clear skies to kick off the swim at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. Representatives from CAS were present to help flag off the start, adding a meaningful touch to the event. Among the swimmers were IRONMAN podium winners and IRONMAN World Championship qualifiers, with safety supported by stand-up paddleboarders from SUP Ventures and Singapore Paddle Club , as well as lifesaving volunteers from Singapore Polytechnic Lifesavers. Participants swam up to 10,000 meters in open water, symbolizing their commitment to  creating a brighter future for Singapore’s vulnerable children and youths. Their collective  efforts helped the event surpass its fundraising target of $10,000 just before event day, with  all proceeds going directly to CAS to support the transformation of their 50-year-old Clementi Road premises into the new Melrose Village. A New Vision for CAS: Melrose Village  Funds raised will go toward building Melrose Village, a 21st-century facility designed to replace CAS’s 50-year-old Clementi Road premises, which can no longer support the needs of its residents. Melrose Village will offer an innovative, therapeutic environment that brings  integrated care and support services under one roof. Facilities will include smaller group-home settings that promote close-knit relationships, music and recreational spaces, as well as  family-friendly areas to facilitate family visitation, counselling, and therapy.  In line with CAS’s mission to offer tailored, holistic support, Melrose Village will incorporate  transitional housing for graduating youths, helping them move toward independent living while maintaining a supportive network. The design and services at Melrose Village will empower vulnerable children and youths, encouraging their mental, social, and educational  development in an environment optimized for growth and healing.  “We are deeply grateful to Elevate Performance Coaching and everyone who took part in this  year’s Open Water Charity Swim Challenge,” said Alvin Goh, executive director of CAS.  “Melrose Village is more than just a building project — it embodies our commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing a community where children and youths can feel safe, supported, and  empowered to grow. Thanks to their incredible efforts, we’re one step closer to making Melrose  Village a reality.”  Growing Community and Dedication  Since its inception, the Elevate Open Water Charity Swim has raised awareness and funds  for CAS while inspiring the wider community. In 2022, the event raised $11,547, followed by $10,100 in 2023. The event has continued to grow in participation and  impact, with athletes from local swim and ocean paddling communities, and supporters banding together to make a difference.  Arthur Tong , founder of Elevate Performance Coaching, reflected on the dedication it took to  bring the event to life: “Organizing a charity event like this isn’t all sunshine and smooth  sailing — or clear skies! The commitment shown by our team, swimmers and volunteers today captures the essence of true sportsmanship and community spirit. Just like the endurance races we train for, organizing a charity event is a marathon in itself. But when the day ends and you see the impact becoming real, you’re reminded why you take on this challenge. It’s humbling and incredibly rewarding to know we’re making a tangible difference for children and  youths who need it most.”  The fundraiser will run for an additional week till 17 November 2024. Visit the fundraiser  page here . #ElevatePerformanceCoaching

For the third year running, Team BMW Group Asia participated in the BMW Berlin Marathon, an Abbott World Marathon Major As if the BMW Berlin Marathon was not electrifying enough the past two years that I went, this year’s 50th anniversary was of much greater fanfare. There were much more runners, there was a new official 5km run on Saturday complete with a medal, and an expanded range of merchandise including a 50 th anniversary bear and coin. For the third year running, I led Team BMW Group Asia up to Berlin. The team consisted of 12 runners from Singapore besides myself – Melissa Foo, Kenneth Seet, Dawn Sim, Kenneth Lee, Clarissa Seow, Lucas Lim, Shin Won Tae, Ivan Chan, Wendy Yeo, Goh Booh Hwa, Martin Tan, Charles Teng – 10 of whom are new faces. Of fitness and lifestyle influencers, as well as running community leaders, the team is more diverse this time with a school vice-principal, a firefighter, a stunt performer in the mix. The age range of the group stretched from the 20s to the 50s, giving the group a good balance. Assembled in March, the team had its first monthly training run in April. Over the next few months, the distance for our monthly training runs got longer until we hit 30km for our final one in August. I recall the huge thunderstorm in the wee hours of the morning that threatened to thwart our last training together. Thankfully the rain slowed to a drizzle and we got it done. I was full of excitement for this team – some were doing their first ever marathon, many were doing their first World Marathon Major and a few were going to Europe of the first time. Unfortunately, I tore my ankle ligament a month before the race and all my original race plans went out the window. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so with my personal goals shelved for the time being, I shifted more focus to the team. Berlin calling There’s something about Berlin that I really like – the quaint cafes on the cobbled streets, the convenience of navigating their train lines, the beautiful architecture all around. When we arrived into the cool, chilled European temperature, I instantly felt relaxed. Knowing that I will not be running for a personal best, there was less pressure on me and I could enjoy Berlin properly. I was even one of the first at the race expo to snatch up the limited edition 50 th anniversary merchandise, when I did not even buy any merchandise the past two years. Everyone got in by Thursday night and we met up early on Friday morning to do some filming. It felt so surreal seeing everyone in Berlin, thousands of miles away from home. Where did the past six months go? A quick and short shake-out run on Saturday morning and then the next thing we knew it, we were on the start line of the 50th BMW Berlin Marathon. Race day I was giving out hugs to everyone before the race, wishing them the best of luck for a personal best and a safe race. I knew how hard everyone has trained and the time has finally come for them to take on this major race. For myself, my intention was to just complete the race before the cut-off time of 6 hours 15 minutes. Two weeks before Berlin, I brisk walked the Sydney Marathon and finished it just under seven hours. That was mentally very challenging and possibly the hardest finisher medal I’ve ever earned. My ankle was slightly better by the time Berlin came around and I promised Preeti, the official BMW Group Asia in-charge for this project, that I would stick to her as long as I could. She was doing her first ever marathon and I thought having some company would help. We started running from the start and it was all going fine until the 30km mark when we needed to walk. From there we adopted a strategy of running for 8 to 10 minutes, then walking for two minutes. The crowd was just as exhilarating as I remembered them to be, cheering us every step of the way. This is what makes the Majors special. That helped us all the way to the finish line and the sight of the Brandenburg Gate got me feeling emotional. Regardless of time, anyone who finishes the marathon deserves to be called a marathoner. All 13 of us runners, as well as Preeti, completed the 50th BMW Berlin Marathon without any issue and that’s the most important! One beach clean-up and one reunion later, I find myself feeling sad that this chapter is over! I definitely recommend going to run the Berlin Marathon at least once in your lifetime, even if you are not chasing the six World Marathon Majors. Call me biased, but it really is a magical race and will give you the confidence that you can do anything in life. #BMWBerlinMarathon #BerlinLegend #TeamBMWGroupAsia

Having just completed the TCS Sydney Marathon in September, entrepreneur and Sport Plus Media founder John Yeong is ready for his next challenge - the TCS New York City Marathon with New Balance 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 . Having conquered the Sydney Marathon last month, the second time he completed the Australian marathon course in two years, Sport Plus Media founder and entrepreneur John Yeong will be attempting the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon with New Balance on 3 November 2024. In 2023, John conquered back-to-back marathons - his first and second - just seven days apart, with Sydney Marathon setting the stage for his first World Major - the BMW Berlin Marathon exactly a week later. He claims it was done out of necessity more than anything else. "I didn't choose to do back-to-back marathons for any reason other than because I needed to, for us to defray costs, ensure healthy cash-flow and pay off our staff salaries." "We are a young company still and the Sydney Marathon was an important project for SportPlus.sg  - with one of the KPIs for me last year being, to run the full marathon distance and capture the footage of my run on a GoPro," he shared with a laugh. When asked what running means to him, John said: “Running for me reflects the relationship we have with ourselves and those around us. It constantly evolves.” “Some seasons we push ourselves to perform and break our personal bests, others we take a back seat and let it show us what we are meant to receive and learn.” “A healthy relationship with running gives us capacity to be non attached to outcomes and to hold space for others.” Running the New York City Marathon with New Balance this year presents a unique opportunity and a challenge he found difficult to pass up, and should he successfully complete the marathon, it would be his second star of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, something he is really looking forward to. 1. Share with us what do you do for a living? John : I am an entrepreneur and content creator, and sports media agency founder. 2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your personality when you do your runs John : Southern Ridges - a good mix of nature and structure while climbing upslope reminds me that life can be challenging, but striking the right balance, staying organised and reconnecting with ourselves in the outdoors can help us endure. 3. What are your personal goals for embarking on this journey to NYC Marathon 2024? John : To push myself out of my comfort zone, to run one of the world's most prestigious marathons and to revisit a continent I've not been to in almost two decades. I spent 7 years of my life growing up and studying in Canada and had plenty of good memories visiting the US. 4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon? John : Fatigue, balancing an unpredictable work schedule as an entrepreneur with the consistency that marathon training demands - plus coming off the back of Sydney Marathon just six weeks before NYC Marathon makes it immensely tiring. 5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training? John : I have many regular run routes but my favourite has got to be from Labrador Park to Sentosa Island, it is both scenic and challenging at the same time and a good place to train slopes for more undulating marathon courses. 6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Any individual / community? John : On most training days I usually run alone for my long runs, but I am sometimes joined by closer friends such as Sebastian (Superhero Runners), and on regular occasions for my easier runs I will usually run with my partner Chermaine. 7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences? John : I was a former semi-pro footballer and played competitive football for 20 years, after retiring early at 30, I found running to be a good personal way of disconnecting from the frantic work pace of corporate work when I ran alone, and over the years through my work as a sports host I've gotten to know and become good friends with many athletes. 8. Is NYC Marathon your first full marathon? John : The New York City Marathon will be my fourth full marathon, and my second World Major race after Berlin last year. 9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance? John : The opportunity for me to run a World Major marathon was too hard to refuse, and to do it with New Balance, a brand whom I know trusts us and has regularly placed its faith in SportPlus and our work was what sealed the deal. 10. What does "Run Your Way" mean to you personally? John : For me it means my personal relationship with running. Whether I am running to race a personal best or just simply out to have fun with friends and content creating, running brings me plenty of joy. 11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running? John : Do it because you love it, not because it is the trending thing or because everyone is doing it. 12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? John : Not expecting a PB as I know it's one of the toughest courses, but a sub 4 hour marathon would be a bonus if I can do it while recording the marathon with a GoPro. #TCSNYCMarathon #NewBalanceSG #NewBalanceRunning

Popular Singapore fitness instructor Ria Chen is ready to take on her first full marathon with New Balance in the world famous TCS New York City Marathon, SportPlus.sg sat down with her to find out more 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 . Our first New York City Marathon-bound runner is Ria Chen , popular local spin instructor with Absolute Cycle and fitness trainer hailing from Barry's Bootcamp who recently found a new passion for running after witnessing her partner complete his sixth World Marathon Major in early 2024 to become a six-star finisher. Despite being relatively new to the sport compared to more seasoned runners, Ria's strong cardio base has seen her ace running and hybrid racing events, making her the perfect choice in taking over the marathon baton from her boyfriend Joel Wong. 1. Share with us what do you do for a living? Ria: I’ve been a full-time fitness coach for close to 5 years now. I currently teach classes at Barry’s Bootcamp & Absolute Boutique Fitness. I also do personal training with clients on the side. 2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your personality when you do your runs Ria:  A hawker centre because there’s so much variety. Some days I go hard and fast while others I like to take it slow and chill - much like going to the hawker during lunch hour where you have to chiong to chope a table as opposed to off peak times where you can take your time browsing the stalls before deciding what to eat and have plenty of tables to sit at! 😂 3. What are your personal goals for embarking on this journey to NYC Marathon 2024? Ria:  Completing a marathon has always been on my bucket list. I always envisioned I’d work my way up from a 10k race to a half marathon and eventually a full. Despite not having done a half yet (longest race to date is 15km), I’m confident that with the training plan my partner (also my marathon guy) has drawn out for me, I’ll be able to enjoy the race in the big apple! My main aim is complete the NYC Marathon and have fun while doing it! 4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon? Ria:  Being disciplined and patient. Being disciplined to stick to the training plan with other races happening in between now and then, juggling work, running and making sure I’m well rested between trainings. Being patient and reminding myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve been used to going hard and fast - I grew up playing netball which involves quick movements, changes in direction, not lasting more than an hour of game time. With marathon training in the works now, I find myself pulling back, consciously reminding myself to go slow in order to go fast and to go the distance. It’s really testing my patience and mental resilience!! 5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training? Ria: We’re trying to incorporate slopes in our weekly runs (as much as possible since we don’t have many hills here in SG). One of our go to routes is to run through Gardens By the Bay East to Marina Barrage, over Sheares Bridge and back. As the mileage piles up, we do the Marina Barrage loop a couple of times before heading to Sheares bridge and circle it again after coming back. 6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Any individual / community? Ria: Joel Wong! He’s my partner and also my coach for this season. He’s completed the 6 World Marathon Majors and it’s been very helpful tapping on his experience as well as that of his running circle from Running Department. 7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences? Ria: My journey into running started when I was in school, sprinting for school track meets (I love sprints) and endurance training for netball, my CCA at that time. I used to tell myself 2.4km (the distance we run for our annual physical test) will be the longest distance I’d willingly run 😂 - Since then I’ve taken part in races sporadically, usually just for run with friends. First it was a 5K, then a 10k, and my last one was 15k at the Income Eco Run earlier this year. - I’d say the biggest influence into my running journey as this stage in life is my partner. He’ll tell you that despite competing the 6 World Majors, he doesn’t consider himself a runner 😂 And every time we hangout with his running friends, they’ll tell me my first marathon will not be my last… The first time I experienced one of the World Majors was early this year in Boston. Joel (my partner) got a spot in the Boston Marathon which upon completion would see him as 6 Star Finisher of the WMMs. I tagged along for the trip (just for the holiday 💁🏻‍♀️) and was pleasantly surprised at the magnitude of the event - entire roads were blocked, thousands of people out in support lining the streets with banners and snacks, cheering everyone who ran past, restaurants giving discounts to those who completed the marathon (some offered 26% off the bill since the marathon distance is 26.2 miles). It felt like a festival of sorts and the atmosphere was amazing! I wanted to experience that too. 8. Is NYC Marathon your first full marathon? Ria: Yes! 9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance? Ria: One quote I resonate with is “if not now, then when?” So when the opportunity to run with New Balance at the NYC Marathon presented, I asked myself if I was ready and the answer was no. Was it challenge that I was willing to take up? HELL YES. 10. What does "Run Your Way" mean to you personally? Ria: It means to stay true to your WHY. Whether you’re running for passion, to keep fit, to achieve a goal, for social reasons or whatever it is, do it because YOU want to :) 11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running? Ria: Do it while you can! 12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? Ria: To achieve a sub 4 finish would be sweet! #TCSNYCMarathon #NewBalanceSG #NewBalanceRunning

Jumpshot Singapore takes home the crown at the Yunnan 3x3 Super League after remaining unbeaten throughout the entire tournament SINGAPORE, 6 NOV 2024 –   The Kunming Grand Final of the 2024 Yunnan 3x3 Super League, organised in collaboration with Target Asia 3X3 Asia League, concluded with Jumpshot Singapore securing the championship title, bringing home a proud and historic victory for Singapore in this premier TG3 Asia 3x3 basketball league. Jumpshot Singapore’s victory in Kunming capped off a spectacular season that spanned nearly four months, traversed five cities, and featured over 600 players representing 21 countries and regions, with a total of 27 teams. This edition of the league set new records and ignited excitement for 3x3 basketball throughout Asia. Despite a challenging game against Korea's Black Label in the first round, Jumpshot Singapore remained undefeated in the qualifying rounds and ultimately prevailed to clinch the title, outmatching familiar competitors from Asia’s top professional 3x3 teams. Teams from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Laos all brought strong rosters, including Olympic silver medalists and a host of national team players. Jumpshot Singapore’s championship squad featured a talented mix of national team representatives from across the globe: Dr. Attila Demeter (Hungary), Filip Kramer (Austria), Terence Hilary Tumalip (Philippines), and Jackson Mah Jun Hao (Singapore). Kramer, the towering 2.01m big man, was honoured as Finals MVP - a title he accepted with great pride. "This isn't my first MVP, but it's a special one," Kramer remarked. A formidable force in Singapore's 3x3 circuit, Jumpshot Singapore embraced the opportunity to compete at the continental level and secured their third title this year in Yunnan, to add to the two championships they clinched within the local leagues. Team owner Esther Quek dedicated to supporting rising talent, was proud to witness her team’s strong showing in the Asia League and noted the invaluable experience this tournament provided. Target Asia 3X3, a new league launched this year by Taiwan’s Zhang Zhi-Wei, was established to elevate the Asian 3x3 scene by providing a platform beyond FIBA’s events. Zhang highlighted the need for a competitive stage within the region where athletes can gain experience, strengthen their skills, and improve their international standing. These 3x3 tournaments are unique in combining high-energy games with popular outdoor and indoor locations like shopping malls and landmark venues, promoting tourism and city branding while celebrating basketball. The Target Asia 3X3 2025 season will commence on February 15-16 at the Jumpshot 3x3 Season 2 stop in Marina Square, Singapore. Following this year’s success, many cities are eager to host future events, with stops planned in Yunnan, Taiwan, Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. #Basketball #3x3

The 2024 edition of the Tour de France Singapore Criterium booked its place in the history books as it saw British great Mark Cavendish race to the podium for the final time SINGAPORE, 10 NOVEMBER 2024 – The Tour de France Singapore Criterium had the privilege of witnessing a career finale worthy of cycling royalty, as Mark Cavendish closed his journey on a high note . The 39-year-old, representing Astana Qazaqstan, crossed the finish line first in 1hr 24min 45sec at the Esplanade Park ahead of 2023 champion Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)  and Arnaud de Lie (Lotto Dstny).    Cavendish’s success in Singapore marks the end of a storied career spanning nearly two decades, during  which he amassed a record 35 Tour de France stage wins, road and track cycling world championship  medals, as well as a silver medal from the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ahead of the Pro Race, Cavendish was greeted by a guard of honour from his fellow competitors. The third edition of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium featured a brand new route, with cyclists having to complete 25 laps of the 2.3km circuit for a total distance of 57.5km. Thousands of  onlookers gathered along various parts of the route to watch the 48 riders from 12 teams race on a sunny  afternoon with clear skies. With slightly more than 5km to go, the leading pack comprised cycling great Vincenzo Nibali (TDF Legends), four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome and Aiman Cahyadi of  the Terengganu Cycling Team. The latter two riders soon moved ahead, but the chasing pack closed the  gap in the last 1.5 laps with Cavendish sprinting to seal his final victory. The other Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium 2024 winners are as follows.  oints Classification – Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) Combativity Award – Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Dstny)  Best Young Rider – Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny)  Team Classification – Astana Qazaqstan  Best Asian Team – Terengganu Cycling Team  Team Time Trial – Terengganu Cycling Team  An emotional Cavendish, who raised his arms in triumph as he crossed the finish line, said: “I realised in  the last five laps that it was the last 15 kilometres of my career and I passed the Flamme Rouge for the last time in my career. I felt that, but I was so on the limit – the heat here is not nice for me. I haven't  raced since the Tour de France, so I’m missing that sharpness." “The guard of honour was incredible. That was the first time I probably got emotional today and  it was very, very nice and very unexpected. I was very touched by that. I’m so proud to win the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium as my last professional race. It’s a beautiful day and a beautiful way  to say goodbye. I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off than here in Singapore. What an incredible  crowd, what an incredible race, what an incredible group of athletes to finish my career with. To have my wife and friends here is brilliant. I’m so emotional, I’m so grateful and I hope everyone enjoyed that.”   The Singapore team of Yeo Boon Kiak, Arfan Faisal, Eamon Lim and Tong Khoon Fung put up a creditable  performance, taking turns to remain in the breakaway group with Yeo being part of the leading pack for  most of the race.  Yeo, who has now competed in all three editions of the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium,  said: “I had an amazing time. The atmosphere was second to none and I’ll wake up tomorrow morning  feeling as if it was a dream the day before, but I’m just soaking it all in and trying to enjoy the moment. " "As a small team, we wanted to animate the race and give the home crowd something to cheer for. We  wanted to be on the front foot and be represented by a guy up the road. That meant we’re always on the  front foot and we’re not chasing the race. We all gave our best and I’m pretty proud of how the team did.  It means a lot for us to be here, not just for us but also fellow Singaporeans and cyclists. We want to show  that we can be up there with the best and that’s why we want to go out there and be aggressive and show  that we can take the fight to the better pros. As much as it’s a morale boost for us, it’s also something for  other riders who didn’t take part and for spectators to dream about and be inspired by. If we have  achieved that, I think it’s a pretty good afternoon for us.”  The amateur races also took place on Sunday ahead of the pro races at the Esplanade Park. ASC won the  Regional Team Challenge ahead of Spin Axis X Greyhound and Team HoneyB-BikeBaju. More avid cyclists  were able to experience competing on the same track as the pros in the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium novice  races as spectators cheered them on from the trackside.   #Cycling   #TourdeFrance

Singapore Men's Football National Team Finalises Squad for November 2024 Friendlies Singapore, 6 November 2024 – Kyoga Nakamura could make his Singapore national team bow this month after earning his first national team call-up since he took up Singapore citizenship on 25 October, after being named in Tsutomu Ogura's 26-man squad for November's friendly matches in the lead up to the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (ME Cup) . The left-footed Tampines Rovers playmaker, who is known for his creativity and precise passes, has been actively involved with the squad in recent months as he looks to adapt to Singapore’s playing style - joining in a familiarisation stint in September before being involved in a centralised training camp in Japan in October. He will join 25 others after Singapore national team head coach Tsutomu Ogura has named his 26-man squad for the Singapore National Team’s upcoming friendlies at the Singapore National Stadium later this month. The Lions will take on Myanmar on 14 November and Chinese Taipei on 18 November, with both matches kicking off at 8PM Singapore time. Ogura’s selection for this window includes the recalls of seven players: Safuwan Baharudin is joined by Irfan Najeeb, Joel Chew, Nazrul Nazari, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen and Shawal Anuar, with the decision reflecting Ogura’s ongoing efforts to blend experienced players with emerging talent as the team prepares for the year end regional tournament, for which Singapore has been drawn into Group A along with defending champions Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Timor-Leste. “The November window is about more than just friendly matches, it provides us critical preparation for our ME Cup campaign, giving us an important chance to test our tactics and assess our fitness,” said Ogura. Overseas players who have not yet confirmed their release for the ME Cup were not called up for this window, and FAS will continue to work closely with the clubs to discuss the possibility of the players joining the tournament. “The ME Cup takes place outside the FIFA window, and I must thank our Singapore Premier League (SPL) clubs and overseas clubs for releasing their players so the National Team can focus on the tournament next month. This includes the Lion City Sailors, BG Tampines Rovers and Selangor, who have the additional factor of the AFC Champions League 2 tournament to contend with – we appreciate their support for the Singapore National Team.” “We are in full preparation mode, and the players are fighting for a place in the ME Cup squad, so I want to see performances that showcase their readiness and desire to play for the flag, the fans as well as the players who are not joining us for this window,” added Ogura. The Lions will assemble for training starting on 11 November 2024 following a structured preparation schedule to ensure optimal readiness for the matches. #SgFootball #MitsubishiElectricCup

She did her first half marathon in Nagoya this year, now fitness enthusiast and business owner Shannon Wong is ready to take on her first full marathon with New Balance 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 . A business owner and content creator, Shannon Wong is a fitness enthusiast who regularly shares her workout routines such as HIIT, strength training, and yoga with her avid online following. 2024 saw Shannon pick up running more seriously, and having completed her first half marathon in the Nagoya City Marathon, she continues to push herself in the sport and is now looking to take on her first full marathon in the TCS New York City Marathon . 1. Share with us what do you do for a living? Shannon : I am a business owner of a global interior design firm, where all our work is digital - we don't usually need to physically meet clients, but I'll be traveling to meet my business partner in Sydney and then a client in New York in the weeks leading up to the NYC marathon! Our clients are mainly from the US and middle east. Outside of that, I am a content creator - a gym junkie and fitness enthusiast who only just started to get into running. 2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your personality when you do your runs Shannon : Marina Bay area, Art Science Museum and Gardens by the Bay 3. What are your personal goals for embarking on this journey to NYC Marathon 2024? Shannon : Enjoying the marathon and completing are my main goals - I did a half earlier this year in Nagoya, but a Full Marathon is a totally different ball game and I haven't been training as much as I would love to due to work, so any time goal is a bonus. 4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon? Shannon : Juggling between work, content creation, social life and training. My schedule is literally back-to-back and I don't even have time for myself at times, so not having the predictability or routine makes marathon training difficult. 5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training? Shannon : My most regular route in Singapore would be Marina Bay Sands - Helix Bridge - Marina Barrage - Tanjong Rhu - East Coast Park and back. 6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Any individual / community? Shannon : My friend Juhi trains with me, she is another content creator who usually works with luxury brands. 7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences? Shannon : I am usually more of a gym junkie and never planned on running, but when this opportunity with New Balance came, it was a way for me to step out of my comfort zone. I loved the Nagoya experience earlier this year with a half marathon, so I decided to take the next step and haven't looked back since. 8. Is New York City Marathon your first full marathon? Shannon : Yes it is! 9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance? Shannon : A full marathon was never on the cards this year - the plan after Nagoya was to come back to gymming and MMA and maybe train for hyrox, but when NB came knocking on the door - I am someone who doesn't say no to opportiunities- most of the time I will say yes - cos I like to push myself out of my comfort zone. I am not a runner per se, running under 2 hours was a bonus in Nagoya, I don't enjoy the runners' high as most runners do, but NB has pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and since then I have started to enjoy running a bit more. I know a full marathon is very different from a half, a lot more mental plus physical. 10. What does Run Your Way mean to you personally? Shannon : To run without expectations, to run with an open mind and chase new experiences. 11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running? Shannon : Running for me is a love-hate relationship to be honest, its being tough and the mental strength you need to have to complete it and the love that comes with it when you finish, and accomplish something that you never thought you could. My running philosophy is similar to New Balance's - which is to just enjoy the run and to not push myself and have too much expectations to the point that I drain myself out much earlier instead of taking in every moment. 12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? Shannon : My personal goal to genuinely enjoy the run, I don't have to run a specific timing - it would ruin running for me - and ruin the beauty for me, and in a new country and doing a marathon. I want to take it all in, not a running time goal - even if I can't i won't beat myself up for it. #TCSNYCMarathon #NewBalanceSG #NewBalanceRunning

He left his corporate banking job to pursue his passion in fitness, now Seamus Chng is ready to embark on an all new journey - tackling his first full marathon with New Balance 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 . An economics graduate, Seamus Chng had initially chosen corporate banking as a career but decided to leave the corporate world to focus on pursuing his passion — fitness. Using his past experience as a competitive footballer in his younger days, Seamus has a vision of building the next generation of everyday athletes to help them fulfill their potential, something he felt he did not fulfill with a lack of access to facilities and resources during his time as a footballer. Now, the strength and conditioning coach who specialises in athletic development and mobility is looking to take on a new challenge - his first full marathon at the TCS New York City Marathon with New Balance . It is a journey that has not been easy, but something that fully aligns with his beliefs and values of earning his dopamine reward, and philosophy of lifting heavy and running far. Having recently incorporated more running into his training routine as an athlete, Seamus has fully embodied what it takes to be a hybrid athlete, and hopes to share his experiences from the New York City Marathon with fellow athletes and friends in the future. 1. Share with us what do you do for a living? Seamus : I am currently a strength and conditioning coach at Sphere gym, and I specialise in athletic development and mobility. I'm an economics graduate who left a corporate finance job to pursue passion for fitness, used to play football, retired at 20 as opportunities did not permit, and I hope to use my current experience and facilities to improve the performance of others, helping everyday athletes fulfil their potential. 2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your personality when you do your runs Seamus : Sunrise at Marina Bay Sands. Where night life meets the health enthusiasts. It's crazy to have been on both sides now. 3. What are your personal goals for embarking on this journey to NYC Marathon 2024? Seamus : Honestly, it’s such a privilege. So I didn’t come in with any particular goals but trying my best to enjoy every moment. If I were to dig deep, I guess. One, is to finish the marathon. Two, can I still stay strong (lift heavy) and run far. 4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon? Seamus : With 4-5 months to prepare, it was particularly challenging with load management and recovery. I did find myself being super disciplined on the amount of sleep I’m getting, which means sacrificing a lot of fun late nights and sinful food choices. 5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training? Seamus : I have a few regular run routes, but the more regular ones from Cecil Street (Sphere Gym) to Marina Barrage and East Coast Park then back for my long runs, Commonwealth abandoned track beside the MRT for my intervals, and from home to Nee Soon and Mandai Hill. 6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Any individual / community? Seamus : Former secondary school teacher Koh Wei Ping now turned training partner. Also his Fiance, Shannon Ho who sometimes cycles alongside him when he runs. 7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences? Seamus : I’ve actually only incorporated some running back into my routine last year ever since I stopped football in 2016. So I remember I will run based on time e.g 30mins at 120-150BPM HR for 2x a week and that wasn’t particularly easy (maybe I’m just lazy). Initially, runs were for the benefits of improved recoverability and setting up the ground work for potentially playing football again (socially this time). But I think it really has shifted into a mental challenge checklist of leaning into discomfort to earn your dopamine reward. As someone who is big on not just physical performance, but also mental resilience, I do try to set up challenges for myself on a weekly basis and runs are one of these things that I find a mental and physical challenge to overcome 8. Is NYC Marathon your first full marathon? Seamus : It is! Furthest I have ever ran was a half marathon on my own for fun one fine day. 9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance? Seamus : Interesting story. I was actually recommended by Daniel Tamago, who had to pull out because of a serious spine injury (so I owe him this one). Yeah, and when new balance came with this opportunity and in freaking New York, has anyone said no?! Haha And I was already running in some old new balance shoes from 4-5 years ago at that time with a wide toe cap which was the factor that sealed the deal. 10. What does Run Your Way mean to you personally? Seamus : Personally, it means anyone can be a runner. In this journey, I have met so many people from different backgrounds. You can have different goals in life but still be bonded through the same activity, which is running. Take my secondary school teacher for example, a 45-year old runner who joins me on my training runs, or someone who has never ran a 10k in her life but can still be a runner (my Fiancé )💍, or a team sports athlete turned runner (me). It’s crazy. 11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running? Seamus : I like this phrase a lot: Embrace discomfort. In this day and age where comfort is so easily accessible, Cold? Cover yourself in a blanket. Hot? Turn on the air conditioning. Bored? Doomscroll. I feel that we need to start rewiring ourselves to earn real dopamine rewards. Running is never easy doing it, but it feels amazing after. There’s many long runs, hot run, early mornings with no guarantee of success. But running is something that truly tests you physically and mentally. Hence, it gives you the opportunity to earn that reward and trust the process! 12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024? Seamus : Honestly at this stage, maintain as much strength and mass as I can going into this as I have and see what goes from here. I think conservatively, with a 4 month prep as an early intermediate. I should be able to have a 4hr 30min finish but I cannot guarantee anything and won’t jinx it. So as always, I’ll do my best, let god do the rest. 🙌🏻 #TCSNYCMarathon #NewBalanceSG #NewBalanceRunning

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 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 . 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. 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. 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! 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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