Latest news with #StandardCharteredSingaporeMarathon
New Paper
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Persons with disabilities to take part in 2025 StanChart Marathon alongside able-bodied participants
In a push for inclusivity, the 2025 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will feature persons with disabilities (PWDs) alongside able-bodied participants, as part of an initiative titled One Race, Many Journeys. The initiative was launched at The Westin Singapore on June 4 in celebration of it being the official elite hotel for the SCSM for the third straight year, with the hotel pledging to help PWDs achieve their sporting goals at Singapore's biggest marathon. This is not the first time that the SCSM will see participation of PWDs, with wheelchair users having already featured previously. In 2018, it introduced an elite wheelchair racing category, which was also included in 2019. James Walkden, general manager of The Westin Singapore, said: "This year, we wanted to do more to support the community and encourage more people to get involved. Therefore, we came up with the One Race, Many Journeys initiative to demonstrate that there are many ways to get to one destination and there is no one correct answer." Selected PWDs will receive complimentary entry to the category of their choice at this year's SCSM, those being the 5km, 10km, half-marathon or marathon categories. Showing their support at the launch were American former Paralympic champion swimmer Gregory Burns and Australian ultramarathoner Natalie Dau, both of whom are based in Singapore and ambassadors of The Westin Singapore. Natalie Dau (left) and Gregory Burns (right) are both ambassadors for The Westin Singapore. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Burns, who has been living in Singapore for the past 30 years, believes the initiative will help change public perception of PWDs in wider society. "When I came here in 1995, there were much fewer physically challenged people out and about. But in 30 years, the physical infrastructure has got better," said the 68-year-old, a three-time Paralympian with five medals (two golds, two silvers, one bronze). "Singapore has developed and grown as a compassionate society and the SCSM is yet another way to show that these physically challenged people are out and about and we all can make the best of what we do." Burns, who is also a passionate artist, unveiled an artwork he had been working on for the past month in support of the initiative. The artwork, named Runners, is a hybrid media piece that combines digital art with contemporary painting techniques. "This is a collage painting and it's (also) a collage of a race of different people with different abilities and disabilities," he said. Dau, who completed the second iteration of Project 1000 in May, this time running 1,000km through the Philippines over 12 days, encouraged those participating in the SCSM to be more actively inclusive. Dau, 53, said: "There's still a big gap between the people that are starting and the people that may be a bit more experienced and I think what we've been missing in Singapore is real inclusivity and the community coming together." "Try to mend your passion with purpose. If you have the opportunity to run the marathon for something bigger than yourself, make the most of that," she added. "A lot of us don't have friends with disabilities, so if you are running next to someone who is not able-bodied, then have a chat (with them) and welcome them into the community." After the event launch, both Burns and Dau went for a short 2.4km run with members of the public. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The 2025 SCSM will take place on Dec 6 and 7. Registration is open till Nov 30, or until all slots are sold out. The 2024 edition drew about 55,000 runners over three days, including close to 13,000 international participants from 84 countries.
Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
The Westin Singapore celebrates 3 years as an Official Elite Hotel by supporting PWDs at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
SINGAPORE: The Westin Singapore expresses its support to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in reaching their athletic dreams at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) this year. This is to commemorate Westin's third year as the Official Elite Hotel of the event. Happening on Dec 6 and 7, PWDs will join other runners in the 5-km, 10-km, Half Marathon, and Marathon categories as they run and pass by some of Singapore's most well-known landmarks. Kelly Fan, Executive Director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council, said: 'We're grateful for the opportunity for persons with disabilities—both our para-athletes and members of the wider community—to be part of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon this year, where people of all abilities can run alongside one another. For some, it will be their first time taking part in a race like this, and it's a chance to step out of their comfort zone, stay active, and experience the energy of racing together with the wider community. For our para-athletes, it's also a meaningful way to build discipline as they prepare for this event alongside their regular training. We hope this inspires more partners to join us in building inclusive platforms that foster strength, resilience, and unity through sport, regardless of ability or background.' At the One Race, Many Journeys launch event last Jun 4, The Westin Singapore also announced that PWDs will have complimentary entry to their chosen race category. This gesture is made possible by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and Westin Singapore ambassadors Gregory Burns and Natalie Dau. Gregory Burns is set to run 10 km at this year's event. The Paralympic gold medalist and Ironman athlete, who is also an artist, showcased his talent as part of this year's SCSM. He created Runners , a special artwork to honour SCSM 2025 participants, and this piece of art will be featured on exclusive merchandise. All proceeds would go to the Singapore Disability Sports Council. With this, Burns remarked: 'I'm pleased to see the mainstreaming of people with disabilities into serious public sporting events in Singapore. By normalising such participation, parents and society are encouraged to integrate those with challenges into the community. I'm honoured to collaborate with The Westin Singapore, whose commitment to inclusivity shines through in their support of this event as we welcome participants of all abilities and disabilities to push their boundaries together. These races serve as more than a physical challenge; they are a living canvas where people can press beyond their limits and expand new dimensions of themselves. While the race may begin and end on a single day, its impact and the personal stories it inspires endure long after the finish line is crossed.' He added: 'My mixed media artwork captures the transformative journey each runner takes from the starting line to the finish. While we may run alongside others, we ultimately grow and overcome life's obstacles step by step, as individuals. Each of us must scale our own walls to realise our potential. This race and this painting are invitations to strive for our best selves. I hope ' Runners ' inspires others to reach beyond their perceived limits, while also contributing to a meaningful cause.' Furthermore, ultramarathoner, author, and motivational speaker Natalie Dau has won all 11 ultramarathons she participated in, and recently, she completed her second 1,000-km solo run in the Philippines in 12 days to show support to underprivileged children. 'I am incredibly excited to be involved in this initiative spearheaded by The Westin Singapore for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon this year. The opportunity to participate in mass fitness events should be accessible to people of all abilities. This initiative is one I support deeply and is extremely important because it breaks down barriers, creating more inclusive opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be excluded from such empowering experiences. At the heart of it, it's about fostering a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving their fitness goals,' Dau said. Both athletes were also present at the Cook & Brew launch event, where they shared their fitness journeys and offered training, recovery, and nutrition tips. Attendees also learned about warm-up, recovery, and fueling techniques, with post-run snacks and Hyperice recovery tools available. Moreover, runners who missed the event can look forward to more opportunities to hear from Burns and Dau, as Westin Singapore will host additional talks with them before the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. The 2025 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the region's only World Athletics Gold Label race, welcoming runners from around the world. It will provide a unique experience for runners of all levels. Last year's event saw a record-breaking 55,000 participants. Westin Singapore assures relaxation for runners The Westin Singapore gives runners a unique stay as the Official Elite Hotel of SCSM. It offers a 3D2N Move Well: Marathon Package , providing easy access to the race start, daily breakfast, exclusive merchandise, the Next Generation Heavenly Bed, and Hyperice recovery gear. Marriott Bonvoy members can also enjoy their stay with Marriott Bonvoy Moments . This is an exclusive package that includes a hotel stay, a meet-and-greet with elite runners and ambassadors, race tickets, VIP Start Pen access, and more. It also offers a post-race recovery lounge at the Padang. The General Manager of The Westin Singapore, James Walkden, said: 'We are delighted to be the Official Elite Hotel for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon for the third consecutive year. At The Westin Singapore, we're always striving to elevate our premier wellness experiences for our guests and partners. This year, we wanted to do more to support the community and encourage more people to get involved. Therefore, we came up with the One Race, Many Journeys initiative to provide complimentary entry to this year's SCSM to selected para-athletes and demonstrate that there are many ways to get to one destination and there is no one correct answer. This is in alignment with our Marriott International's Serve360, Doing Good in Every Direction initiative, as well as our Move Well pillar, which encourages movement for all. We hope to empower para-athletes to achieve their dreams by participating in Singapore's largest running event alongside fellow fitness enthusiasts and, at the same time, inspire the community to keep moving and living well.'
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Persons with disabilities to take part in 2025 StanChart Marathon alongside able-bodied participants
From left: Santoz Kumar, General Manager for Singapore for the Ironman Group; Natalie Dau, The Westin Singapore ambassador; James Walkden, general manager of The Westin Singapore; Gregory Burns, The Westin Singapore ambassador; Alister Ong, committee member of the Singapore Disability Sports Council; and Jenny Lim, director of sales and marketing of The Westin Singapore alongside Burns's artwork Runners. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – In a push for inclusivity, the 2025 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will feature persons with disabilities (PWDs) alongside able-bodied participants, as part of an initiative titled One Race, Many Journeys. The initiative was launched at The Westin Singapore on June 4 in celebration of it being the official elite hotel for the SCSM for the third straight year, with the hotel pledging to help PWDs achieve their sporting goals at Singapore's biggest marathon. This is not the first time that the SCSM will see participation of PWDs, with wheelchair users having already featured previously. In 2018, it introduced an elite wheelchair racing category, which was also included in 2019 . James Walkden, general manager of The Westin Singapore , said: 'This year, we wanted to do more to support the community and encourage more people to get involved. Therefore, we came up with the One Race, Many Journeys initiative to demonstrate that there are many ways to get to one destination and there is no one correct answer.' Selected PWDs will receive complimentary entry to the category of their choice at this year's SCSM, those being the 5km, 10km, half-marathon or marathon categories. Showing their support at the launch were American former Paralympic champion swimmer Gregory Burns and Australian ultramarathoner Natalie Dau, both of whom are based in Singapore and ambassadors of The Westin Singapore. Natalie Dau (left) and Gregory Burns (right) are both ambassadors for The Westin Singapore. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Burns, who has been living in Singapore for the past 30 years, believes the initiative will help change public perception of PWDs in wider society. 'When I came here in 1995, there were much fewer physically challenged people out and about. But in 30 years, the physical infrastructure has got better,' said the 68-year-old, a three-time Paralympian with five medals (two golds, two silvers, one bronze). 'Singapore has developed and grown as a compassionate society and the SCSM is yet another way to show that these physically challenged people are out and about and we all can make the best of what we do.' Burns, who is also a passionate artist, unveiled an artwork he had been working on for the past month in support of the initiative. The artwork, named Runners, is a hybrid media piece that combines digital art with contemporary painting techniques. 'This is a collage painting and it's (also) a collage of a race of different people with different abilities and disabilities,' he said. Dau, who completed the second iteration of Project 1000 in May, this time running 1,000km through the Philippines over 12 days , encouraged those participating in the SCSM to be more actively inclusive. Dau, 53, said: 'There's still a big gap between the people that are starting and the people that may be a bit more experienced and I think what we've been missing in Singapore is real inclusivity and the community coming together.' 'Try to mend your passion with purpose. If you have the opportunity to run the marathon for something bigger than yourself, make the most of that,' she added. 'A lot of us don't have friends with disabilities, so if you are running next to someone who is not able-bodied, then have a chat (with them) and welcome them into the community.' After the event launch, both Burns and Dau went for a short 2.4km run with members of the public. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The 2025 SCSM will take place on Dec 6 and 7. Registration is open till Nov 30, or until all slots are sold out. The 2024 edition drew about 55,000 runners over three days, including close to 13,000 international participants from 84 countries. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
2024 StanChart Singapore Marathon winner Geoffrey Yegon banned for doping
Kenya's Geoffrey Yegon winning the men's elite marathon title at the 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on Dec 1. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE – The winner of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2024 men's elite race, Geoffrey Yegon, has been banned from the sport for two years after the Kenyan was found to have tested positive for a banned substance. In response to queries from The Straits Times, an SCSM spokesperson said that it had been informed by world governing body World Athletics that Yegon 'was found to have a banned substance in his system following a post-race test at last December's event and was subsequently banned for two years'. This also means that the 36-year-old runner will not collect the US$45,000 (S$58,400) cash prize. Noting that all athletes in the elite men's category will be moved up one position, the spokesperson said that 'as per event protocols prize money is not distributed until World Athletics finalises all anti-doping results'. According to media reports, Yegon's urine sample from the Dec 1 race tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic steroid which is commonly used for skin conditions. The World Anti-Doping Agency named the substance in its prohibited list in 2014 as it helps athletes lose weight without suffering a significant loss in power. The reports also added that Yegon admitted fault and was therefore given a ban of two years, instead of a four-year ban for the offence. On Dec 1, Yegon emerged triumphant in a close finish in the men's elite race, breasting the tape in 2hr 16min 6sec to finish ahead of Uganda's Abel Sikowo (2:16:12) and fellow Kenyan Laban Korir (2:16:24). A check on the official results page now shows Sikowo as the winner. Yegon's personal best in a marathon is 2:12:39, and his best half-marathon time is 59:44. The SCSM spokesperson added: 'The team was disappointed to learn of this situation and are strong supporters of World Athletics' stance on doping and will continue to support all moves to promote a clean sport. 'SCSM is sanctioned by Singapore Athletics and engages technical officials to officiate the race, as well as engaging Anti-Doping Singapore to conduct necessary testing in coordination with World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).' The SCSM – from Nov 29 to Dec 1, 2024 – attracted over 55,000 runners, including close to 13,000 international participants from 84 countries. Among them were Yegon and Ethiopian Fantu Zewude, who won the men's and women's elite marathon respectively. The national marathon title went to Soh Rui Yong in 2:46:05, his fifth victory at the annual event. This is not the first time that an SCSM race finisher has failed a doping test. Marathoner Lim Baoying, who finished as the top local female runner in 2018, was banned three years and nine months by the AIU after testing positive for a banned substance. According to an AIU statement, she had ingested 'a quarter of one tablet of modafinil 200mg' before the event 'in order that she could stay awake after the race'. She did not have therapeutic usage exemption for the medicine, which is prescribed to people with sleep disorders to help them stay alert or improve focus. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Paper
11-05-2025
- New Paper
2XU Compression Run race participant, 23, dies
A 23-year-man died at the 2XU Compression Run on April 27. The police said they received a call for assistance along Raffles Avenue at about 6.25am. The man was taken unconscious to the hospital and subsequently pronounced dead. Police investigations are ongoing, but based on preliminary findings, foul play is not suspected. The organisers said in a social media post hours after the event: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our participants at this morning's 2XU Compression Run. "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time. As the matter is under police investigation, we are unable to share further details at this point." The Straits Times has contacted the organisers for comments. Set against the F1 Pit Building, the event flagged off at around 4.15am and is said to have drawn over 20,000 participants for the 5km, 10km, and 21.1km categories. The incident comes after a runner at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon died after finishing the race in December 2024. It was the third death since the SCSM was first held in 2002. In 2014, 45-year-old Martynn Koh Tong Yong collapsed during the 2XU Compression Run marathon. He later died in hospital.
