Elite runners rediscover winning feeling with StanChart Singapore
Rose Chelimo, the reigning Asian Games and IAAF World Championships marathon champion, has finally found her way back to the top of the podium. After a five-year victory drought, Chelimo emerged triumphant at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) on December 3rd, reclaiming the winning feeling.
Chelimo, who switched her allegiance to Bahrain in 2015, crossed the finish line at the National Stadium in a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 19 seconds. She outpaced her Kenyan rival Beatrice Jelagat Cherop (2:37:35) and Ethiopian Meseret Dinke (2:37:50) to secure the women’s marathon title.
Kenyan dominance continued in the men’s category as David Barmasai Tumo, 34, clinched victory with a time of 2:14:16. Tumo led a Kenyan sweep of the top three spots, with Geoffrey Birgen (2:14:31) finishing second and Anderson Seroi (2:16:00) taking third place. The Kenyan men have held a firm grip on the SCSM title since 2002.
Both Chelimo and Tumo earned themselves a winners’ cheque of US$30,000 (S$40,000) for emerging as the international elite race winners. The 2023 edition of the SCSM is set to return as a World Athletics Gold Label race.
Reflecting on her victory, Chelimo expressed her joy at rediscovering the winning feeling after a long hiatus. Her last triumph came in 2018 at the Asian Games, and she had to settle for second place at the 2019 World Championships in Doha. However, Chelimo’s determination and hard work paid off as she persevered through challenges, including a period of time away from the sport after giving birth in 2021. She credited her return to form to consistent training and self-belief, even during setbacks.
In a similar fashion, Tumo found renewed motivation after his Jakarta win. The pandemic had disrupted his running career, but as normalcy returned to the sporting world, Tumo’s training paid off on the Singaporean roads. He expressed his eagerness to compete and race again, highlighting the satisfaction he derived from a well-executed performance.
The Singapore Marathon, which took place over three days, attracted a total of 44,000 participants. The excitement kicked off with the Kids Dash on December 1st, where more than 5,000 parents and children showcased their enthusiasm. The 5km and 10km categories, held on December 2nd, were equally popular, drawing in 17,000 runners.
Participants and spectators marveled at the scenic route that wound through the heart of Singapore. The course took runners past iconic landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. The race’s culmination at the National Stadium was a first for the SCSM, adding an extra layer of thrill and accomplishment for the runners.
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon showcased the resilience and triumph of elite runners, bringing back the winning feeling to Rose Chelimo and David Barmasai Tumo. With the event attaining World Athletics Gold Label status in 2023, the stage is set for future displays of exceptional athleticism and fierce competition.
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