Reigning Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) champion Luke Kibet has won the full marathon category race for the second year running. It was a tight finish but Kenyan runner Kibet prevailed and broke his own record, finishing with a winning time of 2:11:24 which was just eight seconds ahead of Chepkwony (2:11:32).

Kibet, a former world marathon champion, joins fellow countryman Amos Matui, who won the event in 2005 and 2006, in having clinched two successive wins in the full marathon category, underscoring the Kenyans’ dominance of the race in recent years. “I am thrilled with the outcome of today’s race as I really wanted to win again here. The conditions in Singapore are not the easiest for marathons but I enjoyed the race and I look forward to making it a hat-trick of wins next year,” said Kibet.

Completing the top three in the men’s race was Vincent Krop Nyemw of Kenya who came in third. Albina Mayorova Ivanova of Russia emerged top of the field this year in the women’s full marathon category. Her winning time of 2:32:47 was two minutes ahead of second-placed Lyubov Morgunova of Russia (2:34:47) and Mary Akor Beasley of USA completed the top three with a time of 2:36:41.

In the Men’s Local category (full marathon), Mok Ying Ren clinched first place with a time of 2:43:42, with Ashley Liew finishing in 2:51:22 to secure the second place. Benny Goh took third place with a time of 2:56:44. Over in the Women’s Local category (full marathon), Qi Hui (3:15:25) piped Elaine Lim (3:23:00) to the finish line with Aileen Tan (3:39:16), rounding up the top three.

A total of 50,000 runners took to the streets this morning for the eighth Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, with Guest-of-Honour Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo flagging off the Full Marathon.

The annual event also saw people populating the streets as they cheered on the runners and enjoyed the various activities staged at the East Coast Park, the F1 Pit Building, as well as the Padang.

Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Council Oon Jin Teik said, “The marathon has developed into something much more than just a running event. Through new initiatives organised by the Singapore Sports Council this year, we have attracted a wider audience who have come along to support their friends and loved ones and have fun at the same time. The extensive line-up of performances and activities has added to this wonderful atmosphere and full credit must be given to the team for organising such a memorable day for everyone. The marathon is an excellent example of how sports events have the potential to contribute to society. It is fantastic to see so many involved in the event today and to witness this community spirit,” he added.

Title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank is equally encouraged by the accomplishments of the event. Regional Chief Executive Singapore and Southeast Asia, Ray Ferguson, said, “The overwhelming success of this event is an indication of Singapore’s progress as a sporting nation and we hope to continually contribute to this growth. This is an event that we are immensely proud of and one that we are sure will leave its footprints in Singapore’s sporting history.”