This year Standard Chartered again renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Singapore Marathon that was held fantastically on Sunday, 5th December 2004. The race has attracted over 14,000 runners, not only from this region, but international athletes from as far as Kenya, Russia, and Belarus and offered total prize money US$140,000. The Kenyans again dominated the full and half-marathon categories by winning both categories. Philip Tanui (younger brother of Moses Tanui who won BOSTON MARATHON in 1998 and 1999) won Men full marathon in better time 2:17:02 and Hellen Cherono won that of Women's in 2:39:37. For official results visit www.singaporemarathon.com.
Runners from Pacesetters Athletics Club Malaysia (PACM) headed by its President, Mr Wan Yew Leong were present by two bus loads and some made their ways via train and private transportations.
The race that included half-marathon and 10km distances, started around the famous Esplanade and ended in front of City Hall. As part of race attractions, an exhibition on sports and fitness was held at Suntec over two days before race day proper. Runners collected their running bibs and ChampionChip which time their run and to be exchanged for finisher medal, at the exhibition. Several exhibitors, promoters and sponsors like New Balance and Polar used the Expo to sell their products. Informative talks that range from mental preparation, nutritional needs and injury preventions by accomplished athletes were being held. There was also opportunity for runners to check their physical fitness and several booths were distributing race forms from marathons as far as Gold Coast Marathon in Australia, Fortis Marathon in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to AmBank Kuala Lumpur International Marathon (KLIM) 2005.
The race course certified by AIM took runners in all categories running along the Shenton Way's Central Business District to Marina South where runners made a u-turn back to Esplanade, but for half-marathoners and full marathoners they continued further to East Coast Park. The runners started their race to the tune "Who lets the dogs out", and was flagged-off in staggered. Distance markers were adequately placed at every kilometer, drinking stations were provided and the cheering team lined up the route.
The race has no official closing time although, traffic resumed after 6 hours after flag-off time. The organizer has categorically stated that they will be there until the last runner cross the finish line. The atmosphere at the finishing area was electrifying and supporters were great.
Reported By;
Ronnie (Pacemaker 1) and Yaziz (neveS MP)
Excelsior Hotel, Singapore, and aboard Express Sinaran Petang Singapore- Kuala Lumpur 5/12/2004
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