SOH EYES HIS FOURTH SEA GAMES

He returns to win S'pore marathon for fifth time, is keen on gold challenge in Thailand

- Kimberly Kwek

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) had a new finish line at the Anderson Bridge in 2024, but there was a familiar sight at the end point on Dec 1 when Soh Rui Yong claimed the national title.

After securing his fifth victory at the race with a 2hr 46min 5sec effort, Soh is now aiming to compete at the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games.

While Soh has been embroiled in several selection controversies with the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) over the past few years, he is hoping to secure his fourth appearance at the biennial event.

The 33-year-old said: "That's the goal. The SEA Games are a chance to represent Singapore and for many of us, it's the biggest meet we'll do in our lifetime.

"I've been to three SEA Games and each one has been a very good experience with my team and to make a lot of new friends."

The event also offers Soh the exciting prospect of a marathon treble after golds in 2015 and 2017.

He added: "My first title was in 2015 and next year is 2025 so if I win two gold medals 10 years apart that's pretty good."

After clashes with the SNOC resulted in him being excluded from the contingent for the 2019 and 2021 SEA Games, the distance runner was selected for the 2023 edition in Cambodia.