Soh aims to be inspiration for Sundown Marathon

Marathoner Soh Rui Yong is busy training to qualify for August's Rio Olympics in Brazil.

But the 24-year-old, who won gold in the marathon at last year's South-east Asia Games, will be taking time off training to be the Osim Sundown Marathon's ambassador on May 28.

"I believe that my Olympic quest and contributing to the local running community go hand in hand," said Soh in a statement yesterday.

"Through my quest to be a better athlete, I wish to not just run faster, but also encourage and inspire others to pick up the sport and redefine what's possible for themselves."

The University of Oregon graduate has a busy schedule this year - he will leave for Kenya tomorrow for a 6½ week training trip, before competing in the World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, Wales, on March 26.

Soh, who recently inked a sponsorship deal with drinks giant Yeo's, will have up till July 11 to lower his personal best of 2hr 26min 1sec to meet the Olympic qualifying mark of 2:19:00.

NINTH EDITION

Also, the ninth edition of the popular night run will have Osim as the title sponsor for a second straight year.

"We're extremely pleased to have Osim as our title sponsor for the second year in a row, and we're also very excited to have a SEA Games gold medallist front the run this year," said Adrian Mok, managing director of HiVelocity Events.

The company owns and organises the Sundown Marathon.

"We witnessed favourable participation in the 5km Fun Run that was introduced last year to encourage beginners to challenge themselves and attempt a shorter distance as a start.

"This year, we are pleased to continue this race category to inspire more beginners to participate."

On Soh, Mok added: "Rui Yong is a great example of someone who exudes the passion and commitment to chase one's dreams against all odds.

"His driving spirit is something all Osim Sundown runners possess.

"That is why having a partner and ambassador, who shares the same vision of inspiring well-being and reaching out to a large community through running, is something we all are excited about."

sayheng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on February 6, 2016.
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