Kenyans Make a Clean Sweep of the Podium

Press Release / 20.07.2017

Kenya’s David Mutai and Valentine Jepkemoi Serem claimed victories at the MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 this morning as the 50-kilometre trail race was shortened to 21km for safety reasons due to thunderstorms. Slippery conditions did little to slow the pair, as Mutai clocked 1 hour 56 minutes and Serem 2:05:42 to grab the men’s and women’s champion titles respectively and lead a Kenyan sweep of the podium.

More than 1,200 trail runners took on the challenging race, which also included 21km and 10km events in addition to the 50km. Guest-of-honour Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, flagged off the 10km race.

A pack of Kenyan runners led the 50km race right from the gun, running shoulder to shoulder all the way. Only one second separated each man on the podium. For Mutai, he was pleased with his first participation in an MSIG race. “The race was nice and the trail was good. The crossroads were so muddy, and the trail was a bit slippery. Despite the weather, I think in general this is a good race. Although it's sad that the organiser has to stop the race, I know it's for our own safety and protection."

Justus Kipruto Biwott was second (1:56:01). He said: “The race was good, but it is also challenging. Along the forest, it was slippery, but in general, it was a good race.”

In third place was Benson Karuiki Waruguru (1:56:02). “I was feeling good except that it is a pity we were stopped during the race due to the severe weather. I really hope that next time, the weather could be better. I like Singapore a lot, this is the second time I've been here. Singapore is clean and quiet and I also like the people here," he said.

The women’s podium was also only separated by a second. Behind champion Serem was Dorcus Jebotip Tarus in second (2:05:43.4) and Viola Jepchirchir Kimeli in third (2:05:43.5).

It was Serem’s first time in Singapore. “I'm feeling good but not so good at the same time. We were stopped by the rain, which is bad, but the race and trail itself is very nice. The organisation is very good and I like the spirit of the sport.” Serem added that she was looking forward to joining the race again next year.

Tarus was very excited after the race: “The course design was very smart and runnable. As for my favorite part, it’s absolutely the forest. I love running inside of it and that makes me look like a jungle girl. Unfortunately, the rain disrupted the race. I will come back to the race next year if I have a chance.”

Kimeli was participating in the race for third straight time. “I’m satisfied with my result this year, even though the race was so challenging as it is raining.”

This year’s race featured a new race course, which started and finished at Hindhede Walk in Bukit Timah and covered Singapore’s most beautiful nature trails. The course was about 80% similar to the 2016 version, with a few small changes.

This edition also debuted the National Award Category, which was created to recognise the top local runners in the 50km category.

Singaporean Zijing Lin won the Singapore award, clocking 2:13:23. Lin said: “Even though we have to cut short the race due to the weather, I am super happy as it’s a great run with great weather. The rain actually makes the trail more authentic. This is the third time I joined this race and it’s definitely the best trail running race in Singapore!”

The 21km race was won by Kenya’s John Muiruri Mburu in 1:26:02. He said: "The route is nice for this year because last year we got lost on the route but this year, I am very happy because the route was very nice and clearly marked.”

Rosemary Mumo Katua’s won the women’s 21km in 1:43:11. “The race was great while there were lots of challenges. As for the course design, the organiser designed the course very well. The flat course was my favorite part.”

Another Kenyan Enock Kipchirchir Kigen won the men’s 10km in 34:10. “The race was good and I enjoyed it, despite the rain. It was very challenging as the rain made the terrain a bit slippery. However, the good thing is there was no need for hydration on the way. Probably I will join the race again next year!”

Belgian runner Vanja Cnops broke the Kenyan stronghold of the podium, winning the women’s 10km in 41:09. “I love the race and it’s the most fun race of the year. The course was muddy and rainy but I really enjoyed it. I knew it would be fun, because I did it last year.”

The event was possible thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsor MSIG and supporting partners Action X Store, RunSociety, Outdoor Channel, Run Magazine, Hoka OneOne, Singapore Tourism Board, Royale International, World of Sports, Forward by Norman, Suunto, OtterBox, Thorlos and the Action Asia Foundation.

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