SINGAPORE — The increasing global appeal of the OSIM Sundown Marathon was very much in evidence this past weekend, as more than 11,000 international participants — out of 27,600 entrants — raced in the ninth edition of the event.

The figure represents an increase of more than 1,000 foreign runners compared with last year’s edition of the race. Apart from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and China, this year’s marathon, which started at the F1 Pit Building, also attracted competitors from the United Kingdom, Guatemala, the Netherlands and Costa Rica.

Reflecting on the strong foreign participation this year, Adrian Mok, the managing director of race organiser HiVelocity Events, said: “We are extremely pleased with how OSIM Sundown Marathon has evolved to become one of the signature sporting events in the local running scene.

“This year, we have seen a positive surge not only in numbers, but a greater outreach from the overseas communities that have expressed interest in our event. This is an indication that we are poised for regional expansion, and the event will only get bigger and better in years to come.”

Earlier this month, TODAY had reported that HiVelocity were planning to expand overseas and stage Sundown Marathons in Taiwan and Hong Kong in the near future.

“This support (from overseas) has encouraged us to grow the brand on an international level as we take on our 10th edition next year,” said Ryan Chioh, the director of F4U, who had recently invested and acquired the rights of Sundown Marathon.

Fittingly, it was an international participant who won the men’s marathon category. Li Wei, who hails from China, crossed the finish line in 2hrs 37mins 37secs. “I’m happy about today’s win, as it’s my first time participating in Sundown and I didn’t know that the weather in Singapore would be this humid,” said Li. “It was hot and there were lots of turns along the route, making it difficult to tackle, but I’m glad I managed to win.”

In the women’s marathon category, local runner Sharon Tan broke her personal best timing by an hour to win in 3hrs 35mins 45secs.

The women’s half-marathon was won by Rachel See, who had competed at last year’s SEA Games. She clocked 1hr 31min 14secs while the men’s version of the race was won by Kenya’s Noah Kutung Chepsergon (1hr 17mins 20secs). NOAH TAN