Soh Rui Yong Sets New Singaporean Guinness World Record in Suit

Photo Credit: https://static.mothership.sg/

Singapore’s top long-distance runner, Soh Rui Yong, has added another remarkable achievement to his impressive career by setting a new Singaporean Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed in a full business suit. The 33-year-old athlete crossed the finish line at the 2025 TCS London Marathon on 27 April in an astonishing time of 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 57 seconds, outpacing the previous record by nearly a minute.

Breaking the World Record in Style

This extraordinary accomplishment represents not just a personal milestone for Soh but also a significant achievement for Singapore on the global stage. The previous Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a full suit was held by Emmanuel Bonnier from France, who set a time of 2:40:52 at Tours, France, on 24 September 2023. Soh managed to shave off 55 seconds from this record, demonstrating his exceptional endurance and determination whilst dealing with the additional challenge of running in formal attire.

In his Facebook post dated 27 April, Soh shared his elation at receiving the official Guinness World Record certificate. “World record holder,” he wrote, showcasing his achievement to his supporters. This accomplishment marks his first successful attempt at a world record, though he has previously broken national records an impressive 12 times throughout his career.

The Challenge of Running in Formal Attire

Running 42.195 kilometres is already a formidable task, but doing so whilst dressed in a three-piece suit adds a significant layer of difficulty. Soh himself acknowledged this challenge before the event, stating, “Running 42.195km in 3 layers, the main challenge will be managing the buildup of heat in my body”. This concern was particularly relevant as the London Marathon was held in temperatures of 22-23 degrees Celsius, considered quite warm for marathon conditions.

Despite these challenging conditions, Soh remained composed and determined. He credited his years of training and racing in Singapore’s notoriously hot and humid climate as ideal preparation for this unique challenge. The BOSS suit he wore for the occasion proved to be both stylish and surprisingly functional, with Soh later revealing that he experienced no chafing issues during the run.

An Exceptional Athletic Career

Soh Rui Yong is no stranger to athletic achievements. As Singapore’s premier long-distance runner, he holds six national records, including those for the 5,000m (both track and road), 10,000m (both track and road), half marathon, and full marathon. His exceptional talent has earned him recognition from Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who described him as the “most outstanding long-distance runner in our history”.

In addition to this new Singaporean Guinness World Record, Soh’s career highlights include becoming the first Singaporean male marathoner to win back-to-back gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games in 2015 and 2017. He also made history in 2023 as the first Singaporean to win a silver medal in the 10,000m at the SEA Games. On the domestic front, Soh is a four-time champion of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, having won every edition of the Singapore national marathon championships since its inception in 2017.

Fan Reactions and Support

News of Soh’s achievement quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans and supporters expressing amazement at his feat. Many were particularly impressed by how composed he appeared after completing such a gruelling challenge, noting that he hardly looked like he had just run a full marathon in formal attire.

One supporter humorously suggested that Soh should consider running his next marathon in Full Battle Order (FBO), referencing his national service experience in the Singapore Armed Forces. This lighthearted banter highlights the affection and respect that many Singaporeans have for their national athletic hero.

Some fans also recalled Soh’s previous unconventional tactics during races, such as cutting holes in sponsored tops to manage heat. In response, Soh acknowledged that whilst his previous times were indeed faster, the stylish BOSS suit had carried him to a world record on this occasion.

A Triumph of Preparation and Perseverance

Prior to the marathon, Soh had shared his ambitious goal with fans on Facebook. “The paperwork is sorted. This Sunday, I will take on the TCS London Marathon in a 3-piece BOSS suit and tie, and will be working hard to go a little bit quicker”. This statement reflected both his determination and his strategic approach to the challenge.

The achievement of this new Singaporean Guinness World Record represents more than just athletic prowess; it showcases the importance of meticulous preparation and mental fortitude. As Soh himself noted, “The last 7km was the hardest marathon ever run. But I’m proud that I was able to hold out and overcome and set a world record”.

Pride for Singapore

This new Singaporean Guinness World Record adds another chapter to Singapore’s growing presence in international sports achievements. It demonstrates that Singaporean athletes can compete and excel on the global stage, even in unconventional challenges that require innovative approaches and exceptional mental strength.

Soh’s achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Singapore and beyond, proving that with dedication, proper training, and a touch of creativity, world records are within reach. His unique accomplishment has put Singapore in the global spotlight once again, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for excellence and determination.

As Soh continues his athletic journey, this world record will stand as a testament to his exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in long-distance running. For Singapore, it represents another proud moment in its sporting history and a reminder of the extraordinary talent that the nation continues to nurture and celebrate.