A Singapore marathon death has occurred again, marking the second fatality in less than a year.
On Sunday 27 April 2025, organisers of the 2XU Compression Run in Singapore announced via their official Instagram account that the 23-year-old participant had tragically collapsed during the half-marathon and later died in hospital.
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According to The Straits Times, police were called to Raffles Avenue at about 6.25 am and, despite rapid medical attention, the runner could not be saved.
This marks the second death at a major Singapore marathon event within twelve months. In December 2024, a competitor at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line. Despite on-site resuscitation efforts and transfer to Singapore General Hospital, that runner also passed away, a third fatality in that race’s history since its inception in 2002.
2XU Compression Run Marred by Organisational Issues
The latest Singapore marathon death occurred at an event already facing widespread criticism from participants. Following the 2XU Compression Run 2025, runners flooded the organiser’s Instagram page with complaints about race conditions.
In their official statement, organisers acknowledged shortcomings, including course congestion, inadequate lighting, and unexpected route changes.
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Several participants commented that sections of the race were dangerously narrow and poorly lit.
One runner described parts of the course as “so dark and uneven that I had to use my phone’s flashlight.”
Another participant stated that there was “no water at certain hydration points,” forcing runners to seek public water fountains.
Congestion along the route also drew heavy criticism, with some describing the race as “running in a can of sardines.”
Concerns about insufficient medical coverage surfaced as well, with a commenter claiming there were no marshals present near the final kilometres.
Singapore’s Recent History of Marathon Deaths
Fatalities have affected the running community before. In 2011, 22-year-old Malcolm Sng Wei Ren collapsed after finishing the half-marathon and died from acute coronary insufficiency.
Another tragedy followed in 2016, when Briton John Gibson, aged 28, suffered sudden cardiac death during the half-marathon. The 2XU Compression Run has also seen loss of life in the past. In 2014, Martynn Koh Tong Yong, aged 45, collapsed mid-race and died later in hospital.
Just months earlier in December 2024, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon recorded its third fatality since 2002, after a runner collapsed post-race.
Although rare, these incidents show that risks do exist at endurance events, even among seemingly healthy participants. Following the latest Singapore marathon death, calls to strengthen medical screenings and improve race safety have grown louder.
Staying Safe During Marathons: Signs to Watch For
Runners are urged to remain vigilant during endurance events. Recognising early warning signs of distress can save lives when every second counts.
Look out for these danger signs during a race:
- Sudden chest pain or tightness
- Severe shortness of breath, especially at rest
- Dizziness, confusion, or sudden collapse
- Skin turning pale, clammy, or bluish
- Unusual fatigue beyond normal race exhaustion
- Sharp muscle cramps not improving with rest or hydration
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Seizure or uncontrolled shaking
- No response to voice or touch
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or another runner:
- Stop moving and seek help immediately.
- Signal for medical personnel or volunteers along the route.
- Call emergency services if no staff are nearby.
- Keep the person calm, cool, and hydrated if conscious.
Quick action can make a critical difference. Staying aware, acting fast, and supporting others keep marathons safe for everyone.
Header image: 2uxurun via Instagram
