Behind The Shots: 32 Years of Singapore Marathons with Phan Yeeh

In the first instalment of our new interview series, Behind The Shots, we sit down with a true icon of the local running community: Mr. Chen Phan Yeeh. With an incredible streak of 32 Singapore marathons completed since 1992, Phan Yeeh offers a unique perspective on how the sport has evolved from the early days at Sentosa to the massive city-wide events we see today.

A Journey That Started in the Rain

Phan Yeeh’s marathon journey began in 1992 at the Mobil Marathon, a race that famously started and ended in Sentosa. Despite the pouring rain, that inaugural race remains his most memorable. It was where he set his personal best (PB) of 4:05, a time he has been chasing ever since.

“I actually wanted to run 10 marathons and stop,” Phan Yeeh shared during the interview. “But in the 11th year, a friend asked me to run his first marathon with him. Even though he eventually signed up for the half, that 11th year was the catalyst that kept my streak alive until today.”

From Sentosa to the World Stage

Over the last three decades, Phan Yeeh has witnessed the complete transformation of the Singapore Marathon route. He recalls the days before RFID chips and championship timing, when the course wound through Orchard Road and the East Coast Highway in a much more grassroots fashion.

His passion for the distance hasn’t been limited to local shores. Phan Yeeh has also checked off three of the World Marathon Majors:   

  • Tokyo (2014)

  • London (2018)

  • Chicago (2023)

While he isn’t in a rush to collect the “Six Star Medal,” his steady approach to running—focusing on the experience rather than the accolades—is what has allowed him to remain active for so long.

Beyond the Marathon: The Ironman Experience

In 2017, Phan Yeeh took a break from his typical training cycle to conquer Ironman Switzerland. While he acknowledges the immense effort required for triathlon training—balancing long bike sessions and swims with his running—he remains a runner at heart.

“An Ironman is definitely not an easy feat, and I’m glad I experienced it once,” he said. “But now, I’m focused on my run.”

The Road to Recovery and the BYD Era

Phan Yeeh recently underwent meniscus repair surgery on his left knee, a challenge that would sideline many. However, his focus remains sharp. He is currently on a structured recovery and physiotherapy path with one goal in mind: participating in the upcoming BYD Singapore Marathon at the end of this year.

As the event transitions to its new title sponsor, Phan Yeeh sees it as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of an era. While he isn’t expecting a PB this year, his presence on the start line will be a testament to his resilience.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those inspired by his 32-year streak or those preparing for their very first 42.195km, Phan Yeeh’s advice is simple: Value the community.

“Marathon running today has much more support and many more running groups available than when I first started,” he noted. “It is a hard challenge for anyone, and whoever finishes a marathon should be proud of themselves.”

Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel, Behind The Shots, and stay tuned for more stories from the legends of the Singapore running scene.