Singapore ultramarathoners flag off on last 50km stretch for SG50

25 runners turned up to support the ultra marathoners in their last 50km at Ion Orchard. -- ST PHOTO: KASH CHEONG
25 runners turned up to support the ultra marathoners in their last 50km at Ion Orchard. -- ST PHOTO: KASH CHEONG
Ultra-marathoners (left to right) Yong Yuen Cheng, pacer Gerrard Lin and Lim Nghee Huat start off their last leg of their 50km daily run over 50 days outside ION orchard with more than 20 runners behind them. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG

SINGAPORE - Ultramarathoners Yong Yuen Cheng and Lim Nghee Huat flagged off in the cover of night for their last 50km run, before they accomplish the feat of running 50km for 50 days to celebrate Singapore's golden jubilee.

At this crucial stretch, the runners had only had five hours of sleep since their 49th leg on Wednesday.

"Finishing the run should not be a problem, we will take it one step at a time," said 62-year-old Mr Lim, a Chinese media editor.

The tanned runners looked visibly tired as they stretched to warm up. But they lit up when they shook hands with more than 20 runners who had turned up to run with them for the home stretch.

Malaysian ultramarathoner Ng Seow Kong, 54, who was here to run and support his good friends, said: "I want to be here to witness the historical moment when they finish."

The last 50km route started at Ion Orchard, will pass through the Sports Hub and end at the Promontory at Marina Bay.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.