Skaters race through Seletar Mall in overnight skatecross showdown
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SINGAPORE – Skaters took on ramps, jumps and a slalom section at speed, raced past storefronts and slid down a steep escalator in a thrilling overnight skatecross race across four floors of The Seletar Mall that started at 10pm on May 8.
Ending only at 6am the next day, the time-trial race saw 55 skaters race against the clock in what was the highlight of a four-day Skatecross Downmall Challenge 2026 that began on May 7.
The campaign sees the mall converted into a late-night skate park with activities for all ages and proficiencies, with some shops open till 4am.
The race, sanctioned by the Singapore Roller Sports Federation, was held across five categories: weekend warrior, open, women’s open, as well as the novice and advanced categories for those aged 12 to 17.
Winners took home cash, medals and other prizes.
A participant going down the escalator slide.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
For most participants, even the most experienced, the race was a first.
“Unlike skate parks, here we have to use a lot of short-burst acceleration because there are no ramps to propel us,” said Mr Jatt Amat, 47, a competitive aggro skater since 1994.
Competitive speed slalom skater Teo Li Min pushing through the last obstacle during her qualifying run.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Ms Teo Li Min, 28, a top-ranked competitive speed slalom skater who has represented Singapore internationally, said: “The height caught me off guard initially but I’m an adrenaline seeker so it doesn’t bother me.”
A young participant negotiating the course during the race.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
The race follows The Seletar Mall’s Downmall Cycling Challenge from Feb 28 to March 1, part of its 18/7 late-night campaign, where it opens for an extended 18 hours from Feb 28 to June 28.
