Soh Rui Yong

Soh was born in Singapore in 1991. Soh's mother is a teacher, and his younger sister Romaine is also an accomplished runner.{{cite news|first1=Nicole|last1=Chia|title=People: Marathoner Soh Rui Yong: Rebel or voice of the sport?|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/rebel-or-voice-of-the-sport?login=true|website=The Straits Times|access-date=3 October 2017|date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003130558/http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/rebel-or-voice-of-the-sport?login=true|archive-date=3 October 2017|url-status=live}} When Soh was at Raffles Institution, he won the A Division individual cross-country title two years in a row.{{Cite web|url=https://www.redsports.sg/2009/03/26/soh-rui-yong-cross-country/|title=Soh Rui Yong achieves rare A Division double as six Raffles Institution boys finish in the top eight|first=Colin|last=Tung|website=RED SPORTS}}

Soh graduated from the University of Oregon in the United States, where he studied business administration.{{Cite news|last=Chen|first=May|date=25 April 2016|title=Athletics: Soh completes London Marathon but misses Rio mark|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-completes-london-marathon-but-misses-rio-mark|access-date=23 September 2021|website=The Straits Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220215211/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-completes-london-marathon-but-misses-rio-mark|archive-date=2019-02-20|url-status=dead}}

Soh graduated from University College London with a Law degree in September 2024. {{cite web | url=https://theindependent.sg/soh-fast-so-successful-runner-soh-rui-yong-sets-national-record-for-5km-mens-road-race-and-earns-law-degree-in-same-week/ | title=Soh fast, so successful! — Runner Soh Rui Yong sets national record for 5km men's road race and earns law degree in same week Singapore News | date=16 September 2024 }} He was featured as a notable alumni by UCL Laws in April 2025, after breaking the Guinness World Record for fastest ever marathon in a suit at the 2025 London Marathon. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/news/2025/may/llb-law-alum-sets-guiness-world-record-2025-london-marathon

Soh is currently a Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidate at London Business School. https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/soh-rui-yong-wins-fifth-stanchart-singapore-marathon-national-title

In September 2012, Soh became the fastest Singaporean at the annual Army Half Marathon with a timing of 1:12:25. At the half marathon event, his sportmanship was acknowledged by Ashley Liew, a fellow Singaporean athlete, when he stopped mid-way the race to see if Liew needed help after tripping at a carpeted kerb.{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=Les |title=Army Half Marathon: Soh Rui Yong runs 1:12:25.15 PB to finish as fastest Singaporean |url=https://www.redsports.sg/2012/09/10/army-half-marathon-soh-rui-yong-fastest-singaporean/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=RED SPORTS |language=en-US}}

On 14 June 2014, Soh set a new national record for the 10,000m track event at the Portland Track Festival with a timing of 31:15.95, beating the previous record of 31:19:00 set by P.C. Suppiah in November 1973.{{Cite web |last=Choo |first=Yun Ting |date=2014-06-15 |title=Athletics: Long-distance runner Soh Rui Yong breaks 41-year-old 10,000m national record {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-long-distance-runner-soh-rui-yong-breaks-41-year-old-10000m-national-record |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}}

Soh won his first marathon gold at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games and became the first Singaporean male marathoner to win back-to-back SEA Games titles when he won gold again at the 2017 SEA Games despite almost being expelled from the team a week before the race.{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/marathoner-soh-given-last-warning-breaching-snoc-rules|title=Marathoner Soh given last warning for breaching SNOC rules|website=TODAYonline|access-date=3 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412172242/https://www.todayonline.com/sports/marathoner-soh-given-last-warning-breaching-snoc-rules|archive-date=12 April 2019|url-status=live}} In the 2017 SEA Games, in an act of sportmanship, Soh had offered his drink to Indonesian runner, Agus Prayogo, after Prayogo missed taking his at a designated hydration point. However Prayogo declined, reasoning that each runner had his own drink. Prayogo clinched silver medal for the race.{{Cite web |title=SEA Games: Indonesian marathoner praises rival Soh Rui Yong for sportsmanship |url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/sea-games-indonesian-marathoner-praises-rival-soh-rui-yong-sportsmanship |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=TODAY |language=en}}

In August 2017, Soh courted controversy when he was given a formal warning by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).{{cite web|last1=Farhan|first1=Noor|date=15 August 2017|title=Marathoner Soh Rui Yong given formal warning for 'repeatedly' breaching sponsorship rules|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/marathoner-soh-rui-yong-given-formal-warning-for-repeatedly-9122814|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003130246/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/marathoner-soh-rui-yong-given-formal-warning-for-repeatedly-9122814|archive-date=3 October 2017|access-date=3 October 2017|website=Channel NewsAsia}}{{cite web|title=Soh Rui Yong says Singapore Athletics didn't provide coaching help for SEA Games: report|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-says-singapore-athletics-didnt-provide-coaching-help-sea-games-report-022623995.html|website=Yahoo|access-date=3 October 2017|date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003130050/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-says-singapore-athletics-didnt-provide-coaching-help-sea-games-report-022623995.html|archive-date=3 October 2017|url-status=live}}

Soh has been undefeated since the inaugural Singapore Marathon National Championships, winning in 2017,{{Cite web |date=2017-12-03 |title=Singapore Marathon Race Results: Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See Crowned Winners of the National Championship |url=https://www.runsociety.com/races/singapore-marathon-race-results/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |language=en-US}} 2018,{{Cite news |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |first= |date=2018-12-09 |title=Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon: Doctor and patient come out tops among locals |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/standard-chartered-singapore-marathon-doctor-and-patient-come-out-tops-among-locals |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}} and 2019.{{Cite news |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |first= |date=2019-11-30 |title=Athletics: Kipkorir, Cherono retain Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon titles, Soh is top local man again |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-kipkorir-cherono-retain-standard-chartered-singapore-marathon-titles |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}} The national championships were not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, while in 2022, the national championship was dropped from the event.{{Cite news |last=Kwek |first=Kimberly |date=2022-09-21 |title=Athletics: National C'ships dropped from StanChart Marathon; prize money dips from $300k to $70k |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-national-cships-dropped-from-stanchart-marathon-prize-money-dips-from-300k-to-70k |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}} The national championship returned to the event in 2023, with Soh winning again.{{Cite news |last=Ang |first=Ervin |date=2023-04-26 |title=National C'ships, International Elite Race to return for StanChart Marathon |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/national-c-ships-international-elite-race-to-return-for-stanchart-marathon |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}}{{Cite news |last=Teoh |first=Melvyn |date=2023-09-08 |title=Race routes announced for Dec 1-3 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/race-routes-announced-for-dec-1-3-standard-chartered-singapore-marathon |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}}

On 20 January 2019, Soh set a new half marathon national record of 66:46 at the 2019 Aramco Houston Half Marathon, breaking Mok Ying Ren's 3-year-old record of 67:08.{{Cite news |last1=Meng |first1=Wang Meng |date=21 January 2019 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong says he's in 'good shape' after claiming national half-marathon mark in Houston |website=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/distance-running-soh-rui-yong-is-in-good-shape-after-claiming-half-marathon-national-mark |url-status=live |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122044440/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/distance-running-soh-rui-yong-is-in-good-shape-after-claiming-half-marathon-national-mark |archive-date=22 January 2019}} This made him the only Singapore man in history to concurrently hold the 10,000m (31:15.95) and half marathon national records. On 17 March 2019, Soh broke the Singapore marathon record after finishing the Seoul Marathon in 2:23:42.{{Cite news |last= |last1=Chia |first= |first1=Nicole |date=17 March 2019 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong clocks 2:23:42 in Seoul, lowers national men's marathon record |language=en |website=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-clocks-22342-in-seoul-lowers-national-mens-marathon-record |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318154210/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-clocks-22342-in-seoul-lowers-national-mens-marathon-record |archive-date=18 March 2019}} However, Soh was not selected to compete in the 2019 SEA Games by SNOC to defend his marathon gold despite being nominated by SA. In spite of not being selected to compete, Soh continued to support the Singapore team, coaching Gordon Lim, who was selected for the 2019 SEA Games Marathon.{{Cite web |title=A physiotherapist, an LTA engineer and a shared SEA Games dream |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/physiotherapist-lta-engineer-and-shared-sea-games-dream |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=TODAY |language=en}} Soh also competed at the 2019 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon National Championship and won his third national marathon crown in 3 years, earning $10,000 for his efforts.

On 17 July 2021, at the Singapore Athletics All Comers Meet 4, Soh clocked 14:44.21 for the 5,000m, breaking Mok's record of 14:51.09. With this result, Soh became the holder of four national records: 5,000m, 10,000m, half-marathon, and marathon.{{Cite news |last1=Chia |first1=Laura |date=17 July 2021 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong sets new men's 5,000m national record |website=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-sets-new-mens-5000m-national-record}}

On 4 September 2021, Soh clocked 6:53.18 in a 2.4 km run – the fastest recorded time in Singapore.{{Cite web |date=6 September 2021 |title=Really Soh fast: Clocking under 7 minutes, this man is Singapore's fastest 2.4km runner |url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/really-soh-fast-clocking-under-7-minutes-man-singapores-fastest-24km-runner |website=AsiaOne}} He issued a challenge to all Singaporeans to clock a sub-7 timing; anyone succeeding would receive $700 and 700 bottles of Pocari Sweat paid by Soh.{{Cite web |date=9 September 2021 |title='Your move': Fastest 2.4km runner Soh Rui Yong challenges anyone to a sub-7 run, netizens call for encik's grandmother to take him on |url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/your-move-fastest-24km-runner-challenges-anyone-sub-7-run-netizens-call-enciks |website=AsiaOne}} The challenge was eventually carried out at Pocari Sweat Run, a local running event, on 8 January 2022. In it, Jeevaneesh Soundararajah set a new record at 6:52.97.{{Cite web |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |date=2022-01-08 |title=Athletics: Jeevaneesh Soundararajah breaks Soh Rui Yong's 2.4km record at Pocari Sweat Run {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-jeevaneesh-soundararajah-breaks-soh-rui-yongs-24km-record-at-pocari-sweat-run |access-date=2022-01-09 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}}

On 28 November 2021, Soh took on the fastest Gurkha soldier in Singapore, Subas Gurung,{{Cite news |date=14 September 2021 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong to race fastest Gurkha in Singapore who ran 2.4km in under 7 minutes |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-to-race-fastest-gurkha-24km-runner-in-october |newspaper=The Straits Times}} over 10,000m at the Singapore Athletics Allcomers 5 Track Meet. Soh won the race in 31:28.67, becoming the first Singaporean in history to qualify for the Asian Games 10,000m final.{{Cite news |last=Aziz |first=Sazali Abdul |date=29 November 2021 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong clears Asian Games 10,000m qualifying mark, targets marathon next |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-clears-asian-games-10000m-qualifying-mark-targets-marathon-next |newspaper=The Straits Times}}

On 5 December 2021, Soh broke his national record for the marathon when he ran 2:22:59 at the Valencia Marathon. This performance made him the first marathon runner in Singapore history to qualify for the Asian Games Marathon.{{Cite web |title=Singaporean runner Soh Rui Yong breaks national marathon record, meets qualifying mark for 2022 Asian Games |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/soh-rui-yong-marathon-national-record-valencia-asian-games-2359821 |website=CNA}}

On 17 February 2022, SNOC announced that Soh would be excluded from 2021 Southeast Asian Games that was held in Hanoi in May 2022. The 2021 SEA Games was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The basis for the exclusion was similar to that for his exclusion from the 2019 SEA Games, on his conduct and behaviour "continu[ing] to fall short" of the standards SNOC expected of its athletes.

On 17 June 2022, Soh would rewrite his 2014 national record for the 10,000m track event with a timing of 31:12.05 at the England Athletics' Championships.{{Cite web |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |date=2022-06-18 |title=Athletics: Soh back on track after struggles, lowers own national 10,000m record {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-back-on-track-after-struggles-lowers-own-national-10000m-record |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}}

On 25 March 2023, The Straits Times reported that Soh had been selected for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games by the Singapore National Olympic Council, bringing an end to years of dispute between the two parties; this allowed him to compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-03-25 |title=Marathoner Soh Rui Yong to race for Singapore again after more than five-year absence {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-to-race-for-singapore-again-after-more-than-five-year-absence |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}} With just 6 weeks to prepare, Soh finished 4th in the SEA Games 5,000m. That was just 4 seconds short of his own national record and clinched silver in the 10,000m, ending Singapore's 40-year wait for a medal in the event.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=David |title=Two-time marathon champ Soh Rui Yong wins silver in 10,000m |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/sea-games-2023-soh-rui-yong-wins-silver-in-10000m |website=The Straits Times |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002636/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/sea-games-2023-soh-rui-yong-wins-silver-in-10000m |archive-date=Jun 11, 2023 |location=Phnom Penh |language=en |date=11 May 2023 |url-status=live}}

In the 10,000m event, Soh offered another Indonesian rival Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon a drink after Simbolon missed taking his drink.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Soh Rui Yong shares water with Indonesian competitor during SEA Games 10,000m race |url=https://youthopia.sg/read/soh-rui-yong-shares-water-with-indonesian-competitor-during-sea-games-10000m-race/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=youthopia.sg |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=S'porean Soh Rui Yong gives water to Indonesian 10,000m race leader who fumbled water bottle |url=https://mothership.sg/2023/05/soh-rui-yong-give-water-sea-games/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=mothership.sg |language=en}} In addition to the media coverage of the act of sportsmanship in Singapore, it was reported in various Indonesian and other international media as well.{{Cite web |last=Putri |first=Nova Elisa |date=2023-05-13 |title=Momen Pelari Asal Singapura Beri Minum ke Rikki Martin Pelari Asal Indonesia - Kalteng Lima |url=https://www.kaltenglima.com/olahraga/3518771509/momen-pelari-asal-singapura-beri-minum-ke-rikki-martin-pelari-asal-indonesia |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Momen Pelari Asal Singapura Beri Minum ke Rikki Martin Pelari Asal Indonesia - Kalteng Lima |language=id}}{{Cite web |title=SOSOK Soh Rui Yong, Pelari Singapura Beri Minum Atlet Indonesia di SEA Games 2023, Jadi Runner Up |url=https://trends.tribunnews.com/2023/05/13/sosok-soh-rui-yong-pelari-singapura-beri-minum-atlet-indonesia-di-sea-games-2023-jadi-runner-up |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=TribunTrends.com |language=id-ID}}{{Cite web |last=cbcolympics |title=The sporting spirit 🙌❤️ |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CsXQy3-LzUC/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=www.instagram.com}}

On 10 June 2023, Soh was not selected for Singapore's 2022 Asian Games line-up (delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic), after the SNOC claimed that he had made 'disparaging' remarks.{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong excluded from Singapore's Asian Games line-up; SNOC says he made 'disparaging' remarks |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/snoc-excludes-soh-rui-yong-runner-national-team-asian-games-3553271 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=CNA |language=en}} The SNOC had sent Singapore Athletics a list of comments and remarks made by Soh a week before SNOC's appeal committee met on 7 June 2023. These comments were allegedly made in relation to the previous dispute over the credibility surrounding Ashley Liew's 2015 “act of sportmanship”, as well as a current teammate, religion, and use of vulgarities among others. SNOC has not publicly provided evidence to substantiate these allegations. Despite Soh deleting the comments he made online, the SNOC upheld their decision, stating that the "behaviour does not commensurate with his apology given".{{Cite news |last=Ganesan |first=Deepanraj |date=2023-06-10 |title=Why SNOC has not selected Soh Rui Yong for Asian Games |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/why-snoc-has-not-selected-soh-rui-yong-for-asian-games |access-date=2023-06-11 |issn=0585-3923}} The SNOC’s decision was criticised in the Singapore Parliament on 6 July 2023 by Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh and NCMP Leong Mun Wai, with both backing Soh to represent Singapore at the 2023 Asian Games.{{Cite web |last=Loon |first=Yee |date=2023-07-07 |title=Leader of Opposition criticizes SNOC's "blanket non-selection", calls for greater leniency approach toward Soh Rui Yong |url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/07/07/leader-of-opposition-criticizes-snocs-blanket-non-selection-calls-for-greater-leniency-approach-toward-soh-rui-yong/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=The Online Citizen Asia |language=en-GB}}

On 8 August 2023, Soh set a new Singapore record in the 5 km road race, finishing 3rd in the Sri Chinmoy Kangaroo Hop 5k in London. While there were no national records for the 5 km road race recorded previously, Singapore Athletics said it “recognised Soh’s achievement” as it fulfils the criteria of having UK Athletics race permits and a course accuracy certification. Soh's timing of 15min 15sec is slightly slower than his 5,000m track timing of 14min 44sec.{{Cite news |last=Kwek |first=Kimberly |date=2023-08-13 |title=Soh Rui Yong sets Singapore record in 5km road race |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/soh-rui-yong-sets-singapore-record-in-5km-road-race |access-date=2023-08-14 |issn=0585-3923}}

On 22 October 2023, at the Valencia Half Marathon, Soh rewrote his Half Marathon national record of 1:06:45 by 1 second for a timing of 1:06:45. In the same race, Soh passed through the 10 km mark with a split timing of 31:39, breaking the previous record of 32:10, co-held by Mok Ying Ren & Jeevaneesh Soundararajah.{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=725843009586925&set=a.630194175818476 |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.facebook.com}} By setting a new record in the 10 km (Road), Soh now holds six national records concurrently.

On 13 September 2024, Soh broke his own 5km road national record by 7 seconds, running 15:08 at the Podium Friday Night Under The Lights 5K at Battersea Park. {{cite web | url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/still-soh-fast-soh-rui-yong-33-sets-national-record-5km-mens-road-race | title=Still Soh fast! Soh Rui Yong, 33, sets national record for 5km men's road race | date=16 September 2024 }} This was made even more notable be cause Soh had just turned 33 years old and graduated with his law degree in the week leading up to this new record. {{cite web | url=https://theindependent.sg/soh-fast-so-successful-runner-soh-rui-yong-sets-national-record-for-5km-mens-road-race-and-earns-law-degree-in-same-week/ | title=Soh fast, so successful! — Runner Soh Rui Yong sets national record for 5km men's road race and earns law degree in same week Singapore News | date=16 September 2024 }} {{cite web | url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/sports/story20240915-4729446 | title=苏睿勇刷新五公里公路全国纪录 也完成法学学位 | 联合早报 }}

On 21 September 2024, Soh set a new Singapore record in the road mile event at the Westminster Mile in London. {{cite web | url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2024/09/24/soh-rui-yong-sets-new-national-road-mile-record-with-430-finish-at-westminster-mile-in-london/ | title=Soh Rui Yong sets new national road mile record with 4:30 finish at Westminster Mile in London | date=24 September 2024 }} As a result, Soh reached a new high of holding 7 national records for a matter of hours before Shaun Goh, Soh's 2023 SEA Games 10,000m teammate who Soh has mentored since, broke his 10km road record the next day. {{cite news | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/second-time-s-the-charm-for-singapore-runner-shaun-goh-breaking-the-10km-road-national-record | title=Second time's the charm as S'pore runner Shaun Goh breaks 10km road national record | newspaper=The Straits Times | date=22 September 2024 | last1=Teoh | first1=Melvyn }}

In January 2024, Soh launched the RunSohFast Marathon Academy, with the mission of imparting his knowledge to other runners. The aim of the academy is to help fellow runners improve while having fun and he is also looking for ways to expand and give opportunities to up-and-coming runners in the future.{{Cite web |last=Kwek |first=Kimberly |date=2024-01-02 |title=Singapore's top marathoner Soh Rui Yong launches academy |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/singapore-s-top-marathoner-soh-rui-yong-launches-academy |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=The Straits Times}}

On the 24th of April 2025, Soh posted on Facebook that he would be officially attempting to break the Guinness World Record for "Fastest marathon in a suit (male)" set by Emmanuel Bonnier in 2023.{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1248387129976942&set=a.256265272522471 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.facebook.com}}

On the 27th of April 2025, at the TCS London Marathon, Soh set a new Guinness World Record for "Fastest marathon in a suit (male)" with a timing of 02:39:57, wearing a 3-piece BOSS suit.{{Cite web |title=S'porean Soh Rui Yong, 33, sets Guinness World Record for fastest marathon in full suit |url=https://mothership.sg/2025/04/sporean-soh-rui-yong-suit-marathon/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=mothership.sg}}

In 2021, Soh signed a four year endorsement deal with Under Armour, an American apparel brand, to be part of its global athletes programme.{{Cite news|last=Aziz|first=Sazali Abdul|date=27 March 2021|title=Athletics: Back on track, Soh Rui Yong hits SEA Games qualifying mark in 1,500m|language=en|work=The Straits Times|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-back-on-track-soh-rui-yong-hits-sea-games-qualifying-mark-in-1500m|access-date=31 October 2021|issn=0585-3923}} In the same year, Soh was signed on as a brand ambassador of Takagi Ramen, a Singapore ramen chain, and also gained sponsorship deal with Pocari Sweat, a Japanese isotonic drink brand.{{Cite web|title=Soh Rui Yong signs S$20,000 deal with Takagi Ramen in bid to qualify for Asian Games Marathon|url=https://mothership.sg/2021/10/soh-rui-yong-takagi-ramen/|access-date=31 October 2021|website=mothership.sg|language=en}}

In October 2018, Soh disputed fellow runner Ashley Liew's version of events surrounding the 2015 SEA Games marathon.{{cite news |last1=Muniappan |first1=Shanjayan |title=Liew shows what real class is |url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/liew-shows-what-real-class |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=Today |date=10 June 2015}} For this, Liew was awarded the Special Award for Sportsmanship by Singapore National Olympic Council and the International Fair Play Committee's (CIFP) Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy in 2016.{{Cite web|date=17 June 2016|title=Special Award for Sportsmanship – Mr Ashley Liew (刘威延)|url=https://www.singaporeolympics.com/special-award-sportsmanship-mr-ashley-liew-刘威延/|access-date=23 September 2021|website=Singapore National Olympic Council|language=en-US}} 3 other witnesses, including Filipino runner Rafael Poliquit Jr. who was also in the same race, backed Soh's version of events in the media.{{Cite web|title='I didn't see anybody slow down', says Filipino marathoner of Ashley Liew's act of sportsmanship at 2015 SEA Games|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/i-didnt-see-anybody-slow-down-says-filipino-marathoner-ashley-liews-act-sportsmanship-2015|access-date=28 September 2021|website=TODAYonline}}

Liew took Soh to the courts for defamation after serving Soh legal letters offering him an opportunity to retract his statements.{{Cite news|last=Chia|first=Nicole|date=3 September 2020|title=Athletics: Soh's comments and posts put me in 'very negative light', says marathoner Liew|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-sohs-comments-and-posts-put-me-in-very-negative-light-says-marathoner-liew|access-date=23 September 2021|website=The Straits Times}}{{Cite news|last=Kwek|first=Kimberly|date=18 June 2019|title=Athletics: Ashley Liew files court papers against Soh Rui Yong over 2015 SEA Games marathon saga|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-ashley-liew-files-court-papers-against-soh-rui-yong-over-2015-sea-games-marathon|access-date=23 September 2021|website=The Straits Times}} Soh subsequently filed a counterclaim.{{Cite news|last=Lin Fhoong|first=Low|date=9 October 2019|title=Athletics: National marathoner Soh Rui Yong files counterclaim against former teammate Ashley Liew|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-two-time-sea-games-marathon-champ-soh-rui-yong-files-counterclaim-against-former|access-date=23 September 2021|website=The Straits Times}} On 23 September 2021, District Judge Lee Li Choon "found that the words in Soh's statements were defamatory, or bore defamatory meanings."{{Cite web|title=Soh Rui Yong loses defamation suit to Ashley Liew, required to pay $180,000 in damages|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-loses-defamation-suit-ashley-liew-180000-damages-023754353.html|access-date=23 September 2021|website=sg.news.yahoo.com|date=23 September 2021 |language=en-SG}} Lee granted orders to have the defamatory statements removed; Soh to issue a statement declaring that the statements are false and to retract the false statements and publish an apology; and an injunction against future republishing of the statements. Soh was also ordered to pay {{SGD|180000}} in damages, of which he turned to crowdfunding as Liew's lawyers requested for immediate payment.{{Cite web|title=Marathoner Soh Rui Yong crowdfunding at least S$180,000 to pay Ashley Liew over defamation suit|url=https://mothership.sg/2021/09/soh-rui-yong-crowdfunding/|access-date=30 September 2021|website=mothership.sg|language=en}} Soh appealed to the High Court, and was heard 28 March 2022 with the appeal dismissed. Justice Valerie Thean upheld District Judge Lee's rulings and orders to Soh not to repeat the statements and to remove them, but also had set aside the order to publish an apology and public statement of retraction of the defamatory statements.{{Cite web |title=Runner Soh Rui Yong fails in appeal against defamation suit loss to Ashley Liew |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/soh-rui-yong-ashley-liew-lose-appeal-defamation-high-court-2590621 |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=CNA |language=en}} Soh reflected that he would respect the decision and move on from this.{{Cite web |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |date=2022-03-28 |title=Athletics: High Court dismisses Soh Rui Yong's appeal against defamation decision |url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/others/athletics-high-court-dismisses-soh-rui-yongs-appeal-against-defamation-decision |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=The New Paper |language=en}} When the payment of the full sum of $320,000 was made on 5 April 2022, Soh then challenged Liew to donate the $180,000 damage cost to "prove [his] sportmanship" as it was funded with donations Soh crowdfunded from the public. Liew declined to do so.{{Cite web |title=Marathoner Soh Rui Yong challenges Ashley Liew to donate S$180,000 he won in damages to S'pore sports |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/soh-rui-yong-challenges-ashley-liew-donate-damages-1866431 |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=TODAY |language=en}}

For 2019 SEA Games, Soh's nomination by Singapore Athletics (SA) was rejected by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) for "display[ing] conduct that falls short of the standards of attitude and behaviour" that SNOC expected of its athletes. SNOC had earlier served Soh a legal letter to withdraw his allegations against Ashley Liew.{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong's refusal to retract allegations on Ashley Liew 'reflects poorly' on him: SNOC |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yongs-refusal-retract-allegations-ashley-liew-reflects-poorly-snoc-082408706.html |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=9 April 2019 |language=en-SG}} A debate ensued over whether a potential medallist should be barred from being a national representative due to personal conduct issues.{{Cite news |last=Yeo |first=Clarence |date=15 June 2021 |title=Athletics: Soh Rui Yong earns nomination for SEA Games |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-soh-rui-yong-earns-nomination-for-sea-games |access-date=30 September 2021 |issn=0585-3923}}{{Cite web |title=Athletes earn right to fly S'pore flag if they meet criteria, says senior sports official |url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/athletes-earn-right-fly-spore-flag-if-they-meet-criteria-says-senior-sports-official |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=TODAYonline}} After failing to obtain explanations from SA and SNOC over their statements made of him through an exchange of legal letters,{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong sends legal letters to SNOC, Singapore Athletics |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-legal-letters-snoc-singapore-athletics-051447006.html |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=8 August 2019 |language=en-SG}}{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong rejects Singapore Athletics' offer for mediation |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-rejects-singapore-athletics-offer-for-mediation-091404631.html |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=15 August 2019 |language=en-SG}} Soh filed defamation writs and statement of claims against SA and SA executive director Syed Abdul Malik Aljunied.{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong files defamation writ in High Court against Singapore Athletics |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/soh-rui-yong-files-defamation-writ-in-high-court-against-singapore-athletics-055312514.html |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=11 September 2019 |language=en-SG}}

After the management of SA was changed on 25 September 2020, both parties reached a truce in which Soh stood down on his lawsuits against SA, and SA withdrawing its media statements on Soh "breach[ing] (SA’s) Athletic Code of Conduct” and that for "his transgressions, (SA) had attempted to counsel and reason with him, as part of a holistic rehabilitation process"; extending an apology to him; and stood down the disciplinary actions that the previous management had taken against him.{{Cite web |title=Singapore Athletics, marathoner Soh Rui Yong call truce over legal dispute |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-athletics-marathoner-soh-rui-yong-call-truce-over-legal-dispute-002239996.html |access-date=30 September 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=17 October 2020 |language=en-SG}} The defamation case against Malik continued and was heard on 12 January 2022.{{Cite web |title=Soh Rui Yong grilled on stand in defamation suit against Singapore Athletic Association's ex-director |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/soh-rui-yong-defamation-suit-singapore-athletic-association-former-director-2430731 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=CNA |language=en}} The case concluded on 8 June 2022, with District Judge Lim Wee Ming accepting Malik's defence of justification in defaming Soh.{{Cite web |title='Persistently behaved unreasonably': Soh Rui Yong loses defamation suit against S'pore Athletics ex-director |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/marathoner-soh-rui-yong-loses-defamation-suit-1921446 |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=TODAY |language=en}} However, Malik himself admitted to taking down the Facebook post in question, because they were not "in good taste", and that the words he had used painted a "negative" and "unflattering" picture of Soh. Malik also admitted that he had made the post "impulsively" and "without carefully considering meanings of each of the words he posted".{{Cite news |last=Sazali Abdul Aziz |first= |date=2022-01-14 |title=Athletics: Alleged defamatory post against Soh Rui Yong taken down because it was not 'in good taste' |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-alleged-defamatory-post-against-soh-rui-yong-taken-down-because-it-was-not-in-good-taste-says-ex-official |access-date=2023-09-17 |issn=0585-3923}}

Soh was married to Nantacha in September 2023.{{Cite web |title=Runner Soh Rui Yong breaks two national records at Valencia Half Marathon |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/national-runner-marathon-soh-rui-yong-breaks-record-valencia-spain-3868131 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=CNA |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Ang |first=Ervin |date=2023-10-23 |title=Newly-wed Soh Rui Yong breaks two Singapore records at Valencia Half Marathon |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/newly-wed-soh-rui-yong-breaks-two-singapore-records-at-valencia-half-marathon |access-date=2023-10-29 |issn=0585-3923}}

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Category:Living people

Category:1991 births

Category:Singaporean male long-distance runners

Category:Singaporean people of Chinese descent

Category:University of Oregon alumni

Category:Singaporean male marathon runners

Category:SEA Games medalists in athletics

Category:SEA Games gold medalists for Singapore

Category:SEA Games silver medalists for Singapore

Category:Competitors at the 2015 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2017 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2023 SEA Games