Pilot - Ft. Darren Chong, The Forgotten Man of Singapore Distance Running

Kicking off the podcast with the 2025 Singapore National Marathon bronze medalist, Darren Chong! A PE teacher by day and athlete by night, Darren has been within the top ranks in Singapore's competitive running scene for many years. His preference to maintain a low profile earns him the underdog label at best, but more often means he does not make most people's radars in podium predictions or product seeding opportunities. Introducing one of Singapore's fastest teachers!Follow Rui Yong and Romaine for more sibling squabbles: @runsohfast @vroomaineRemember Darren by following him: @darrenchongsh0:00 Introducing the world's first brother-sister runners podcast5:58 Introducing Darren7:57 When did Darren pick up running9:13 When did Darren meet Romaine/RY14:59 The lore behind The Forgotten Man19:40 How Romaine won the Run Singapore Rankings National Marathon Championship prediction contest24:02 Darren recounts walking at 2024 Singapore Marathon31:00 "I'm done with the marathon" > Signs up for Gold Coast Marathon the next day33:23 Why do the marathon?35:45 Buildup to 2025 Singapore Marathon37:37 What Darren's recovery runs look like (and what not to do)39:47 2025 Gold Coast Marathon race + buildup recap51:27 Darren's first time representing Singapore53:47 Why do you aspire to qualify for the SEA Games?58:00 The Redemption Arc: 2025 Singapore Marathon59:12 What was different about your buildup?1:01:38 Why Romaine and Darren picked RY to win the half and full marathon double1:02:20 Would Romaine and Darren's picks have changed if Shaun and Richard ran?1:04:55 2025 Singapore Marathon recap: Darren's POV1:12:28 Who has the most accurate data points for Singapore marathoners?1:14:30 Darren's rituals to get into the zone1:15:09 Darren's emotions after podiuming at the Singapore Marathon1:16:44 What did Aaron say to RY while passing him at the Singapore Marathon?1:20:40 Did Darren and Aaron speak during the race?1:21:10 Would you rather: Marathon or HYROX?1:22:00 HYROX: Fad or here to stay?1:26:53 2026 Singapore Marathon: Who's your Wild Card?