Proof that age isn't a determining factor, Fong Swee Ling is set to run the Sydney Marathon next week - her first ever full marathon just two months shy of turning 60
Something new runners are often told is that “your first race, won’t be your last.”
59-year-old Fong Swee Ling knows that all too well. After years of running, racing has become the fuel that propels her running journey. Having done numerous half marathons and 5-10km races, she’ll be gunning for her first 42.195km at the Sydney Marathon Presented by ASICS this year, just two months before hitting the big 60.
Nicknamed “Race Queen” by her teammates at Team Hustlers and New Balance Run Club (NBRC), Swee Ling is no stranger to overseas races. She's completed eight races so far, but the excitement for her first full marathon in Sydney is unmatched—especially since she won’t be running it alone.
“It’s amazing that so many runners from a tiny country like Singapore are supporting the Sydney Marathon. It shows that Singaporeans, young and old, are sporty and not afraid to venture overseas for marathons,” she said of the 411 other Singaporeans set to toe the start line at Miller Street.
When it comes to what she looks forward to most at the marathon, Swee Ling shares the same answer with countless others.
“Catching the sunrise while running at Sydney Harbour Bridge and the motivating cheers from the spectators that’ll line the streets,” she said, before adding, “and the various deals and discounts on offer around Sydney!” she smiled as she told of her excitement to hit the shops before race day.
Born in 1964, Swee Ling proves that age is just a number and that, even after hardship, the stars eventually do align. She joined her first run club, NBRC in 2018 at 54-years-old and saw just how much she improved with the help of NBRC Head Coach Loh Guo Pei and her teammates, some of whom she can now call her best friends.
It all came to a halt in June 2022, when Swee Ling broke her left femur as a result of osteoporosis while she was training for her first overseas half marathon. She was heartbroken upon hearing from her doctors that it would be at least six months until she could resume light training.
“Although I was bedridden for three weeks in hospital, I was determined to run again as soon as possible. I started running again after four months of brisk walking and joined Team Hustlers in January 2023 to get customised training from Coach David Shum. Under his guidance and encouragement from my teammates, I completed nine half marathons without injury,” Swee Ling shared.
The more she spoke of her journey, the clearer it became that nothing scared the unassuming, distance runner. While many at her age may be deterred by Sydney’s infamous hills, Swee Ling saw it as a way of testing her limits. It was at Sportplus.sg's first of three Sydney Marathon: Singapore Chapters' partner sharings where Swee Ling learned of the Sydney Marathon route. With ears perked and eyes lit, she locked onto her first ever marathon.
“As someone who’s turning 60-years-old and running her first marathon, my goal for the Sydney Marathon is to complete within the time limit without injury, and to enjoy the sights and soak up the atmosphere. Most importantly, I hope to return next year to achieve a new marathon personal best,” she shared.
Swee Ling will be amongst thousands of runners eligible for an automatic return next year should the Sydney Marathon successfully become an Abbott World Marathon Major in 2025.
“I am happy to be part of the process of Sydney Marathon possibly achieving their goal of becoming a world major next year. I can’t wait for the opportunity to run my first world major and for the above 60 age group category,” she said proudly.
Training for her full marathon amidst a full-time job has been nothing short of demanding. With her sights set on conquering New South Wales' capital, she draws inspiration from a race in southern Australia whenever her marathon training gets tough.
“At the Melbourne Great Ocean Race in May this year, I saw an elderly couple running under the rain and windy conditions at a constant 7km/min pace for the entire 22.75km without stopping for water intake. It was a hilly route too!” she recollected.
“That really inspired me. It’s proof that when there’s a will, there’s a way. I keep reminding myself once my body has rested sufficiently, nothing will stop me from my marathon training.”
Months of training has now all come down to next Sunday, when the starters’ gun is due to fire on the morning of 15th September.
Signed up for this year's Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS ? Singapore based Sydney Marathon participants can enjoy exclusive partner discounts - find out more here.
For runners in Sydney, join us at the official Singapore Contingent Sydney Marathon shakeout run led by Fast and Free Run Club on 14th September. More details can be found here.