How this 43-year-old runner shattered stereotypes as the oldest female marathoner at the 31st SEA Games

The path to becoming a competitive marathon runner is often filled with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. This rings especially true for Jasmine Goh, whose journey into the world of marathon running began as a means of self-discovery during a challenging period in life. 

In 2011, at the age of 32, Jasmine started getting into competitive marathon running as a response to a difficult divorce. This period of personal transformation led her to seek solace and set new goals, and running became the anchor in this sea of change. “Little did I know that this seemingly small step would evolve into a remarkable adventure,” she shares. 

In 2012, the commitment and tenacity she poured into her running journey began to bear fruit. She started to actively engage in various trail and road races, and found herself consistently securing top positions and podium finishes. She frequently clinched the top-five spots at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, firmly establishing her unwavering commitment to the sport.

A defining moment emerged in 2016, sparking a turning point in her running odyssey. “With a deep-seated conviction and an audacious dream, I committed to training seriously for marathons. My ultimate goal was to represent Singapore at the 29th Southeast Asia Games in 2017,” recalls Jasmine.

The catalyst for this transformation occurred when she witnessed runner Soh Rui Yong's triumphant victory during the 2015 28th SEA Games hosted in Singapore. This monumental win ignited a swell of national pride within her, she says. “I vividly recall the pivotal moment during the closing ceremony of the Games in 2015, sitting in the National Stadium with my children. As the national anthem played, I turned to my kids, and made a promise to them – a promise that would define my journey in the years to come,” the single mother shares. “I promised that I would not only be a spectator at the next Southeast Asia Games but that I would proudly walk into the Opening Ceremony as a representative of our nation.”

From that moment onward, the marathon ceased to be merely a race; it metamorphosed into a symbol of unyielding commitment. She embraced a demanding training routine and relentlessly pushed her boundaries each day.

Finally, in 2017, at the age of 38, she wholeheartedly fulfilled that promise. “At the age of 38, I stood at the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Southeast Asia Games, wearing the colours of my country, surrounded by athletes from across the region. The applause and the pride in my children's eyes made every early morning run, every drop of sweat, and every moment of doubt worth it.”

Her marathon journey has not stopped since. Jasmine continues to participate in races, “fueled not only by the desire to excel but by the profound belief that we can achieve anything when we set our minds to it”.

She once again defied convention by representing Singapore in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi at the age of 43. Despite holding the title of the eldest female participant in the marathon, she remained undaunted, ultimately securing a commendable fifth place within her group.

This year, Jasmine is also participating in the 2023 Great Eastern Women's Run (GEWR), an all-women's run that will take place on October 29, 2023, at the Singapore Sports Hub. The event includes the popular 21.1km half marathon, 10km, and 5km individual races, along with a special 2km Mummy + Me category for mothers and daughters (aged 5-12) to bond. 

“Races like the GEWR foster a unique sense of camaraderie and support among female participants. It's not just about competition; it's about women coming together to uplift and inspire each other,” says Jasmine. “Over the years, I have had my mother and sisters join me in the GEWR, and I have also accompanied my kids on their maiden 2km run in the Mummy + Me category. The bonds formed between us, during the event, often extend beyond the race itself.”

Reflecting on the distance she has covered since the start of her running journey, Jasmine asserts: “I'm reminded daily that running allows an ordinary woman like me, to do extraordinary things. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me to the woman I am today.” 

Here, Jasmine shares more about how she stays committed to running, the role her daughters play in her running journey, as well as advice for aspiring female runners.

As a seasoned marathoner, what are your thoughts on the significance of all-women's races like the GEWR?

Credit: Great Eastern Women's Run

1/5

All-women's races like the Great Eastern Women's Run have several important benefits and contribute to the empowerment of women in various ways. These races create a safe platform for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together and showcase their physical prowess, determination, and strength.

I know there are women who are new to running and may hesitate to participate in mixed-gender races. Knowing that they will be surrounded by other women in an all-women’s race like GEWR, can provide a sense of comfort and encouragement, motivating them to take up running and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Many all-women's races also promote awareness and raise funds for women's health/social issues, such as breast cancer or underprivileged women. They provide an avenue for participants to contribute to important causes while pursuing their passion for running.

Running can be physically demanding. How do you maintain your motivation and stay committed to training, especially during challenging times like the recent pandemic?

Credit: Jasmine Goh

2/5

Maintaining motivation and staying committed to training, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, is indeed a significant hurdle for me.

Strategies that I have found effective for staying motivated and committed to training include having self-compassion and remembering that motivation can ebb and flow, and that is perfectly normal!

I also try to set clear goals, for having specific, measurable goals gives your training a sense of purpose. Keeping goals smaller like completing a certain number of runs per week provides more flexibility and motivation to keep training for busy executives.

Variety in my training helps prevent boredom and keep things interesting, and I adjust my training plan whenever life throws challenges my way. Whether it is work or kids, I adapt my training to the circumstances to stay committed. Celebrating small wins like hitting a weekly mileage, allows me to stay positive about the experience.

As a single mother, what role do your daughters play in your running journey?

Credit: Jasmine Goh

3/5

Caption: Jasmine with her two daughters, Cherish and Faith
My daughters, Cherish and Faith, have added a deeply personal and emotional dimension to my pursuit of excellence in marathon running. They have been both my source of inspiration and unwavering support throughout my SEA Games marathon endeavours. Their feelings about my achievements encompass a mix of pride and excitement, as they take joy in their mother's dedication and success. They understand the significance of representing Singapore internationally and share in the sense of accomplishment it brings.

Furthermore, my daughters contribute to my running journey by serving as a source of inspiration, holding me accountable to my commitments, participating in shared experiences that promote a healthy lifestyle, offering pride and support, and learning valuable life lessons. I aspire to be a positive role model for them, reinforcing the importance of hard work and perseverance and fostering shared dreams and goals as a family.

What advice do you have for other women who aspire to pursue their passion for running or any other sport while juggling multiple responsibilities?

Credit: Great Eastern Women's Run

4/5

For women aspiring to balance the roles of a working mother and pursue their passion for running or any sport while managing multiple responsibilities, several key pieces of advice can be valuable. Open and honest communication with family, coaches, and employers is essential to seek support and understanding. Setting clear priorities and boundaries, along with the ability to say "no" to commitments that don't align with those priorities, helps in allocating time and energy effectively. Developing a supportive schedule that involves various stakeholders and mastering the art of time management, including prioritisation and delegation, are crucial elements to make this balance achievable.

What advice would you give one to get started and stay motivated on their running journey?

Credit: Great Eastern Women's Run

5/5

Begin gradually, setting achievable routines to prevent burnout and injuries. Define clear running goals, create a consistent schedule, consider joining a running group for motivation and community. Be patient with progress, prioritise rest and recovery, and pay attention to nutrition. Cultivate a positive mindset, utilise visualisation and positive self-talk, and seek inspiration from experienced female runners through various sources like blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts.