At this year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, two remarkable athletes are proving that the finish line looks different for everyone — and that’s precisely the point.
Come 6 and 7 December, the streets around Marina Bay will pulse with the familiar energy of Singapore’s flagship running event. But among the thousands of runners, a quieter story of resilience will unfold — one painted in broad strokes by a Paralympic swimmer-turned-artist, and measured in the 1,000 kilometres an ultramarathoner once ran solo across the Philippines.
Gregory Burns and Natalie Dau don’t share much in common at first glance. Burns, a five-time world record holder and three-time Paralympic medallist, built his reputation in the pool before translating his competitive spirit onto canvas. Dau, a Guinness World Record holder and ASICS-sponsored athlete, has made a name pushing the boundaries of human endurance across some of the world’s most unforgiving terrain.
What brings them together this December is a shared conviction: that sport belongs to everyone.
The pair will join persons with disabilities in the marathon’s 5KM and 10KM categories as part of The Westin Singapore’s “One Race, Many Journeys” campaign — now in its third year as the hotel continues its role as the event’s Official Elite Hotel.
From Pool to Palette
Burns’ journey reads like several lifetimes compressed into one. His swimming career saw him dominate Paralympic competitions, but it’s his second act that has captured international attention. His paintings have been exhibited in more than 15 countries, and in 2016, he received the Sports Artist of the Year Award. The International Olympic Cultural Foundation later commissioned his work for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
At this year’s marathon, Burns has designed a limited-edition T-shirt that runners can purchase at the Race Entry Pack Collection at Marina Bay Sands from 4 to 6 December. Each shirt goes for S$50, with every cent channelled to the Singapore Disability Sports Council.
A Thousand Kilometres of Proof
Dau’s credentials are equally formidable, if measured differently. Her recent Project 1000 saw her complete a solo 1,000-kilometre run across the Philippines — an undertaking that tested not just physical stamina but mental fortitude over weeks of isolation and exertion.
Back in Singapore, she channels that same energy into the Project 1000 Run Club, the city-state’s first early-morning running community designed to welcome participants of all ages and abilities. It’s a practical extension of her philosophy: that the barriers to movement are often more about perception than physical limitation.
Beyond The Finish Line
The Westin Singapore’s involvement extends well beyond race-day logistics. James Walkden, the hotel’s General Manager, frames the partnership as part of a broader commitment to the local community.
“At The Westin Singapore, we are committed to providing an environment for all of our guests to be at their best — this extends to the local community who we want to be connected with and ensure inclusivity for all,” he said. “Our partnership with SDSC reflects that belief, showing that determination and discovery are universal, and that experiences are always stronger when shared.”
The campaign draws inspiration from a fireside chat series called “Mind Over Miles,” which centres on the idea that movement and shared experiences can bridge differences in ability and background.
Runners who cross the finish line — or want a breather after collecting their race packs — can look forward to recovery amenities at both the REPC and the post-race zone at the Padang. The hotel is rolling out Normatec 3 Legs paired with zero gravity chairs, along with Hypervolt Go 2 massage guns, offering participants a taste of the recovery protocols typically reserved for elite athletes.
A meet-and-greet session with Burns and Dau will also take place on 6 and 7 December, giving runners a chance to connect with two athletes who have redefined what it means to compete.
For Marriott Bonvoy members feeling lucky, the hotel is offering an exclusive experience through its Moments platform: two sets of winners will receive a three-day, two-night stay, complete with a meeting with Burns and access to the Elite Athlete Briefing on 5 December.
The Bigger Picture
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon has long positioned itself as more than a race — it’s an annual ritual that draws everyone from competitive runners chasing personal bests to families out for a morning jog. This year’s collaboration adds another layer, making visible the athletes and advocates working to ensure that sport remains accessible to all.
Burns and Dau embody that message in different ways: one through art that captures the spirit of athletic achievement, the other through communities built around the simple act of showing up. Together, they make a compelling case that well-being isn’t just about crossing finish lines — it’s about who you run alongside.
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 takes place on 6 and 7 December. Race Entry Pack Collection runs from 4 to 6 December at Marina Bay Sands.
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