Highlights At Gold Coast Marathon 2023 -

Written by:
Kalista Lau

At the 43rd edition of the Gold Coast Marathon 2023, Dr Ansgar Cheng and our dental nurse for more than a decade, Rochelle, took part in the full marathon and created some notable milestones. This top-notch international marathon drew runners from all over the world with its flat, picturesque route around well-known beaches. Due to favourable weather conditions with little wind, low humidity and mild temperatures, the event organizer mentioned that a good 60% of participants achieve personal best (PB) timings every year. Indeed, Rochelle accomplished a new PB at 4 hrs 10 mins 39 secs, which was 23 mins 16 secs faster than her last PB. Similarly, Dr Ansgar Cheng came in second place among his age category at 2 hrs 54 mins 44 secs. Congratulations both for their impressive accomplishments!

*Photo: Rachel See (pictured left) with Dr Ansgar Cheng; Dr Ansgar Cheng with friends*

Rachel See, pictured left in the image above, was the fastest Singapore’s female marathon runner in 15 years at an incredible timing of 2 hrs 50 mins 54 secs that day. We absolutely love witnessing new milestones from fellow marathon runners.

After the event, we had a little chat with Rochelle to find out more on her marathon experience thus far.

*Photo: Rochelle at Gold Coast Marathon*; *Rochelle with fellow runner; Rochelle with Dr Cheng* *& family*

We’re curious! How many marathons have you completed so far?

To be honest, I am not very sure as I have lost count. The total count has exceeded 15 including both half and full marathons. I began my running journey only two years after I joined Specialist Dental Group in 2009. Prior to working here, I did not even know that I could complete a marathon.

Among those completed marathons, how many are full marathons (42km)?

I completed my very first full marathon in 2016 with our colleague, Liza. Since then, I have completed eight full marathons in total, five local and three overseas marathons. I’m looking forward to more!

Do you mind sharing your previous two marathon timings?

Yes sure! I finished Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2022 in 4 hrs 57 mins 11 secs and completed OSIM Sundown Marathon Singapore 2023 in 4 hrs 33 mins 55 secs.

Have you planned your next race?

Yes I already signed up for the upcoming Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon that will happen on December this year and I’m very excited for it.

What motivates you to run marathons?

My family will always be my main motivation to run marathons. Running helps me to be a better version of myself and perform each of my roles to the best of my ability.