“To be informed that I have been disqualified after running 42km was a big blow” – Alex Ong

Alex Ong (right) is congratulated by Mok at the finish. Alex was disqualified initially because his timing chip did not register at a few check points but he was reinstated after an appeal. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Singapore, Wednesday, December 4, 2013 – Alex Ong, 26, set a new personal best of 2 hours 54 minutes 56.28 seconds at the 2013 Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. His time was good enough for second place in the local category but he was initially disqualified because his timing chip was not recorded at a few stations. He was reinstated after an appeal.

We caught up with the trainee physical education (PE) teacher about what happened.

Les Tan: How did you find out you were disqualified?
Alex Ong: I wasn’t aware until a race official announced the result at the winners’ tent. I was quite surprised initially, to the extent that I just sat there speechless.

(Soon) Suan Boon was more decisive. He immediately made it known to the official that there was a mistake. He has also been most helpful throughout this period – he sent an email, on Sunday night, to Spectrum to appeal against the result.

Suan Boon said you should be second when we spoke to him.
Alex: I’m very thankful for his help, as well as for the reports in Red Sports, ST, and Today. It helped to generate awareness for Derek and myself.

When did you decide to appeal?
Alex: I appealed after the official, who announced the results at the winners’ tent, seemed helpless at answering my queries. He only repeatedly mention that he was just doing his job of announcing the result and that if I have any questions, I should go to the information counter.

It was at the information counter that I met Derek (Li) and realised that his result was not reflected as well. Both of us didn’t know we were disqualified then. We merely thought that the organizers had missed out on our names. It was only after being brought to the referee’s office that it was made known to us that we were disqualified.

So what did you have to do for the appeal?
Alex: We had to fill up a form and pay a $50 administrative fee. Following which we were escorted to the referee’s office who informed Derek and myself that we were disqualified as our timing chips were not detected at three check points along the race route.

Did the organisers explain to you what happened?
Alex: The lady whom I spoke to said that due to technical glitches of the timing sensors, the timings of many runners were not captured at various check points. But having reviewed video evidence, they realised that they had made a mistake.

How do you feel now that you’ve been reinstated?
I think what’s most important is that the results are validated. Runners run for recognition and satisfaction. To be informed that I have been disqualified after running 42km was a big blow.

While I’m relieved that I’m reinstated as the runner-up, I also hope to use the opportunity to generate some awareness for SportCares. (SportCares Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Singapore Sports Council.) So I’m thankful that you’re running a story on my successful appeal.

Will you get the $50 back? I should hope so! 😉
Not sure about that. The form states that it’s non-refundable but a race official told Derek and myself that if our appeals were successful we could get it back. No word from Spectrum during our conversation just now. I was also too relieved to remember to ask.

So you were in the lead pack with Mok for the whole race?
Alex: Yes, Mok (Ying Ren), Suan Boon and myself.

Tell us about your race.
Derek: One of the highlight was definitely to run with Mok. He has always been an inspiration. It’s not everyday you get to run together with a national athlete! I was fortunate that he was going at an easy pace. This allowed us to run together and the kilometres just went by ‘easily’. This I feel is a learning point, pacing is key in the marathon.

What’s your previous marathon PB (personal best)?
Alex: It was 2:56 set two years ago at the 2011 Stanchart Marathon Singapore.

How many marathons have you done?
Alex: I’ve lost count of how many marathons I’ve participated in! Haha, Let me try to recall … I think about 10?

Full Marathon Singapore Men (Top 12)
1st Mok Ying Ren – 02:54:17.90
2nd Alex Ong Seng Lee – 02:54:56.28
3rd Soon Suan Boon – 02:57:53.31
4th Gordon Lim – 02:58:07.51
5th Ning Wenlong – 03:02:29.55
6th Derek Li – 3:06:20.12
7th Andy Neo – 03:09:36.76
8th Colin Chua – 03:10:22.81
9th Rukhaizat Rapsan – 03:10:37.36
10th Colin Tung – 03:10:48.72
11th Ho Ghim Khoon – 03:10:58.27
12th M Rameshon – 03:11:08.63

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