SPF Reveals More Details About Gurkha Who Is Challenging Soh Rui Yong’s 2.4KM Record

It appears that virtually everyone is in on the whole Soh Rui Yong running fiesta right now, whether it’s a casual gamer from the North, an avid foodie from the East or even our own men in blue…

The Singapore Police Force.

So lest you’re unaware, it was previously announced that Subas Gurung, a Gurkha from the SPF’s Gurkha Contingent (GC), has accepted Soh’s challenge: to run in the Pocari Sweat Run that will be taking place on 10 October 2021.

For the record, Gurung’s not just any Gurkha either. He reportedly clocked a Gurkha record, 6:58, for his 2.4km run in July 2021. And that was after doing 59 push-ups and 60 sit-ups.

Suffice to say; just incredible stuff.

And now, it seems that the SPF has stepped out to reveal more about their golden boy here:

A man who constantly looks to challenge himself.

SPF Reveals More Details About Gurkha Who Is Challenging Soh Rui Yong’s 2.4KM Record

Just yesterday (16 September 2021), the SPF updated their Facebook page with an eye-opening post:

Five informative paragraphs focused on the Gurkha runner, Subas Gurung, as well as his contingent.

In the post, the men in blue confirmed Gurung’s participation in the Pocari Sweat Run next month and expressed their support for him.

“The Singapore Police Force supports officers like Subas,” they wrote. “Who trains hard every day to keep operationally fit, in order to safeguard Singapore and her residents.”

They then touted him to be one of the fittest within the Gurkha contingent, an absolute accolade considering how Gurkhas are considered to be prolific as a whole.

In addition, the SPF also confirmed Gurung’s feat: a glittering 6min 58sec record after 59 push-ups and 60 sit-ups.

He had achieved the perfect score during his IPPT in July 2021.

An Avid Runner

The men in blue went on to portray the Gurkha as an “avid runner”, who joined the run “on his own accord.” He has also joined, not to defeat anyone else, but simply to challenge himself.

He is but one of the many GC officers who push themselves to their limit on a regular basis,” the SPF wrote. “Training hard so that they can execute demanding duties well in a variety of police operations.”

They then expressed their pride in having officers like Gurung, and emphasised that whatever the results will be on 10 October 2021, it is ultimately the “spirit of sportsmanship, steadfastness and service to the nation which Subas embodies, that matters most.”

“We will cheer for Subas – as well as the many other participating runners from all walks of life – at the upcoming run!”

Netizens React

To date, the post has garnered over 6.5K likes & reactions, as well as a whopping 638 shares.

Netizens have also echoed their support for Gurung and the Gurkha contingent.

“All the best Subas…” one netizen wrote. “Pre-Covid times met him a few times yellow ribbon runs, SCMS… sundowns as well… Jiayou…”

“Cheering for Subas and Soh Rui Yong!” another said.

Avid appreciation was also shown towards the Gurkhas.

“Always a big fan of the Gurkhas,” a Netizen lauded. “Humbly and quietly doing their work. No showing off on social media etc. Really must appreciate them for their work.”

Meanwhile, a familiar face has also shown up to applaud the SPF’s gesture.

“Thank you Singapore Police Force for keeping us safe, featuring my friend Subas and helping to market(sic) the Pocari Sweat Singapore Run!” wrote Soh Rui Yong.

“Agreed with your values. Whatever I do is aimed at promoting this event and drawing eyeballs, but at the end of the day I have full respect for anyone who shows up to the line and gives their best effort.”
“P.S. I secured a $1500 bonus for Subas if he goes below the Gurkha record 6:58, I hope you guys let him keep it if he earns it!”

Prize Money

As a Nepalese, Gurung was declared to be ineligible for Soh’s primary prize pool, much to the chagrin of many folks. Apparently, the prize pool thus far has only been applicable for Singaporeans.

Nevertheless, Gurung took it upon himself to accept Soh’s invitation.

Thereafter, however, Soh updated his Facebook page on 15 September 2021 with a delightful post:

Updated bonuses for the running population, with one specifically catered to the Gurkha contingent.

In the post, Soh announced that three separate bonuses, sponsored by Prodel, Novastella, and Black Dot, have been added to the 2.4km challenge.

The Novastella Gurkha Record Bonus, in particular, will reward S$1,500 to the first Gurkha who runs below the current Gurkha record of 6min 58sec.

Considering how Gurung had achieved the record after pumping 60 in the push-up and sit-up sectors, it’s safe to say that it’s S$1,500 in the bag.

Soh Rui Yong Running Fiesta

Meanwhile, if you’ve lost touch with the entire Soh Rui Yong saga because of its sheer development speed, here’s a rough rundown of what has occurred so far.

  • On 4 Sep, 30-year-old Soh Rui Yong, two-time SEA Games Champion and Singapore’s resident Sonic broadcast his timing for the Pocari Sweat Singapore 2.4km Challenge.
  • His 6 minutes and 53.18 seconds timing met with mixed reactions, probably because of his last sentence.
  • “Somehow, some people still think their “army/commando bmt mate who smokes” ran faster,” Soh wrote, adding a clown emoji at the end.
  • He emerged again amidst the backlash to clarify his statement and challenged commandoes (both current and former) to beat his timing at the next Pocari Sweat 2.4km Challenge.
  • Soon after, the prize pool grew, as though he is afraid no one would be willing to show up.
  • Soh also became a “marketing genius” and will, no doubt, be highly sought after in the near future.

It should also be noted that local actor Maxi Lim, who famously uttered the line “My secret is no cigarettes” in the Ah Boys To Men franchise, has also joined in on the marketing stunt.

He will be donating 70 snack packets to the prize pool.

Thus far, 2,218 individuals have signed up for the run.

If you want a shot at the prize pool as well, you can register here.

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Feature Image: Facebook (Singapore Police Force)