This year, Team Prischewdotcom was back for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge 2025 (JPMCC) annual 5.6km challenge.

We were amongst more than 12,000 runners from over 400 companies who took to the streets of Singapore for the 20th anniversary edition of the JPMCC. Companies which took part in the event included Amazon, Blackrock, Cargill, Chevron, DBS Bank, GIC, Income Insurance, Microsoft, Nike, Samsung, Tencent and Visa, amongst 1,600 employees from J.P. Morgan. 

The run was scheduled to be flagged off at 5pm in the evening. It was a very warm day and the heat levels were soaring. Once again, this was going to be a challenging run.

Arriving at Promenade MRT at just after 4pm, it was very crowded and there was a massive queue on the way to the F1 Pit Building. Using the no-bag lane, I managed to get into the race area at around 4:20pm. 

My bib was green. This meant I was in the front wave. At 4:30pm, the start pen for green was open. After a photo with my team, I entered the pen around 4:40pm.

The emcees were doing an awesome job to hype up the crowd and get us going. The atmosphere was electric and the pre-race fanfare was great. 

We were flagged off promptly at 5pm.

As expected, it was a hot and humid run. I found myself struggling with pace and after 1km, I had to slow down because the heat was too intense. 

In terms of the route, it was a relatively flat route, with several out-and-back sections. The scenery was stunning and beautiful, passing the Singapore Flyer and the Kallang Riverside. It was picturesque Singapore on display at its finest. 

The paths were wide, clear and not congested during the time when I was running. I was able to run my own race throughout, which was good.

There were two water points along the way. Usually for a 5km run, this is more than enough. Also, I generally don’t require hydration for shorter distance runs, but it was so hot that I actually had to stop at the second water point to catch a drink and breather before continuing. The sun was truly merciless. 

I was quite glad to pass the 4km mark. It meant there was one more mile left to go. The spectators holding cute signs were quite motivating and their support helped to keep me going.

The last 600m was especially quite brutal because we were passing the finish line. It was an out and back straight. But I grit my teeth and had to tell myself I was almost done. Then after what had felt like an eternity, I saw the finish line. Crossing it in 29 mins and 01 second, I had to stop and catch my breath. I was so glad to finish.

We were quickly ushered out of the finish line area to collect our finisher entitlements. This was located inside the F1 Pit Building itself. 

The collection was smooth and the queues were negligible when I had crossed. 

Entitlements include a finisher t-shirt, water, Pocari Sweat and Nutella biscuits. The finisher shirt sizing was unisex.

I would have preferred it if separate male and female cutting were made available. Other than that, I was really grateful for the Pocari being given out, because I was feeling so dehydrated and drained that I needed the electrolytes at that point.  

While the heat had proven to be too much for me, I was impressed by how well-organised the run overall was, from the efficiency of how everything was put together, how seamlessly everything was run. The organisers know well how to stage a big event. 

Check out Team prischewdotcom’s post-race recap video here. 

Post-run, Team Prischewdotcom was treated to J.P. Morgan hospitality. The food was great and the live music was awesome. It was a really great way to recharge and refuel.

We really had a great time soaking up the post-run vibes after burning calories and surviving a tough race.  JPMCC indeed lives up to their billing as being the largest corporate running event successfully combining fun, fitness, food, bonding and networking.

With the Singapore leg having made its debut in 2004, this event has become a key social fixture in Singapore’s business calendar. 

The winner of the 2025 edition was Shaun Goh of Fortinet Singapore who crossed the line in 00:17:33. This was his third time finishing the race in first place, beating his own 2024 winning time by three seconds.

The first woman across the line was Jasmine Teo of Ice who clocked a time of 00:20:31, beating her previous record by a minute and 19 seconds. This is her fourth consecutive time winning the JPMCC.

Said Wai Mei Hong, Singapore Senior Country Officer for J.P. Morgan: “The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is more than just a race; it is a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the shared commitment to health and well-being.”

In line with tradition, J.P. Morgan will make a donation on behalf of all participants to their non-profit organization, of choice, HWA, formerly known as Handicaps Welfare Association. Through its work, the HWA helps to enhance the quality of life for the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

Thank you once again to JPMCC for the race slots for Team Prischewdotcom and for the generous food, music and hospitality.