Chris Yeo- The Ultraman

Chris Yeo may not be the fastest person in Singapore, but he can keep going long after others have packed up.

The first experience of completing an ultramarathon in 2006 got Chris Yeo hooked onto this niche sport. In June 2018 he completed the 990km-long Monarch’s Way Ultra in Britain, and was one of only three finishers in this year’s edition.

The 45-year-old Chris Yeo was a track runner back in his student days, and remained an active adventure racer for many years, but credits the Atacama Crossing in Chile in 2006 as the race that opened his eyes to the greater possibilities of ultra-distances. The week-long race covered 250km in six daily stages, and crosses the driest non-polar desert in the world. With spectacular views that amplified the vastness of the terrain, it was an experience to savour, provided that you had the stamina to survive to the end.

  After the Atacama Crossing, he continued to further his interest, and achieved a personal milestone by finishing the TransOmania in 2014. A non-stop, self-supported 300km race across the Wahiba Sands Desert and Dunes in Oman, it remains to this day an event for the strongest of long distance runners.

Chris says, “Getting involved in ultra-distance running has enabled me to understand my own body better and knowing where my limits are, especially when placed under prolonged physical and mental stress. Another plus point is the opportunity to see many uncharted places which a normal tourist might not get to experience.”

WORKING OUT ANYWHERE

A Marine Operations Manager by profession, he is married with two young children, and fits his training routine into everyday life. Strength training for example, often takes place while he is waiting for his daughter to finish at her swimming lessons.

“I will carry my son who is with me as a load and perform single-leg squats at the poolside. He is only two years old, so has no complaints,” Chris explains.