The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2014 came to a dramatic finish, with the Singaporean 50 year-old catering officer, Mr G. Jaishanker emerging as the champion and setting a new Challenge record time of 82 hours and 16 minutes after the runner up, Ms Analiza Binte Mokhtar dropped out.

His unwavering efforts and determination will see him receive the title of overall winner and the grand prize of an all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i Premium worth S$85,000 (without COE).

The last four finalists all broke the record of 81 hours and 32 minutes set by Singaporean George Lee in 2008.

G. Jaishanker showed no signs of exhaustion and continued to smile and pose inside the arena. “I am so happy that I set a new record. George Lee is a great athlete and I focused to beat the 81 hour mark,” said Mr G. Jaishanker

The Challenge’s last day saw rain pouring over the competitors from morning till the late afternoon, but this did not damper the atmosphere at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Family and friends, some who have been cheering on the sidelines since day one of the Challenge, filled the event space with their words of motivation and encouragement, while participants managed to flash their smiles despite visible fatigue.

Presenting the coveted prize, the all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i Premium worth S$85,000 (without COE) to a joyous G. Jaishanker was Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd and Ms Florence Lian, Managing Director, Radio Division, MediaCorp.

“Everyone witnessed two spectacular milestones today. Not only has a new champion emerged, but he also broke the record with an amazing time of 82 hours and 16 minutes. While fatigue started to take its toll on the other finalists, Singaporean G. Jaishanker remained determined with his eyes set on the ultimate prize. Despite the additional breaks, this year’s Challenge remains the toughest one yet with four participants passing the 81 hour mark,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd.

As the last standing regional contestant, 34-year-old Sales Engineer Tan Hong Sheng from Malaysia also won the Asian Winner title and walked away with additional S$5,000 cash with a time of 81 hours and 15 minutes. His fourth year competing, Mr Tan had broken his previous record of approximately 73 hours.

“Jaishanker overcame all the odds thrown at him like scorching heat, heavy downpours, lightning and thunder but he persevered and pulled through to emerge this year’s record-breaking champion,” said Ms Erina Cook, Assistant Vice-President, English Programming, Radio Division of MediaCorp Pte Ltd.

In recognition of the regional contestants' efforts, the title of Country Winner and a cash prize of S$1,000 went to the last standing representative from each country.

The Thailand team achieved the longest combined standing time (accumulated total time of all 10 representatives from the same country) of 488 hours and 13 minutes, and will be going home with title of Country Team Winner along with a cash prize of S$10,000.

Subaru Palm Challenge 2014 Country Winners

• Cambodia: Mr. Seng Maneth (65 hours, 16 minutes)
• China: Mr. Gao Li Gang (67 hours, 54 minutes)
• Hong Kong: Mr. Mak Ting Pong (32 hours, 26 minutes)
• Indonesia: Mr. Sugeng Priyanto (41 hours, 00 minutes)
• Malaysia: Mr. Tan Hong Seng (81 hours, 56 minutes)
• Philippines: Mr. Alex Jose Neblasca (75 hours, 43 minutes)
• Taiwan: Mr. Chien, Chen-Hsuan (67 hours, 26 minutes)
• Thailand: Mr. Phraitoon Sanguannam (72 hours, 41 minutes)
• Vietnam: Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tan (76 hours, 16 minutes)