Singapore distance runner charged with stealing shoes and training cones

Singaporean distance runner Ko Wen Qiang, Keane, has been charged with allegedly stealing running equipment from a Decathlon outlet in Kallang.

The 26-year-old allegedly took a pair of KD900X running shoes worth S$139.90 in July 2025, followed by training cones worth S$25 from the same outlet in September. He was charged on July 1 and is due back in court on Oct. 2.

Ko has represented Singapore internationally. Singapore Athletics said he competed in the men’s half marathon at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships, completing the race in about one hour and 21 minutes. He also finished second at the 2024 Standard Chartered half-marathon national championships.

The Straits Times reported in January that Ko had been living in Slovenia since late October 2025 while working remotely as a business developer. At the time, he said he was targeting national records in the 3,000 metres, 3,000m steeplechase and marathon.

If convicted of theft in dwelling, Ko could face up to seven years in prison and a fine.