Huge turnout for StanChart Marathon registration

SINGAPORE — A long snaking queue was seen at The Event Square at the Waterfront Promenade @ Marina Bay this morning (July 4), as scores of running enthusiasts turned up to register for this year’s Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS), which will be held on Dec 1.

While registration can be done online for all categories except for the Ekiden (team relay) event, which required participants to register on-site, thousands nevertheless preferred to do so physically. This is because online registration can only be done at 6pm this evening.

A long queue had forming hours before registration opened, with some even queuing overnight. Many came armed with umbrellas and raincoats, which came in handy when a light drizzle began.

Free gifts helped boost turn-out, with organisers giving away a special Seiko timer alarm clock to the first 300 registrants and a limited edition gym bag to the next 500. Lucky draws for 15 Seiko watches worth S$494 each were also conducted at the venue.

Among the those in line this morning was Damai Secondary vice-principal Adrian Leow, who was registering a team made up of his colleagues.

“We’re doing this as part of our school’s health and fitness programme for staff well-being. We also hope to inspire more colleagues to take part in future,” said the 42-year-old, who send TODAY these photos.

Leow, who estimated that “a couple of thousands” were in the queue this morning, added that he will now make an extra effort to find time to train for the relay.

The SCMS was voted the Best Sports Event (local) at the recent Singapore Sports Awards. For more information, visit www.marathonsingapore.com