Up to 50,000 participants expected as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon returns as full-scale event

SINGAPORE — The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon will return as a full-scale event in December with up to 50,000 participants expected, after two editions that were adapted and pared back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the first time since 2019, this year’s race will see a mass start and road race format, as well as full and half marathons, the organisers said in a news release on Wednesday (June 22).

While the 2020 edition was held with a “hybrid race format” featuring augmented reality, 2021 saw in-person running return on a limited scale.

“Last year’s edition, the largest in-person running event held in Singapore since the Covid-19 pandemic began, saw 4,000 runners flagged off in waves of 50 – with three moving off every 10 seconds – to ensure safe distancing,” the organisers said.

“In addition, only the 5km, 10km and the relay categories were held in-person to keep the participant numbers low.

“With events in Singapore reopening to full capacity, this year’s SCSM is expected to draw up to 50,000 participants over the two-day event from Dec 3 to Dec 4.”

Prevailing Covid-19 safe management measures will be in place during the event, and road closures can be expected during the event.

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon’s operator Ironman Group has been monitoring the pandemic situation in Singapore since last year’s event, said the group’s Asia managing director Jeff Edwards.

It worked with Sport Singapore (SportSG), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Standard Chartered Bank and other stakeholders to determine the format for this year.

“With the restrictions easing, we are delighted to be able to organise an event that our runners have grown to love year after year,” he said.

“We have full confidence that this year’s event will mark the safe return of mass participation events as we come back bigger than 2021, with more in-person race categories and a mass start.”

To mark to return of the event in its “true form”, the organisers unveiled a new logo for the event featuring the Merlion “to signify the event’s positioning as a city race” and an orchid “to symbolise hardiness and resilience”.

The event weekend will kick off on Dec 3 with 5km and 10km races. The 21.1km half marathon and the 42.195km marathon will be held the following day.

Participants have the option of taking on the event’s Double Up Challenge which will require them to run the 5km or 10km race followed by the half or full marathon on consecutive days.

A kids’ dash will also be held, with details to be announced at a later date.

Priority registration for the event will begin at 10am on Thursday. This is open to members of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 300km club and runners who participated in the full marathon in 2019.

Registration for the general public will begin at 10am on Friday. 

According to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon website, the four main races will be held in the morning, with starting times between 4.30am and 8.30am.

The 2019 edition of the event had kicked off in the evening, and caused a traffic gridlock around the city area, which left many members of the public frustrated.

'LEADING DESTINATION'

STB chief executive Keith Tan welcomed the event’s return in its full format.

“As we welcome more visitors back to Singapore, premier sporting events such as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2022 will reinforce our position as a leading destination for sports in the region and boost our reputation as a vibrant business and lifestyle destination,” he said

SportSG CEO Lim Teck Yin said that the event would provide a boost to Singapore’s running community.

“The welcome return of a full-scale SCSM will once again bring new and experienced runners, families and friends together to challenge themselves, train and bond towards a year-end goal.” CNA