The council's vision is fast becoming a reality. From 473 foreign runners in 2002, the number shot up to 2,620 last year.

This year, it expects between 2,800 and 3,000 athletes from overseas.

Many of them come from the region, like Malaysia and Thailand. But there are others from Japan, the United States, France and South Africa.

Chong Chung Tat of Hong Kong plans to be among the 50,000 at this year's marathon on Dec 7.

'I found out about the race from the Internet,' said the 43-year-old, who has completed five Hong Kong Marathons.

While he did enjoy running on the flat terrain of Singapore last year, he was also taken in by other aspects of the race.

'It was very well-organised,' he said. 'There were more water points. And unlike in Hong Kong, where we run mostly on the highways without spectators, I really liked having people cheer me on throughout the entire race.'

Last year's race took the runners through Shenton Way, Marina Bay and along East Coast Park.

'The foreign athletes come because they are well taken care of,' said Sheila Sim, co-chairman and events director for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Safety barriers and auxiliary police keep the route clear for runners. There are also several water points and first-aid stations deployed along the route.

Rose Tan, chairman of Integrated Marketing Solutions Group (IMSG), feels that the increase in numbers is due to the growing interest in running.

'Running is a growing trend globally. In Singapore alone, there are so many running events, like the Nike Human Race and New Balance Real Run,' said Tan, who helped to launch the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon in 2002.

'Naturally, with all the interest generated, more and more people would want to come here and take part.'

To add a touch of class to the event, the SSC has invited elite long-distance athletes to compete.

Notable past competitors include Amos Tirop Matui, Elijah Mbogo and Salina Kosgei of Kenya, Irina Timofeeva of Russia, and Constantina Dita-Tomescu of Romania, who won the marathon at the Beijing Olympics.

'The Singapore Marathon records have been falling over the past few years,' said Sim. 'This shows there is an increase in quality too.'

With the total prize purse increased to $270,000, up 30 per cent from last year, the SSC hopes to push Singapore as a world sporting platform, and make it a race destination.

Increase in foreign participants:

2002: 473

2007: 2,620

2008 (expected): 2,800 to 3,000