Two of Singapore's biggest runs are teaming up to offer runners exclusive privileges, including a comprehensive training plan ahead of their July and December events respectively.

The Straits Times (ST) Run and the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS), which together attract about 60,000 runners annually, have come together to offer runners an eight-month programme to help them train for both events. Headed by national marathoner Mok Ying Ren, the programme will get runners ready to compete in the ST Run's 18.45km category and either the half or full marathon at the SCMS.

An incentive will also be given to this year's ST Run participants who sign up for either the half or full marathon at December's SCMS.

Registration for the ST Run, which will take place on July 16, will begin on Tuesday, while sign-ups for the Dec 2-3 SCMS will start at the end of the month.

"If a runner wants to focus on two runs this year, he needs to look no further than the ST Run and SCMS," ST Run in the City 2017 organising committee chairman Marc Lim said.

"We believe that running should not be a one-off event. It should be something people do throughout the year. With the ST Run in July and the SCMS in December, the two runs are ideal for runners aiming for two runs a year. The two runs - one being a shorter race and the other offering a full marathon - complement each other. We are two different runs but with the same goal, to help people realise their runnings goals."

Added Standard Chartered Bank Singapore chief executive Judy Hsu: "Standard Chartered Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Singapore Marathon for the past 15 years - it is a fantastic platform for rallying our runners and doing something meaningful for the community.

"We are delighted to find a partner in ST Run who shares our vision. Together, we hope to bring our community an engaging experience that will help them achieve their individual goals and personal bests."

Ironman Asia, which organises the SCMS - the only Gold Label event accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federations in the region - hopes that the partnership will further grow the SCMS, which has established itself as a key event in the regional sporting calendar.

Ironman Asia managing director Geoff Meyer said: "We believe that partnering the ST Run will allow us to reach out to a wider spectrum of runners, encouraging them to trade up to a full/half marathon, while providing a better running experience for our participants."

The ST Run will offer three categories: A 5km fun run, a 10km route and the 18.45km run. The SCMS will offer three categories: 10km, 21km and 42.195km.

Standard Chartered Bank is the ST Run's official bank and StanChart card holders will enjoy a 15 per cent discount on the full rate. This year's ST Run will end at the Padang.

Consumer electronics giant Panasonic will be backing the ST Run for the fifth year running as its presenting sponsor.

Panasonic Singapore director Daniel Tan said: "The success of this annual event has empowered us to share our vision for a better life and a better world, making healthy living accessible to people from all walks of life. It is not just about providing solutions that are innovative, but also enhancing our quality of life by living it out holistically, which is truly in line with our aspiration to create premium lifestyles for everyone."

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