StanChart Singapore Marathon organisers promise ‘improved, enjoyable experience’
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The 2025 SCSM will not feature the elevation points at Sheares Avenue Bridge and West Coast Highway following feedback raised after the 2024 race.
ST PHOTO: FILE
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- SCSM organisers revised the full marathon route, removing Sheares Avenue and West Coast Highway inclines, based on runners' feedback.
- The 2025 SCSM will separate half-marathon and marathon on different days on Dec 6 and 7, with adjusted race schedules.
- Over 45,000 participants registered for SCSM, starting at F1 Pit Building and finishing at Padang; route changes received positive feedback.
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SINGAPORE – Organisers of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) have made changes to the full marathon route for 2025, removing elevation points at Sheares Avenue and West Coast Highway following participants’ feedback.
The adjustments, unveiled on Oct 8 along with the routes for the Dec 6 and 7 event, are in response to concerns raised during the 2024 SCSM.
Runners had then described the final stretch of the marathon route, beginning from the 30km mark along West Coast Highway, as particularly gruelling due to the heat, with no shelter at that portion of the course.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, Santoz Kumar, general manager of The Ironman Group, which organises the SCSM, said: “The decision to revise the course and remove the elevation points at Sheares Avenue and West Coast Highway was the result of a comprehensive review of last year’s race, incorporating participant feedback and operational insights.
“These segments were identified as particularly challenging for many runners, and as organisers, we are committed to continuously improving the race experience for all participants.”
Organisers also revealed in an earlier announcement that the 2025 edition will also see the half-marathon and marathon held on separate days
Under the new race schedule, the half-marathon will flag off at 4.30am on Dec 6, followed by the 5km race (6.30am) and the Kids Dash (9am).
The marathon and Ekiden race, which involves a team of four, will start at 4.30am the following day, before the 10km (6.30am).
Kumar said the schedule changes allowed for revisions to the course.
He added: “This new structure gives us greater flexibility in designing a course that balances challenge and accessibility...
“By combining the removal of these elevation points with the new two-day format, we’re aiming to create a more enjoyable experience for all participants, while also prioritising safety and ensuring smoother race-day operations.”
Returning participant Tyra Murphy, who ran her first full marathon at the 2024 SCSM, supported the route changes.
The Singapore Polytechnic student said: “While the elevation added an interesting dynamic, and I enjoyed the challenge of Sheares Avenue, I welcome the removal of the West Coast Highway segment.
“Singapore’s climate already adds an element of difficulty and by the time most runners reached the highway, it was late in the morning. So this adjustment gives runners a better chance to maintain their energy and finish strong in the final stretch of the race.”
Her first marathon was memorable, as she also combined it with a fund-raising initiative for a home supporting vulnerable children in South Africa. The 19-year-old is looking forward to running the event again.
She said: “It’s where I challenge myself and prove to myself I can take on difficult goals. I also managed to convince another close friend to join us this time, so now the three of us have been training and keeping each other motivated along the way.
“My mum, who remains my biggest inspiration, will be running as well, and even my dad and brother are getting in on the action by tackling the half-marathon.”
The SCSM will start at the F1 Pit Building and for the first time since 2017, it will finish at the Padang, which is surrounded by landmarks like the former City Hall and Supreme Court, which now houses the National Gallery Singapore.
With just under two months to go, the organisers announced that over 45,000 participants had signed up for the event, which is the only World Athletics Gold Label race in South-east Asia. The number includes more than 11,400 international participants from over 70 countries.
Last year’s edition attracted more than 55,000 runners
Kumar said: “The response to these route changes has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with many runners expressing excitement online. We are confident that these updates will provide participants with the opportunity to chase their personal bests.”
