Stanchart Singapore Marathon’s half-marathon, marathon to run on separate days
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Runners starting their race at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on Dec 1, 2024.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – For the first time in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM), the half-marathon and marathon will be held on separate days to provide runners with a smoother and more enjoyable race-day experience, the organisers announced on April 15.
Instead of the usual three-day schedule, the 2025 edition will introduce a two-day format – the half-marathon, 5km and Kids Dash will flag off on Dec 6, while the marathon, 10km and Ekiden will be held on Dec 7.
The annual event attracted over 55,000 participants in 2024, and organisers the Ironman Group said the new format will allow for more runners, with 60,000 expected this time.
Participation in the marathon and half-marathon grew by 31 and 46 per cent respectively in the past three editions, which helped in the decision to split the race days, they added.
Jeff Edwards, Ironman Group’s managing director of Asia, said in a press statement: “As organisers, we aim to evolve alongside this growth, ensuring we continually look for ways to improve the overall race experience and create an environment where runners can perform at their best – conditions that SCSM is best known for.
“These adjustments, which have been thoughtfully planned, are aimed at creating a smooth flow throughout to ensure the best possible race experience for our runners, and allow for more runners than ever before to be a part of this event.”
Runners taking part in the 5km category will also flag off at 6.30am, two hours earlier than previously.
Marathon runners could also get some respite, after some participants took to social media after the 2024 event to complain about the final stretch of the 42.195km route at the West Coast Highway.
A number of them pointed out that the section, estimated at 10km, was unsheltered and too hot for runners in the mid-morning.
Responding to queries, a spokesman from the Ironman Group said: “We’re continuously looking at ways to improve the race experience for all runners, including reviewing potential route adjustments.
“A part of this is looking at where the West Coast stretch of the course fits in and we look forward to announcing the 2025 course in the near future.
“The decision to run the half-marathon and marathon on separate days also gives us greater flexibility to optimise each course and refine specific segments. We will share more details around the race routes in due time, as we’re still in early planning stages.”
A change in the course could convince Shabnam Manan, who ran the half-marathon from 2022 to 2024, to switch to the marathon in December. The 51-year-old, an assistant vice-president at talent transformation consultancy the Learning Initiative, said: “I am considering the full marathon but everyone says to do it elsewhere, overseas, because Singapore is very hot and really challenging.
“Whether I do it will depend on the route, but doing it in Singapore and with Stanchart is where my heart is. Running with friends and having that camaraderie is great, and it is so satisfying when you finish the race as there’s a sense of accomplishment.”
Super early-bird registration fees for the marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km, Ekiden and Kids Dash are pegged at $137, $115, $93, $71, $545 (per team) and $44 respectively.
Runners can sign up for the race from April 16. Visit singaporemarathon.com for more information.
Correction note: In an earlier version of the story, we said that registration fees for the SCSM 2025 will increase by up to 16 per cent for most categories from the previous year, except for the Ekiden. This is incorrect. Event organisers of the Ironman Group has since clarified that last year’s reported fee included GST but not the 9 per cent platform. This year’s race fee includes GST and processing fee.
