Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Reveals Improved Evening Route

Organisers of the 2019 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) unveiled Singapore’s first evening race routes. The improved routes are built on runner feedback and are intended to deliver a balance of race difficulty set against Singapore’s iconic skyline. The three-day event from 29 November – 1 December will feature a Kids Dash on Friday evening, Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday evening and conclude with 5km and 10km categories on Sunday morning.

In creation of the route, race organisers consulted with crowd management experts from the Manchester Metropolitan University to design and coordinate the best possible race route experience, employing their experience from working with Abbott World Marathon Major races – a series of the best Marathon races in the world.

Building on the strong positive reception from runners in 2018, organisers have made key strategic improvements while keeping the main core elements of the previously acclaimed course. The first alteration will see runners turning right on Bras Basah Rd, a longer and wider straight along Nicoll Highway, before passing by the War Memorial Park. At the 22-kilometre mark, runners will flank the scenic Marina Grove as they take in the stunning waterfront sunset.

With the event moving to the evening hours, lighting on the Marathon route will be increased providing athletes with optimal visibility while being surrounded by the shimmering Singapore skyline. Volunteer participation will also be doubled from 2018, ensuring a smooth dispensation of sports drink 100plus, water, and other products. Moreover, for the first time in the event’s 18-year history, runners from all categories will begin their race from the same start point across three different days – in front of the Formula 1 (F1) Pit Building.

“This year’s race will be the best yet – the changes we are making are the first for any race in Singapore and the region. A lot of planning and effort has gone into this year’s race to make this an event that is for everyone — participants, family, friends, and the public,” said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director for The IRONMAN Group in Asia. “With the all-new spectator zones, we sincerely hope that everyone will come and join us in the festivities as we continue our ascent towards meeting the Abbott World Marathon Majors standards.”

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

The evening race time presents runners with a fresh perspective of the sprawling Lion City as the race serves up a glimpse of Singapore’s cultural diversity and expansive architectural history awash in a golden equatorial sunset.

Runners in the Marathon and Half Marathon categories will flag off in several waves beginning at 6.00 p.m. on Saturday, 30 November and run through key cultural and social hotspots. In the Civic District, they will enjoy views of St Andrew’s Cathedral, The National Gallery, and Victoria Theatre. Within the Central Business District, runners will pass famous landmarks like Lau Pa Sat – a popular heritage food centre that features a plethora of skyscrapers – a testament to Singapore’s economic miracle. Amidst the shiny facades of the Marina Bay, runners will breeze through the flora and fauna of the iconic Gardens by the Bay and its Supertree Grove, which will ignite the night sky in a spectrum of colour.

Organisers have also added a strong touch of local flair to the 26 entertainment points along the route to keep runners entertained with an eclectic mix of performers from lion dancers, traditional Malay musicians, buskers, disc jockeys, and live local acts.

(SCSM 2019 Route Map for Marathon)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for Marathon)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for Half Marathon)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for Half Marathon)

Participants in the 10km and 5km categories will begin their races on the morning of 1 December (Sunday) at 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m., respectively. Both 10km and 5km runners will get the same waved start experience as earlier participants at the F1 Pit Building.

Upon passing Kallang Basin, 10km runners will proceed onwards to the Singapore Sports Hub – home to the world’s largest retractable roof – while 5km participants will continue their run along the Marina Bay before passing the Esplanade as they head on to the finish straight.

(SCSM 2019 Route Map for 5km)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for 5km)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for 10km)
(SCSM 2019 Route Map for 10km)

This year’s 700-metre Kids Dash will take place at a new venue – the Formula 1 Pit Building. This gives young athletes the chance to dream big when they flag off from the same start line on Friday evening, a day before the elite marathoners. This year, children aged 10 years and under will be eligible to participate in the Kids Dash, while those aged 11 and older can take part in the 5km community run. This change epitomises the growth of the event and presents older children with a new challenge.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES

This year’s routes aim to provide a memorable experience for runners while minimizing inconvenience to the wider public. Communities affected by road closures have been engaged early and wayfinding signs will be put up in advance to inform the public of impending road closures, providing them with ample time to plan alternative travel routes. Routes to emergency and essential services such as hospitals shall remain directly accessible throughout the duration of the event. The public is expected to experience some inconvenience in their commute to and from the area. Those travelling to these affected areas are strongly advised to use public transport.

Sport Singapore Chief Executive Officer Lim Teck Yin said, “Organising Singapore’s first Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in the evening requires all stakeholders to work together to ensure a world-class event that lives up to the aspiration to be part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.”

“Every year, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is brought to life by people and their spirit. As the event seeks to make its mark on the global stage, I encourage everyone – from the runners, to the families and everyone that we will pass along the route, to join hands and make history together,” Lim added.

Since the announcement of the evening marathon in May, race slots for the Half Marathon have now sold out, with limited entries for the Marathon category still remaining. Registration is still open and runners can enjoy discounted signup rates from now until 30 September 2019.

To register and for more information, please visit www.singaporemarathon.com.