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More International Runners Choose to race in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon

With only three weeks remaining, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) continues to attract competitive athletes and casual runners from around the globe, with international participation climbing to over 11,000, up from its all-time high of over 8,000 last year. 

This year, the top five international markets are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong, with over 8,500 runners signed up. 

As of October 28, 2024, SCSM has already registered over 51,000 runners for this year’s three-day event—a 16% increase from the final registration count last year.

 

New Routes, Categories, and Challenges for a More Inclusive Race

A key highlight of this year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will be the new finish line and refreshed race route. The marathon will conclude at Anderson Bridge near the Padang, which served as the finish line venue in 2017. Marathon runners will run along the scenic stretch of East Coast Park earlier in the race, enabling them to experience the Central Business District (CBD) in daylight for the first time this year. Additionally, half-marathon participants will run through Gardens by the Bay, a feature that has not been included since 2016. 

Adding to the draw is the Ekiden, a relay race category that is making a comeback this year, where teams of five can tackle the marathon route together. The category was last featured in 2021.

Title sponsor Standard Chartered has committed to giving 100 complimentary Ekiden slots to corporate teams that commit to fundraising for Futuremakers, the bank’s global initiative targeting economic inequality.

In addition, this year’s edition of SCSM has an exclusive promotion for Standard Chartered Singapore cardholders -Run-cation- where four participants will each win marathon race slots for the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon events in either Hong Kong, Taipei, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur. Winners will also receive round-trip economy flights to the respective cities and a three-night hotel stay.

Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered said, “We’re committed to creating a memorable, inclusive experience for all. Through initiatives like Ekiden and Run-cation, we are excited to connect Singapore’s vibrant running communities, our colleagues and clients to deliver another successful and remarkable edition of SCSM this year”.

Long-Standing Partnership

Standard Chartered has been a partner of SCSM since 2002, making it one of the longest-running sports partnerships in Singapore. In two decades, it has become one of the region’s most popular marathons.

“The success of the SCSM reflects the strong partnership between The IRONMAN Group and Standard Chartered Bank, as well as with the Singapore Tourism Board and Sport Singapore.

“This year, we expect over 55,000 participants at Singapore’s marquee running event, with runners from over 80 countries. Client and employee participation has also increased by 15% and 10%, respectively, across all race categories compared to last year,” Lee concluded.

Also returning as a sponsor for the third consecutive year, ViewQwest has launched the ‘Run with ViewQwest’ Challenge for non-competitive runners. Singaporean and permanent resident runners can win cash prizes, marking a shift from traditional marathons where only elite international athletes typically claim victory.

Participants in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon categories can compete for over SGD 20,000 in cash prizes, with winners selected through a free-to-enter raffle. Up to 13 participants in each category could win up to SGD 1,000.

The World Athletics Gold Label race is set to return from November 29 to December 1, 2024, as SCSM celebrates its 23rd year. 

More details on SCSM can be found at www.singaporemarathon.com