The 650-metre Kids Dash at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2023 witnessed ear-to-ear smiles and earnest looks as over 5,000 parents and children aged 12 and below took to the iconic F1 Pit Building for the first race of the weekend. The enthusiastic participation marked a remarkable 25% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity of the Kids Dash category.

The event commenced with an air of excitement as Singapore’s sprint queen, Shanti Pereira, greeted the participants at the starting line. Pereira, who later flagged off the race, played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the three-day extravaganza that is the 22nd Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Parents and children alike were delighted to have the 27-year-old golden girl in their midst. Pereira graciously accommodated the requests of eager supporters, taking photos, signing autographs, and adding to the festive atmosphere surrounding the event.

Expressing her joy at the overwhelming response from young participants, Pereira remarked, “It’s wonderful that so many children are excited to join the Kids Dash every year. Seeing parents supporting their children’s athletic dreams is so heart-warming. I hope this will inspire more young boys and girls to take part in running, be it marathons or sprints, and have fun.”

Adding to the festivities, the Kids Dash Carnival contributed to the overall excitement, featuring activities such as face painting, game booths, a bouncy castle, and more, all open to the public.

Shamini Ghana, participating in the Kids Dash for the first time with her five- and three-year-old daughters, shared her experience, saying, “My older daughter, Neha, has always been the ‘little sprinter’ in our family. So, we decided to take part in the Kids Dash, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time.”

As the weekend unfolds, the anticipation continues to build, with the 5km and 10km race categories scheduled to flag off on 2 December 2023, followed by the Marathon and Half Marathon on 3 December 2023. The 22nd Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon promises a celebration of athleticism, camaraderie, and community spirit.