The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will be taking on a radically different format this year, due to the restrictions imposed globally by Covid-19.

At a virtual press conference this afternoon, the IRONMAN Group (Asia), event organiser of SCSM, announced the launch of the SCSM Virtual Club and the SCSM Virtual Racing Series, with the aim of providing a racing alternative during what has been an uncertain and evolving year.

Said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of Asia for the IRONMAN Group, “Today we would love to be launching a 50,000 person event on the streets of Singapore, but this is not possible in our current environment. The safety of our athletes, staff and all Singaporeans is our priority.”

A Virtual SCSM 2020

So instead, Meyer and Ironman Group (Asia) proceeded to launch the following initiatives.

SCSM Virtual Club

The SCSM Virtual Club is a FREE, one-stop web-based app platform that allows runners to run, race, read and be rewarded. Runners can take part in multiple events and activities through the year. The platform connects both new and experienced runners who can all come together and celebrate their respective achievements.

This initiative aims to help runners stay active, train and gear up towards the SCSM 2020 through weekly challenges and races, racking up points to qualify for exclusive rewards through the SCSM Virtual Club points system.

Runners can log and track their training on the platform, and compete with their friends both locally and globally. Weekly themed challenges and races are available for runners to build their training mileage towards the year-end race.

I have signed up for the SCSM Virtual Club. On registering, runners can choose whether to represent their company or running club, or run as a lone ranger. 

However with regards to the website design and layout, the “running club” drop-down option does not appear immediately. It only seems to pop up after picking another option first, and then returning to the drop-down menu after that. This seems to be a bug in the system.

Virtual Racing Series

A series of weekly competitive races and challenges tailored to help runners progressively train towards SCSM 2020, choosing to do the race any time from Fridays – Sundays during the active period.

The 15 races will be categorised into four different themes in the SCSM Virtual Racing Series that celebrates running routes unique to Singapore and routes will give runners the chance to explore and rediscover Singapore and its hidden gems. Themes revolve around adventure, culture, iconic landmarks and food.

While I have not taken part in any of these races yet, I am planning to do so, during the week.

And runners can also take part in an activity-based loyalty points system, designed to motivate them by earning points as they run. Such points can then be redeemed for vouchers and merchandise.

Said Meyer, “For decades, SCSM has been the highlight of runners’ calendars, and a true celebration of human spirit. The SCSM Virtual Club will bring together the running community in new ways while introducing extra motivation into the training routine and bringing runners to the grand finish, amidst a safe and controlled environment.”

SCSM 2020 Race

For the actual SCSM 2020 race, which is slated to take place on the weekend of 5 & 6 December, the organisers are looking at a unique race format with virtual and possibly physical components which are being explored depending on current regulations to replace the traditional road race format. 

So this will allow runners to take part in the race safety and virtually and look forward to a signature finishing experience complete with finisher photos.

Said Meyer, “We do not wish to reveal too much about the race at this point in time, but we will be having another launch for that in a month’s time.”

But what Meyer can reveal is that a virtual reality component will allow runners to create avatars to navigate through the SCSM 2020 course in real time and compare with other runners.

Said Edwin Tong, Minister of Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, “The SCSM will be a unique experience this year. With the launch of these new and innovative solutions, we hope runners be able to continue training and connecting with their peers from around the world.”

How these initiatives came about

How did the SCSM team arrive at these initiatives? Said Meyer, “We have been looking at many ways to engage athletes. This is a terrible time where everyone is locked up so keeping everyone motivated and fit is important for mental and physical well-being.”

A community outreach project

While SCSM will be inviting some elites to be a part of the virtual initiative, Meyer stressed that the SCSM Virtual Club will largely be a community outreach thing.

He said, “We will be having celebrities and influencers coming on board and that will be exciting but this year we want everyone involved. SCSM has always been a community race and one of our main aims is in fostering the community spirit. This is a great alternative for our runners to look forward to.”

Moving forward, with health and safety of runners, community and supporters being of utmost, race organisers of SCSM 2020 will continue working closely with government agencies for the unique race format to ensure success.

Added Meyer, “With the virtual format, we are now no longer limited by geographical boundaries so I hope that our friends and fellow runners in regional and international markets can join us in the SCSM 2020 Virtual Club too.”