Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) organisers have today unveiled the running routes for the first evening iteration of the race.
This year’s three-day event, which will take place from 29 November – 1 December 2019, features a Kids Dash on Friday evening, the Marathon and Half Marathon categories on Saturday evening and ends with the 5km and 10km races on Sunday morning. 
All of the race categories will start and end at the F1 Pit Building for the first time in the event’s history.
Routes new and improved
The improved routes are based on runner feedback and are intended to deliver a balance of race difficulty set against Singapore’s iconic skyline.
The organisers have made some key strategic improvements whilst keeping the main core elements of the previously acclaimed route.
The first alternation will see runners head towards Bras Basah Road, a longer and wider straight along Nicoll Highway before passing the War Memorial Park. Then at 22km, runners will run past the scenic Marina Grove as they take in the stunning waterfront sunset.
With the new evening race time, runners will get 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 tropical sunset.
Said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director, IRONMAN Asia, the race organisers, “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 ideal event that is for everyone.”
Half and Full Marathon
Runners taking part in the Half and Full Marathon categories flag off from 6:00pm in various waves and will 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 landmarks like Lau Pa Sat, a popular heritage food center that is surrounded by skyscrapers and is a testament to Singapore’s iconic miracle.
Then amidst the shiny facades of Marina Bay, runners will pass through the iconic Gardens By The Bay and its SuperTree Grove, which will colour the night sky.
A strong touch of local flair has been added to the race too, with 26 entertainment points along the route to keep runners entertained with a mix of performers including lion dances, traditional Malay musicians, buskers, disc jockeys and live local acts.
And as well, the lighting on the Marathon route will also be increased, providing athletes with optimal visibility while being surrounded by the shimmering Singapore skyline.
5km and 10km Race
The 10km race will begin at 6:30am on Sunday morning with the 5km event at 8:30am. Both 10km and 5km runners will get the same waved start as the earlier categories.
And upon passing Kallang Basin, 10km runners will proceed to the Singapore Sports Hub – home to the largest retractable roof in the world, while the 5km runners will continue along Marina Bay before passing the Esplanade as they head towards the finish straight.
700m Kids Dash
And the 700m Kids Dash, which takes place at the F1 Pit Building for the first time, will give young athletes the chance to dream big when they flag off from the same start line as the elite marathoners.
Kids aged 10 years and below will be eligible to run in this category while those 11 and older can take part in the 5km run.
This change not only presents older children with a new challenge, but also epitomises the growth of the event.
Increased numbers of volunteers
Along the entirety of the race routes, the volunteer participation will also be doubled from 2018, ensuring the smooth dispensation of 100PLUS sports drink, water and other products.
Consulted experts from the Manchester Metropolitan University
To create the new routes, the race organisers had consulted crowd management experts from the Manchester Metropolitan University to design and coordinate the best possible race experience, employing their experience from working with Abbott World Marathon Major races – a series of the best Marathon races in the world.
Routes set to Minimise inconvenience for the public
The race routes this year aim to provide a memorable experience for runners while minimising inconvenience for the wider public. Communities affected by road closures have been engaged early and way finding signs will be put up to inform the public, providing them with plenty of time to find alternative travel arrangements. 
And routes to emergency and essential services such as hospitals will remain accessible throughout the event, with those traveling to affected areas being strongly advised to make use of public transport.
Said Lim Teck Yin, Sport Singapore Chief Executive Officer, “Organising Singapore’s first SCSM 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.”
Half Marathon Category Sold Out, Registrations Still Open
Race slots for the Half Marathon are sold out, with limited spots for the Marathon still remaining. Registration is still open and runners can enjoy discounted rates from now till 30 September.
Visit www.SingaporeMarathon.com to sign up. Standard Chartered Bank cardholders will get 15% off their registration fees across all race categories.
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