Runners taking part in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) this year can expect a power-packed race in terms of entertainment, at least according to the event organisers IRONMAN Asia.
IRONMAN Asia is part of Wanda Sports Holdings and operates a global portfolio of world class events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, Rock ’N’ Roll Marathon Series® and Iron Girl®, amongst many others.
Features Exciting New Routes and Categories
And with the 2018 edition of the SCSM race, IRONMAN Asia hopes to create new memories for everyone with exciting new routes for all categories with the new two-day race format, which will take place on 8 and 9 December this year.
Said Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore, “The SCSM is not just a running spectacle, but also an event for people to enjoy their active lifestyle and celebrate the festive season in a fun and healthy way.”
He continued, “When an event brings thousands together every year, it shows what it means to people. Therefore, we always challenge ourselves to raise the level of organisation for our runners and the community at large.”
40,000 Runners to take Part
With close to 40,000 runners already registered and still counting, IRONMAN Asia is committed to creating an event that showcases the best of Singapore to the world.
Said Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia, “All successful sporting events put their participants first, while delivering on world class standards. All great events share yet another common feature too – everyone who takes part actually has fun.”
He added, “This unique proposition has allowed us to sell out our marathon distance first while continuing to engage new runners, families and children. SCSM is the leading race in the region and we are confident that our new route, enhanced entertainment and runners’ perks will edge us closer to our goal of joining the elite group of World Marathon Majors.”
SCSM to be a Two Day Event
A two-day event, SCSM will feature the Kids Dash, National Steps Challenge 5km and 10km Run held on Saturday 8 December and then the Half Marathon and Full Marathon categories to follow, on 9 December.
Runners in all four competitive categories will start their run from the Pit Building and finish at the Float @ Marina Bay.
The flag off will take place beneath the Singapore Flyer where the weekend’s race village is set to offer quality programming for runners and supporters alike.
The wider space, which is accessible exclusively to race participants, will offer easier pen access and the chance for runners to set their own pace from the beginning.
The 5km and 10km Races
For the 5km and 10km races, runners will begin their race together and run towards the Kallang Basin. After that, the 5km runners will loop back to run past the Esplanade and the 10km runners will proceed towards the National Stadium.
Both of these categories will finish at The Float @ Marina Bay.
Half and Full Marathon Races
Then on Sunday 9 December, the Half and Full Marathon runners will race past the Padang where the National Gallery Singapore is located, before heading downtown towards the Central Business District and round back towards the Marina Bay Golf Course.
Along the way, there be more than 15 hydration and cooling stations throughout the Half and the Full Marathon routes, which will feature new splash and ice chips stations, as well as mist tunnels.
To drum up the race atmosphere, there will be 26 entertainment points set up with performances by local bands, street performers and cheerleaders, to amp up energy levels and spur runners on.
And then towards the end of their run, runners will enjoy the view of the city as they race past the Singapore Flyer towards the finish line amidst the Marina Bay City Scape.
The Kids Dash
As for the Kids Dash, this takes place on Saturday morning at the Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World Sentosa, with an all-new route that allows parents to run and have fun with their children.
Each parent-child duo can enjoy awesome views as they run past seven exciting zones, from the fairytale wonderland of Far Far Away featuring Shrek and Princess Fiona’s castle to the lush jungles of Lost World where the dinosaurs roam.
Furthermore, participants can also enjoy the thrilling rides and world class entertainment after their run, with the purchase of a special bundle that includes theme park admission as well as dining and shopping vouchers.
Full Road Closures
As well, runners taking part in all categories will also get to enjoy full road closures spanning 95 per cent of the route, with this year’s new routes being designed after taking into account both the runners’ and the surrounding communities’ input.
These enhanced routes are set to provide a memorable and quality experience for runners while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the wider public. Communities affected by the road closures are engaged early.
Adequate signages and notices will also be put up in advance to inform the public of the impending road closures so they can make plans in advance, to use alternative travel routes. Routes to emergency and essential services such as hospitals will remain accessible throughout the event.
Explained Meyer, “A lot of planning and effort have gone into making SCSM 2018 a truly exhilarating experience for everyone.”
He continued, “We have worked closely with the relevant authorities to reach out to runners and stakeholders, and will continue to do so, as the success of SCSM relies on strong partnerships and support from communities to lead an active lifestyle together.”
Improved Baggage Deposit Service
SCSM 2018 runners can also expect an improved baggage deposit system as organisers adopt best practices from World Marathon Major races.
According to the race organisers, this will make it easier and more convenient for all runners, as IRONMAN Asia will increase the number of bag drop zones with the same drop off and pick up points.
Runners will also be given clear bags and stickers tagged to their bib numbers at the Race Entry Pack Collection at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, which will take place from 5 to 8 December.
And information regarding the new bag drop system will be communicated to all runners ahead of race day, to make sure that all participants will be made aware of the new procedures.
Enhanced F&B Village
There will also be an enhanced F&B Village both at the Marina Bay Sands expo as well as at the finish line post-race, and this will featuring food and beverages as well as chill-out zones where runners can enjoy specially curated meals and take in views of the city as they chitchat about their race with their family and friends.
Sign Up Now
Runners can sign up for SCSM 2018 at www.SingaporeMarathon.com and Standard Chartered Bank cardholders can get 15 per cent off their registration fees, across all running categories.
Normal registration rates will last till 14 October and are priced from S$60 for the 5km Run, S$80 for the 10km Race, S$90 for the Half Marathon and S$110 for the Full Marathon.
After this date, the prices are set to increase, until the race slots are sold out.
I will be taking part in the Full Marathon – see you there.
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