Up to 50,000 participants expected as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon returns as full-scale event

SINGAPORE: The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon will return as a full-scale event in December with up to 50,000 participants expected, after two editions that were adapted and pared back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time since 2019, this year’s race will see a mass start and road race format, as well as full and half marathons, the organisers said in a news release on Wednesday (Jun 22).

While the 2020 edition was held with a “hybrid race format” featuring augmented reality, 2021 saw in-person running return on a limited scale.

“Last year’s edition, the largest in-person running event held in Singapore since the COVID-19 pandemic began, saw 4,000 runners flagged off in waves of 50 – with three moving off every 10 seconds – to ensure safe distancing,” the organisers said.

“In addition, only the 5km, 10km and the relay categories were held in-person to keep the participant numbers low.

“With events in Singapore reopening to full capacity, this year’s SCSM is expected to draw up to 50,000 participants over the two-day event from Dec 3 to Dec 4.”

Prevailing COVID-19 safe management measures will be in place during the event, and road closures can be expected during the event.

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon’s operator Ironman Group has been monitoring the pandemic situation in Singapore since last year’s event, said the group’s Asia managing director Jeff Edwards.

It worked with Sport Singapore (SportSG), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Standard Chartered Bank and other stakeholders to determine the format for this year.

“With the restrictions easing, we are delighted to be able to organise an event that our runners have grown to love year after year,” he said.

“We have full confidence that this year’s