Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon returns to pre-pandemic scale in December with up to 50,000 runners

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) - the country’s largest mass participation sports event - is returning to its full-scale glory in the first week of December, with up to 50,000 runners set to take part in different categories.

This is the first time since 2019 that the race will see a mass start and a road race format, as well as the popular half-marathon (21.1 km) and full marathon (42.195 km), the organisers announced on Wednesday (June 22).

The 2020 edition was staged as a “hybrid race format” due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 event marked a return to in-person running with 4,000 people flagged off in waves of 50 to ensure safe distancing. Only the 5 km, 10 km and the relay categories were held in-person at the Float @ Marina Bay in a deliberate move to keep participant numbers low.

Organisers said this year’s SCSM will still have prevailing safe management measures in place to safeguard the health and safety of all participants. Road closures are also expected to give runners an “enjoyable experience” when they make their way along the city route.

“After last year’s SCSM, we have been constantly monitoring the status of the pandemic in Singapore while working closely with Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Standard Chartered Bank, and all other stakeholders to determine the format for the 2022 edition,” said Jeff Edwards, the managing director of Asia for The Ironman Group.

“With the restrictions easing, we are delighted to be able to organise an event that our runners have grown to love year after year. We have full confidence that this year’s event will mark the safe return of mass participation events as we come back bigger than 2021, with more in-person race categories and a mass start,” he added.

Patrick Lee, the cluster CEO of Singapore and Asean Markets at Standard Chartered, said: “(We are) proud to have been the title sponsor of Singapore’s marquee running event for over 20 years. We have seen the event grow, improve and innovate over the years, and are very excited to bring back a full-scale city road race to our community here this year.”

The 5 km and 10 km runs will take place on the morning of Dec 3, while the half-marathon and full marathon will flag off on Dec 4. More details about Kids Dash, route, and race expo will be announced at a later date.

This year, participants can also sign up for a “Double Up” challenge where they can take part in 2 races. They can pick either the 5 km or 10 km category, combined with a half-marathon or full marathon, and receive 2 medals upon completion of both races.

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Priority registration for the event starts at 10am on Thursday and is open to members of the SCSM 300 km club and those who completed the full marathon in 2019. Registration for the general public begins at 10am on Friday. More information is available at the official SCSM website.