Singapore, 27 April 2017 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) today announced its bid to join six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world - London, Berlin, New York, Chicago, Tokyo and Boston - as an Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM) event. Currently, the Singapore marathon has been recognised as a Gold Label event by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) since 2012 for its world-class excellence in global sporting significance, organisational quality, athletes’ safety and compliance with the IAAF Rules and Regulations.
A 10-year partnership between event organiser IRONMAN Asia and WMM to expand the current race calendar from six to nine cities with additions in regions such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East has made it possible for Singapore’s marquee running event to bid for the opportunity.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu, who was the Guest-of-Honour for the SCSM 2017 launch event said, “The SCSM is a good example of the power of sport in bringing people together. Since 2002, the annual event has drawn together friends, family members and companies as a community, united in their common passion for running and keeping fit. I would like to thank title sponsor, Standard Chartered Bank and the other partners for developing and supporting our Singapore race over the years. I look forward to the SCSM becoming a part of the international league of marathon majors.
Commenting on the bid, Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia, Geoff Meyer said “The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is perfectly placed to be a World Marathon Major. Since 2011, the race has been one of the most popular in the region, attracting an annual average of 50,000 runners. With the support of our IRONMAN global network and our longstanding commitment to the Singapore Marathon, I am confident that we can bring the event to greater heights and develop Singapore as a premier running destination. Stay tuned as we will be rolling out our roadmap and vision for the future of the race in the coming months.”
In support of this bid, long-standing sponsor Standard Chartered Bank has announced a renewed sponsorship through to 2019. The S$11.4m in funding over the next three years is a significant boost to Singapore’s growing running community. The race has also been renamed as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM), to align with other WMM events globally.
“Standard Chartered Bank has been sponsoring the marathon since 2002. We have witnessed how the event has shaped the popularity of running as a sport, and as a platform for building community cohesion in Singapore. We are very proud to support SCSM’s bid to be part of the prestigious WMM series,” said Judy Hsu, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Singapore.
Enhanced Experience: Pre-race
Runners can expect an enhanced experience which begins well before the race weekend on 2-3 December. Upon registration, runners will receive a race pack worth over $180, which includes new items such as an upgraded backpack and free race day personal accident plan. For the first time, participants will be decked out with event and finisher tees by new race apparel sponsor Under Armour.
From this year till 2019, SCSM Race Entry Pack Collection will be held within the city centre at Marina Bay Sands. This is part of the organiser’s aim to offer SCSM runners a bigger and better race expo with the return of Prudential Healthy Life Expo for the second year, while facilitating convenient and seamless pick-up of race packs.
Enhanced Experience: Race
Come race day, runners can also look forward to numerous new experiences, including new race routes, the cold towel experience upon crossing the Finish Line, and a free digital personal race photo that they can share on social media. Runners in the Full and Half-Marathon categories will enjoy a completely new route that will take them through some of Singapore’s most iconic heritage locations.
In the 10km race, runners can expect to see more of the city skyline than ever before as they blaze their way through the central business district during daybreak.
En route, there will also be a number of improvements with the introduction of new features like mist tunnels, cooling zones, additional and longer hydration points and more entertainment along the route for a better running experience.
Rewarding Runners
As the marathon enters its 16th edition, IRONMAN Asia will introduce a loyalty program that will reward loyal runners. Participants who have clocked more than 300 KM since the 2010 Singapore Marathon will receive a customised running tee-shirt and a collector 300km club coin.
Come July, SCSM will unveil runners’ programmes that will help SCSM participants to prepare them for the best race yet.
Registration for the SCSM 2017 starts on 27 April 2017 at www.singaporemarathon.com. Standard Chartered Cardholders will enjoy 15% off registration fee across all categories.
For more information, visit: www.singaporemarathon.com Follow the race: Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarathonSG Instagram: @MarathonSG Twitter: @MarathonSG
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