Participants in this year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) can look forward to a thrilling new finish line. With over 30,000 runners already registered to date, the highly-anticipated World Athletics Gold Label race – celebrated for its scenic routes and vibrant community participation – will commence at the F1 Pit Building and conclude at the iconic Anderson Bridge. This National Monument is a cherished part of Singapore’s history, with its historical architecture, cultural significance, and engineering excellence. Adding to the excitement, the race will take in the best of Singapore’s landmarks before runners arrive at the finale at the Padang, which was last used as the finish line venue in 2017. The prime location is nestled in the heart of the Civic District and surrounded by important landmarks such as City Hall, the old Supreme Court building, and the Singapore Cricket Club, offering participants a memorable run through Singapore’s vibrant cityscape.
A Spectacular New Finish Line
Anderson Bridge is a key part of Singapore’s colonial history and has played host to public events such as the National Day Parade and the annual Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. It will also offer participants and their supporters the advantage of convenient access with ample public transportation options, as well as an aesthetic setting along the scenic Singapore River, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Fullerton Hotel and the Esplanade.
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of SCSM said, “We are incredibly excited to introduce Anderson Bridge as the new finish line for this year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. With many of our runners repeat participants as well as travellers to Singapore who come just to run the race, our aim is to offer a fresh running experience to inspire them all. This iconic bridge, an enduring part of Singapore’s history, will offer a picturesque backdrop for our runners as they cross the finish line, and we are confident that this new location will create unforgettable memories for participants and spectators alike.”
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports & Wellness of the Singapore Tourism Board said, “Once again we take great pride in extending a warm welcome to participants and supporters of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, the only Gold Label race in the region and a marquee sporting event for Singapore. Both local and international runners and their supporters can look forward to a unique experience that seamlessly blends the excitement of a world-class marathon with the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Singapore. The Anderson Bridge finish line and St Andrew’s Cathedral are a few of the many iconic landmarks in the race, offering a memorable experience for our local and international runners and their supporters.”
Mr Roy Teo, Chief of Industry Development, Technology and Innovation of Sport Singapore, said, “The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the largest mass participation sport event, and attracts runners from all walks of life to bond over one of the most popular sports in Singapore. This year, for the first time, runners will finish at the Anderson Bridge, which is gazetted as a National Monument. We look forward to cheering all runners, witnessing race highlights, and inspiring everyone to live better through sport.”
What’s new this year
SCSM 2024 will see the re-introduction of the Ekiden Race where teams of five runners will take turns to complete sections of the marathon course, as follows:
| Runner | Distance to run* |
| Runner #1 | 9.3km |
| Runner #2 | 8.3km |
| Runner #3 | 8km |
| Runner #4 | 14km |
| Runner #5 | 2.6km |
| Total | 42.2km |
*Distances are approximate estimations only
In support of the community, Standard Chartered will provide 100 complimentary Ekiden slots on a first-come-first-served basis to corporate teams who commit to fundraise for Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global youth economic empowerment initiative, supporting young people in our communities to learn, earn and grow.
Corporate teams are required to create a Giving.sg campaign page with the company’s name and set a fundraising goal for supporters to donate. The funds raised from Giving.sg will go towards Community Chest – the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service – to support Futuremakers-themed programmes and projects.
Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered, said, “With 165 years of heritage in Singapore, we are glad to play our part in strengthening our social fabric and bringing our diverse communities together through the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. This year’s race route continues to showcase the best of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, featuring the new finish line at Anderson Bridge, a national monument with a rich heritage. We are excited to add a philanthropic element to this year’s race with the introduction of the Ekiden slots for corporates to raise funds for Futuremakers, supporting the young people in our communities.”
Another new element this year is that the Kids Dash race will feature two exciting distances: a 600-metre dash for children aged 0-6 years old and a 900-metre dash for those aged from 7-12 years old. Designed to inspire the next generation of runners, the event promises fun and fitness in a supportive and energetic environment, encouraging healthy habits from an early age.
Gearing up for SCSM 2024
As training season approaches for the runners, SCSM will conduct eight community training runs starting from 31 August, led by official race pacers. Singapore Sports Hub and Gardens by the Bay will be the home grounds for all SCSM Training Runs. These are open to the public, with sessions aimed at helping SCSM participants as well as the wider community train for long-distance running and achieve their fitness goals.
SCSM 2024’s three-day event will kick off with the Kids Dash on Friday 29 November, followed by the 5 km and 10 km run on Saturday 30 November, while the half marathon and marathon categories will flag off on Sunday 1 December, with Ekiden teams running alongside the marathoners.
This year’s marathon is already generating significant excitement among the running community in Singapore and beyond, including novice runners. A whopping 78% of registered runners are running the marathon for the first time. Moreover, there has been a notable 58% increase in female runners as compared to SCSM 2023. The event has also gained considerable regional attention, with the top four international markets being Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and Malaysia, highlighting SCSM’s global appeal.
Marathon registration
Registrations opened on 4 June. General pricing for the marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km, Ekiden race and Kids Dash are $152, $134, $106, $80, $600 (per team) and $39 respectively. Prices are inclusive of GST, but subject to a 9% platform fee. Standard Chartered cardholders will enjoy a 15% discount on registration fees and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Standard Chartered Marathon in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Hong Kong or Taipei. T&Cs apply.
