A race that was started back in 1982, the Singapore Marathon has grown to be one of the biggest marathon events on the planet. Attracting participants of all ages, literally, from four months old to 86 years old, the marathon is attended by locals and visitors alike.
In fact, in the last edition of the tournament, it saw participants hailing from as many as 127 countries. With over 2,000 pro runners and about 50,000+ total participation, the Singapore marathon is not just an event for those interested in running as a sport, but for anyone who wants to challenge their body and mind.
The Singapore Marathon is a superb experience and if you’re visiting the country in December, we strongly recommend planning your visit around this super tournament. Don’t worry if you cannot run the full 42.195 kilometers, there are easier challenges that you can start with.
If you do find yourself excited about participating in the marathon, this article will tell you everything about planning your trip to Singapore. Let’s begin with the details of the event:
Details About The Singapore Marathon
The next Singapore Marathon, as per the tradition of the race, will be held on the first weekend of December, that is, on the 5th and 6th of December. The registrations will be opened up in the mid-year month of May and will remain open till the late weeks of November. Last year, the last date of registering for the 2019 tournament was 22nd November.
The venue of the event varies every year. However, one pattern worth noticing is that the race routes are usually centered in the heart of the city. In the previous edition, the races started at the F1 Pit Building and concluded at a float that was placed in the Marina Bay.
For more updates on the upcoming marathon in December 2020, you can visit
Website
Must Read: 10 Best Restaurants Near Gardens By The Bay In Singapore
How To Participate
Participation in the tournament comes at a price. Like most other major events, there are different pricing structures that change based on the date one registers. On an average, the “super-early bird” passes, that are only available for the first week after registrations open, costs about 20 Singapore Dollars.
The “early bird” registration costs about 25 Singapore Dollars and is available for about 25-30 days after the “super-early bird” period ends. After this, the “normal” category opens up and registering for the tournament during this period will set you back by 30 Singapore Dollars. If you still wait longer, and register in the two months leading up to the marathon, the registration fee is hiked up to 35 Singapore Dollars.
The tournament is backed by Standard Chartered Bank and the registration can be done online on the official website dedicated to the marathon. Participants hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal can avail a 15% additional discount if they are customers of Standard Chartered Bank and hold a card issued by them.
With that said, there are a number of other discounts that are made available to aspiring participants. These are also updated on the official website.
Now that the financial aspect of participation is out of the way, let us discuss the age and other requirements of the different categories of the marathon.
The Singapore Marathon features six different categories- Full Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10 Kilometer run, 5 Kilometer run, the Toyota Ekiden Team Relay Race and the Kid’s Dash. The Full Marathon is only open to runners aged 18 years and more on the day of the race. Moreover, the cut off time for the 42.195 kilometer race is 7 hours and 30 minutes. Anyone who takes longer will be considered disqualified. For the half marathon, the minimum age requirement is 14 years and the cut-off time is 4 hours. The 10 kilometer and 5 kilometer marathon races are open to participants aged 14 year and above and 10 years and above, respectively. The cut off time for the 10 kilometer race is 2 hours and 30 minutes while participants are expected to complete the 5 kilometer run in a maximum of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Kids’s Dash, as the name suggests, is a short race (600 meters) held only for the children that do not qualify for other categories.
The Toyota Ekiden is a team relay event with four participants from each team. The minimum age requirement for this category is 14 years.
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What To Pack
Fortunately, the registration fee is not just for participation in the tournament, but also includes a few freebies. Let’s see what these are and what else will you need to participate in the marathon.
When then register for the tournament, each participant is entitled to the following things:
- A race singlet or t-shirt
- A race backpack
- A phone card case
- A cold towel
- A digital photograph
- A finisher medal
Besides these, if you are visiting Singapore in December, you will fortunately not need to pack anything special. During the month, the weather is mostly dry and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 31-degree celsius and 25-degree celsius.
If you don’t consider yourself much of a runner, and are only visiting Singapore in December to feel the energy of the event, and to possibly get involved in the many celebrations held in the city after the races, there is plenty to do and see around the venues, for the times when the race isn’t happening.
Places To Visit Near The Venue
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
The pleasant weather of December is perhaps the best time to enjoy the serenity of the Botanic Gardens of Singapore. Participants of the marathon can also use the garden premises to practice before the actual race. The serene environment and clean atmosphere of the gardens is fit for a lazy afternoon, or a tiring run alike.
Suggested Read: 8 Places To Visit Near Changi Airport To Kick-Start Your Visit To Singapore
2. Singapore Zoo
Spread across a staggering 64 acres, the Singapore Zoo is among the top destinations within the city. The zoo offers day and night tours, along with several performances and other entertaining activities that will keep you engaged for a full day, or even more, if you wish.
3. Gardens By The Bay
The surreal man-made gardens are truly a sight to behold. The superb atmosphere of the gardens is best enjoyed with the pleasant weather of December.
Suggested Read: 10 Fascinating Things To Do In Singapore For Bachelors
Places To Stay Near The Venue
The Singapore marathon, as mentioned earlier, is held in the center of the city. Fortunately, the area is also home to some fantastic accommodation options. Some of our top picks are:
1. Sofitel So Singapore- A Mid-Range Option For The Uncompromising Traveler
The Sofitel Singapore may not be the cheapest option, but it does offer a lot of value for the price it charges. Being on the verge of a luxury accommodation option, the Sofitel So Singapore is backed by the exemplary service standards of the Sofitel chain of hotels. The hotel is located centrally, just a 4 minute walk from the Downtown Singapore Metro Station, and is known for the lovely service and amenities it offers.
Additional Info:
Average Room Tariff: Rs 5000
Amenities: Outdoor pool, Mini bar, Pool Bar, Wi-fi, and Paid Parking
Suggested Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia From Singapore That Will Leave You In Awe!
2. Checkers Backpackers- For Those Travelling On A Shoestring Budget
One of the most well-known hostels in all of Singapore, Checkers Backpackers are located bang in the middle of the city, and offer all the basic amenities one expects from a hostel. The staff is warm and friendly, and has worked hard to make the hostel one of the top hostels in the country.
Additional Info:
Average Room Tariff: Rs 1500
Amenities: Free parking, wi-fi
Suggested Read: 54 Remarkable Places To Visit In Singapore Where A Wandering Heart Finds Peace
3. Marina Bay Sands Hotel- The Ultimate Spread Of Luxury
The epitome of luxury, the Marina Bay Sands is one of the most well-known hotels on the planet. The infinity pool of the hotel has been featured in countless luxury magazines and Instagram posts. The centrally located hotel is the only luxury option worth its mettle in the area and offers exemplary standards of service and amenities to its guests.
Additional Info:
Average Room Tariff: Rs 50000
Amenities: Free Parking, infinity pool access, observation deck
Further Read: Anuj’s 5 Days Trip To Singapore Will Give You All The Reasons To Pick This Place For Your Honeymoon!
The Singapore Marathon isn’t an event that you would want to miss. With an excellent team of organisers working tirelessly throughout the year to make the event successful, participating in the event is not easier than ever. All you need is a willingness to put your mental and physical limits through a gruelling but fulfilling test. Are you ready for your Singapore trip?
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Make sure you go through the FAQs of the event before going forward with the signup process:
Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Marathon
When does the registration for the 2020 Singapore Marathon start?
The registration process usually starts in the final weeks of May.
Can I combine multiple discounts on the registration fee?
No. Only one type of discount coupon can be used for one registration. For this reason, it is advisable to spend some time finding a discount coupon that gets you maximum discount and use the same.
Are there any special rules for children participating in the Kid’s Dash?
There is just one rule, applicable for children below the age of 6 years. The rule dictates that children below 6 years need to be compulsorily accompanied by their legal guardians.
What happens if I cannot complete the race?
Absolutely nothing. You will still receive all the freebies associated with your registration fee.
Is there a fee involved in spectating the marathon?
No. Spectating the marathon is absolutely free of cost.
A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
