When it comes to running, most people like to do it during the day. After all, it’s so much easier to see where you’re going and you don’t have to worry about getting mugged. But what if there was a marathon that took place only at night? Would you be interested?
Thousands of runners side by side in the darkness, sacrificing sleep and exploring the night. What could be more fun than that?
If you have never heard about the Sundown Marathons, odds are that you don’t live in Southeast Asia. For the last eight years, these marathons have taken place in Singapore, but starting at the end of this year it will expand to two more locations.
If you want to take part in history, you will check out all three.
OSIM Sundown Marathon Malaysia 2016
Place: Open carpark near to Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Date: 17th December 2016
For the first time, the OSIM Sundown Marathon Penang 2016 will take place in Malaysia, Penang. This area is rife with cultural and historical significance, as the country has been an unwilling host to numerous colonial powers over the past few centuries. As a result, Penang is a diverse melting pot of traditions and customs that make it one of the most unique areas in Southeast Asia.
Race Details
The marathon will start at the Queensbay Mall on the island of Penang.
- All 5KM Fun Run Race Categories: 12.10 AM (18 Dec)
- 10KM Challenge: 12.05AM (18 Dec)
- 21.1KM Half Marathon: 12.01AM (18 Dec)
Culture and Climate
So what can you expect in Penang? The area is highly urbanized and industrialized, so you can plan to see a lot of tall buildings and bright lights to illuminate your path. Being a tropical area, the weather during December is still remarkably warm and wet, so plan to drop a lot of sweat, even though you’re running at night.
While you’re in the city, be sure to check out some of the street food. According to many visitors, Penang has some of the best street food in Southeast Asia, so you will want to engorge as much as possible. We do advise, however, that you wait until after the race.
OSIM Sundown Marathon Taipei 2017
Place: Dejia Riverside Park, Taipei, Taiwan
Date: 14th January 2017
Like Malaysia, Taiwan will be tasting the sweet nectar of the OSIM Sundown Marathon Taipei 2017 for the first time next year. While the political climate of Taiwan is a bit complex, the area is one of the biggest cultural and technological powerhouses in the region.
Race Details
The marathon will take place starting at Dejia Riverside Park, which is located next to the Keelung River. Unlike Penang, the Taiwanese are deadly serious about running, so there are far more options with this particular marathon.
- 5K Fun Run – 8 p.m.
- 10K Challenge Open – 10 p.m.
- 10K Challenge Groups – 10 p.m.
- Half Marathon 23K – 11:30 p.m.
- Full Marathon 42.195K – 12:30 p.m. (15 Jan)
Culture and Climate
Taiwan is another tropical area, so you can expect warm nights and plenty of fog. Hopefully the air will be clear enough for you to see, but presumably, the event coordinators have a plan in case the area is socked in.
While you’re there, Taipei is known for three things: braised pork with rice, oyster omelets, and beef noodles. If you don’t get one of these dishes, then you cannot legally say that you visited.
OSIM Sundown Marathon Singapore 2017
Place: Singapore, F1 Pit Building
Date: 25th March 2017
For the last eight years, the Sundown Marathon has only taken place in Singapore. This incredible event was born here, and this is where it’s most popular. If you want the ultimate challenge, then you will come here and test your mettle against people who have been doing this since the beginning.
Race Details
Next year, the OSIM Sundown Marathon Singapore 2017 will be massive. The race will begin at the F1 Pit Building, which is located on the Southern tip of the country. As with Taipei, you will have plenty of running options from which to choose.
- 5K Fun Run
- 10K Challenge
- 21.1K Half Marathon
- 42.195K Full Marathon
Culture and Climate
March is a hot month in Singapore, as the tropical island nation is starting to warm up for the year. Expect plenty of heat and humidity, which will make completing the race that much sweeter.
Singapore is a literal melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian dishes, with many of them combining to form super meals that are guaranteed to leave you in awe. The area is full of industrial and technological wonders, and it has one of the biggest economies in the region.
The Full Experience
Looking at the itinerary for one of these marathons is exciting enough, but what if you did all three? What would that be like? In a word, exhausting. However, once you recover from your hot and humid runs, you will experience the best that Southeast Asia has to offer.
Considering that this is the first year that the Sundown Marathon is expanding to other territories, now is the perfect time to participate in all three races. If you want to be a part of history, this is the way to do it.
Not only will you have the satisfaction of completing three marathons back to back, but you will also walk away with memories that will last a lifetime.
So how about it? Are you in?
