The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024 concluded with over 55,000 participants, marking a significant turnout for one of Singapore’s largest annual sporting events. Featuring runners from 84 countries, the event reflected the ongoing appeal of marathons as a platform for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024: Highlights and Key Takeaways
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024 took place from 1 to 3 December, hosting over 55,000 participants. This year’s event featured various categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and the Ekiden relay, and showcased a diverse group of runners from Singapore and around the world.
Held across Singapore’s iconic locations such as Marina Bay, East Coast Park, and Gardens by the Bay, the event celebrated endurance, resilience, and community spirit. Notably, the event recorded a significant rise in participation from international runners.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024 Post Race
Participation and Categories
This year’s marathon drew over 55,000 participants from 84 countries, reflecting a 33% increase in international participants compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the marathon’s growing appeal among global runners and its reputation as one of the region’s prominent sporting events.
The event was organised with a variety of categories:
- Full Marathon (42.195km)
- Half Marathon (21.1km)
- 10km and 5km runs
- Ekiden relay, where teams collectively completed the marathon distance
This diverse format ensured inclusivity for professional athletes, recreational runners, and first-time participants.
Race Route and Challenges
The marathon routes were designed to highlight Singapore’s urban and natural beauty, with key locations including Marina Bay Sands, Anderson Bridge, and East Coast Park. The tropical climate and varied terrain presented challenges for participants, particularly in managing hydration and pacing under humid conditions.
The Ekiden relay stood out as a team-based category, fostering camaraderie among runners while adding a collaborative dimension to the marathon.
Key Performances
The event saw strong performances in the elite and national categories:
Elite Gold Label Marathon:
- Geoffrey Yegon (Kenya) won the men’s race with a time of 2:16:06.
- Fantu Zewude Jifar (Ethiopia) won the women’s race with a time of 2:39:04.
National Marathon Championship:
- Soh Rui Yong secured his fifth national title, finishing in 2:46:05.
- Rachel See retained her women’s national title, completing the race in 3:00:45.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024 incorporated various initiatives aimed at fostering community involvement and addressing societal needs. A key highlight was its support for the Futuremakers by Standard Chartered programme, which focuses on improving access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship for disadvantaged youth, with funds raised during the marathon contributing to this cause.
The event also emphasised inclusivity, with participation from elite athletes, recreational runners, and individuals of varying abilities, supported by caregivers and volunteers who ensured smooth operations at hydration stations and along the routes.
Spectators added to the atmosphere by cheering participants on, while collaboration with government agencies, sponsors, and local organisations reinforced the event’s integration into Singapore’s cultural framework.
Sustainability measures, such as waste management and reducing disposable plastic use, were implemented to address the environmental impact of the event.
Reflections on the 2024 Edition
This year’s marathon reinforced its position as a key fixture in Singapore’s sports calendar. The combination of challenging routes, diverse participation, and strong community engagement made it a memorable event for both participants and spectators.
For runners looking to participate in future editions, preparation remains essential. The demands of running in a tropical climate and navigating varied terrains highlight the importance of strategic training, hydration, and pacing.
