© Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
How to register for the Singapore Marathon
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is the biggest running event in the Republic of Singapore. It has become a must-run race for anyone wanting to experience the Lion City, running between its skyline, Marina Bay, and futuristic gardens. With its World Athletics Gold Label—the only one in Southeast Asia—and an organization designed to welcome more than 50,000 participants, the race offers a unique challenge. Here, runners come primarily for the experience rather than the time, as heat and humidity are fully part of the 42.195 km challenge. Usually held in early December, the race traditionally closes the autumn marathon season.
✓ How do you register for the Singapore Marathon? Here’s everything you need to know.
| A festive weekend with 55,000 participants
The Singapore Marathon takes place over two days every December and attracts a very diverse field: recreational runners, international participants, elite athletes, and relay teams inspired by the ekiden format. In 2025, the event welcomed more than 55,000 runners, including 14,000 international participants from 80 countries, confirming its status as the largest running event in Southeast Asia.
The event features several popular race formats:
✔ Marathon (42.195 km)
✔ Half marathon
✔ 10 km
✔ 5 km
✔ Ekiden (team relay)
✔ Kids Dash (children’s race)
✔ “Double Up” challenges, allowing runners to compete in two races across the weekend
Participants who complete two races are even highlighted in a special leaderboard. Since the 2025 edition, the race schedule has been redesigned to improve the flow of the event:
➜ Saturday: Half marathon, 5 km, and Kids Dash
➜ Sunday: Marathon, Ekiden relay, and 10 km
| How to get a bib for the Singapore Marathon
For most runners, registration is done online through the official marathon website. The system is simple: first come, first served. Because some distances sell out quickly, it’s best to register early. Public registration generally opens in April for the race held in December, and all entries must be completed no later than one week before race day. There are also special categories, including Elite and National Championship entries, which follow a separate registration process and require direct contact with the race organizers.
| Other ways to obtain a bib
Elite Marathon entries
The Singapore Marathon offers a dedicated process for elite athletes. Runners must contact the organizers and submit performance documentation during a specific application window. The performance standards are typically:
✔ Men: marathon under 2:20
✔ Women: marathon under 2:35
These results must be achieved during the qualification period defined by the organizers. All details are available on the Elite section of the official website.
National Championship entries
There is also a specific registration process for the Singapore National Championship, separate from the standard “mass runners” entry. This registration is available to licensed athletes affiliated with athletics clubs in Singapore.
| How much does a Singapore Marathon bib cost?
The Singapore Marathon uses a tiered pricing system, meaning prices increase gradually as race day approaches. Organizers typically announce pricing periods such as “Early Bird” and “Last Call.”
For the 2025 edition, prices started at 137 SGD and increased progressively up to 215 SGD. Important note: entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. This means:
➜ No refund after purchase
➜ No transfer to another runner
➜ No deferral to a future edition
➜ No name changes
Once purchased, a race bib cannot be modified or resold.
| The course and race experience in Singapore
The marathon offers a spectacular urban tour at sunrise, passing through iconic landmarks such as:
➜ Marina Bay
➜ Gardens by the Bay
➜ Singapore National Stadium
The race finishes in the heart of Singapore’s central district.
In 2025, the organizers introduced a slightly redesigned and flatter course, with about 215 meters of elevation gain, removing some of the toughest sections to improve the race flow and performance potential.
However, in Singapore, the tropical climate remains the biggest challenge. The marathon starts extremely early, at 4:30 a.m., to reduce the impact of heat. Even then, humidity often turns the race into a true endurance test, where pacing strategy and hydration matter more than chasing a personal best.
Elite runners compete for generous prize money—$50,000 for each winner.
In 2025:
➜ Abel Boniface Sikowo won the men’s race in 2:15:40, more than five minutes slower than his personal best.
➜ Shuko Genemo won the women’s race in 2:41:24, about twenty minutes slower than her personal best.
These results highlight just how challenging Singapore’s climate can be for performance.
Key information – Singapore Marathon 2026
- Date: December 2026 (4:30 a.m. start)
- Participants: about 55,000 runners over two days
- Elevation gain: 215 m
- Average temperature: 26°C with 85% humidity
- Goal: a unique travel marathon experience
- Price: from 137 SGD
- Label World Athletics Gold
© Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
Registering for the Singapore Marathon means taking part in one of Asia’s biggest running events—a race that is both spectacular and demanding. With its World Athletics Gold Label and unforgettable urban experience, the race offers everything needed for a memorable running adventure. The golden rule: register early on the official website, monitor the price increases, and remember that bibs are neither refundable nor transferable. If you’re looking for a destination marathon focused on the experience rather than the clock, driven by a powerful collective energy, Singapore is the perfect race for you.
✔ Full registration details are available here
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
