[Sports] International Running Events in Singapore

Runners at the starting line

In Singapore, there are running events literally every month of the year. The recently-completed Osim Sundown Marathon 2015 saw the participation of about 26,000 runners who hailed from land both near and far.

With government's two prong approach - a push towards healthy living and revenue from sports tourism - much effort has been put into putting these races together. From running through the breath-taking Marina Barrage, to long stretches of the East Coast Parkway, most parts of the run were pretty pleasant. Certain roads were also closed to accommodate these events.

Breath-taking night view of the Singapore Indoor Stadium

Singapore's First International Marathon

The first Marathon ever held on Singapore's soil took place on December 5, 1982. (1)  It was a major undertaking as many roads were required to be closed. Starting from Connaught Drive, the race then meandered around Singapore. Passing through the various suburbs of Geylang Road, Paya Lebar, Ang Mo Kio, Thomson Road, Orchard Road and finally to the National Stadium. (2)

This arrangement would have caused a lot of disruption to the lives of Singapore and thus, would be the catalyst for the government to come up with a better way of doing marathons as the years go by. Now, all running events are held in and around the Central Business District area, Marina Bay and East Coast Park to minimise the level of disruption caused be road closures.

Also, the event was pretty much exclusive to those who have a higher level of fitness as there was only one race - the Full Marathon - 42.195km.


Marathon in Current Day Singapore

Races nowadays are more inclusive as instead of a single Full Marathon event, there are also shorter races such as the Half Marathon, 10km, 5KM fun run, and even children's event. (3) These running events can draw in more than 20,000 runners. (4)



References:

1. History of the Marathon in Singapore. November 17, 2014.  http://www.justrunlah.com/blog/2014/11/17/history-of-the-marathon-in-singapore/ Accessed on July 5, 2015.

2. The Straits Times. December 4, 1982. Advertisements Column 1. P3.

3. Channel News Asia. July 5, 2015. Sundown Marathon sees 26,000 participants. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sundown-marathon-sees-26/1961690.html Accessed on July 5, 2015.

4. Lim, J. July 5, 2015. Athletics: Participants laud new race category at Sundown Marathon. http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/athletics-participants-laud-new-race-category-at-sundown-marathon Accessed on July 5, 2015.