Let’s face it; the running scene in Singapore is hopping. 10 years ago, we could have counted the number of marathons with the fingers on one hand. Now? People on our little red dot are spoiled for choice – which is why we’re here to help you decide exactly which ones are worthy of your money, time, and effort.
Men’s Health Urbanathlon
If your dream marathon is a cross between the standard run and American Ninja Warrior, this one’s right up your alley. Featuring 9 obstacles over 14km, we suppose this is the perfect way for your man to display his masculinity and macho-ness. Ladies, sign up if you don’t mind getting down and dirty!
Men’s Health Urbanathlon, 2 March 2014, 7am, 14km (9 obstacles), The Float at Marina Bay.
Men’s Health Urbanathlon
X-Bionic Venus Run
Running 5km around the scenic sights of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage in celebration of International Women’s Day? Sounds good. Get there early for a free health screening by AsiaMedic, and drum up the adrenaline with a half-hour sesh of Zumba led by dancers of the Breast Cancer Foundation. This run is all about you, ladies.
X-Bionic Venus Run, 8 March 2014, 5pm, 5km, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951.
Nathan Singapore City Race 2014
This run made the list because it’s free form, which means the route is up to y’all. At the start, you’ll get a race map with marked control points across the island. You’ll need to plan your running route so that you’ll cross all the control points in the shortest time possible, so there’s some strategic thinking involved too. Bring your friends – three stooges are better than a genius – and have fun!
Nathan Singapore City Race, 23 March 2014, 7am, 5km/15km/25km/45km, Marina Barrage.
Sketchers Electric Run
Sketchers Electric Run
The Electric Run is more like a feast for the senses instead of a real workout. Featuring 6 courselands between the starting and finishing line (we’re looking forward to the Neffmau5 land), nobody will judge you if you hang around and dance for a bit if you dig the lighting zone or a song that’s playing. This incredibly popular (so you’d be wise to register sooner rather than later) run isn’t timed anyway.
Sketchers Electric Run, 11 & 12 April 2014, 8pm, F1 Pit Building.
Green Corridor Run
Escape the concrete jungle and make a beeline for the Green Corridor Run – you’ll get 10.5 km of lush, unspoilt nature that most people in Singapore don’t even know exists. As a bonus, you’ll get a little dose of Singaporean history, with the starting point at the heritage Tanjong Pagar Rail Station and finishing at the old Bukit Timah Rail Station. Nature lovers, don’t hesitate!
Green Corridor Run, 18 May 2014, 9am, 10.5km, Tanjong Pagar Rail Station.
Foam Run
Foam aside, this is one of the few races that aren’t happening on mainland Singapore so you can expect a different type of scenery (think coastal jogging tracks, Siloso Beach, and Palawan Beach) in this run. Okay, back to the inflatable slides, obstacles, aaaaand loads of foam – this is definitely one for the young at heart. Washing down at the finish point is included so no worries ‘bout the aftermath.
Foam Run, 24 & 25 May 2014, 9am, 5km, Sentosa.
Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon
Disclaimer: this is for hard-core runners only. The organizers are challenging you to run as many laps (4.3km per loop) around Bedok Reservoir as you can within 12 hours – but you’ll have to clock a minimum of 12 laps to get your finisher’s tee and medal. This sunrise-to-sunset race is just about the most creative way for you to test your determination. Don’t worry, food (and water) will be provided.
Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon, 16 Aug 2014, 7am, at least 51.6km, Bedok Reservoir.
Monster Ultra 200
If there were an award for the craziest run ever, Monster Ultra 200, will get our vote. 200km (no typo) in 48 hours? This takes endurance to a whole new level. You’ll definitely deserve the title ‘Monster’ if you actually complete this race (battling the heat, exhaustion, and sleep along the way!), so sign up, if you dare.
Monster Ultra 200, 31 Oct 2014, 9pm, 200.68km, MacRitchie Reservoir.
Swissôtel Vertical Marathon
Speaking from personal experience (two members of Team Honeycombers conquered all 73 floors and 1336 steps last year), the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon is totally different from the usual 5km, 10km, or even 42km marathon. Adding this race to your ‘been there, done that’ list is like adding a one-of-a-kind notch in your bedpost (or is that a knot in your shoelace?).
Swissôtel Vertical Marathon, Nov 2014, Swissôtel The Stamford.
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore
We have to credit The Standard Chartered Marathon – which pulls its weight alongside world-class marathons in NYC, London, and Dubai – for the flowering of the running/marathon scene in Singapore. This is also one of the biggest runs here, with more than 60, 000 participants last year. Expect snaking queues to sign up for the marathon at the launch sometime in July.
Standard Chartered Marathon, 7 Dec 2014, 5am, 10km/21.1km/42.195km, starting point varies for different race categories.
Top Image: Foam Run