SINGAPORE - For the first time in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon’s (SCSM) history, the half marathon and marathon will be held on separate days to provide runners with a smoother and more enjoyable race-day experience, event organisers announced on April 15.

Instead of the usual three-day schedule, the 2025 edition will debut a two-day race format – the half marathon, 5km and Kids Dash will flag off on Dec 6, while the marathon, 10km and Ekiden will be held on Dec 7.

The annual event attracted over 55,000 participants in 2024, and organisers the Ironman Group said the new format will allow for more runners, with 60,000 expected this time.

Participation in the marathon and half marathon grew by 31 and 46 per cent respectively in the past three editions of the SCSM, which helped in the decision to split the race days, they added.

Jeff Edwards, Ironman Group’s managing director of Asia, said in a press statement: “As organisers, we aim to evolve alongside this growth, ensuring we continually look for ways to improve the overall race experience and create an environment where runners can perform at their best – conditions that SCSM is best known for.

“These adjustments, which have been thoughtfully planned, are aimed at creating a smooth flow throughout to ensure the best possible race experience for our runners, and allow for more runners than ever before to be a part of this event.”

Runners taking part in the 5km category will also flag off at 6.30am, two hours earlier than in previous years.

Marathon runners could also get some respite this year, after some participants took to social media after the 2024 event to complain about the final stretch of the 42.195km route at West Coast Highway. A number of them pointed out that the section, estimated at 10km, was unsheltered and too hot for runners in the mid-morning.

Responding to queries, a spokesman from the Ironman Group said: “We’re continuously looking at ways to improve the race experience for all runners, including reviewing potential route adjustments.

“A part of this is looking at where the West Coast stretch of the course fits in and we look forward to announcing the 2025 course in the near future. The decision to run the half marathon and marathon on separate days this year also gives us greater flexibility to optimise each course and refine specific segments. We will share more details around the race routes in due time, as we’re still in early planni...