AsiaSingapore

Singapore Marathon

44th edition

A flat, polished tour of glittering Marina Bay where equatorial humidity is the real challenge.

5.0/10 Difficulty
120m Elevation Gain
1982 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is a flat city course winding through the gleaming Marina Bay district, past the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, and the colonial core of the island state. The terrain is gentle and fast by profile, but the equatorial heat and humidity are unrelenting year-round, forcing a pre-dawn start and making cooling the central tactic. It draws a big, cosmopolitan field to one of Asia's most polished and well-run events. The smooth roads and tidy organization keep the focus on managing the climate rather than the gradients. It suits runners who want a slick, modern big-city race and are prepared to pace conservatively against the tropical conditions.

city hot humid tropical night flat

Course Insight

Singapore sits almost on the equator, and its December marathon is a battle with heat and humidity above all, typically started in the pre-dawn dark to dodge the worst. The flat course is fast on paper, but the sticky air makes even pacing essential and goal times negotiable. Drink early and often and don't be lured by a cool-feeling start that won't last. Terrain is a non-issue; the climate is everything. Respect the humidity and you'll finish strong rather than wilting.

Pro tip: Drink early and often and ease your goal time — the equatorial humidity, not the flat terrain, sets the difficulty.

Difficulty Breakdown

5.0/10

Mostly due to challenging typical weather.

Elevation
2.7
Hill Placement
5.6
Weather
10.0
Turns
3.1

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
120m
Elevation loss
120m
Highest point
19m
Net drop
0m
Start
F1 Pit Building
Cutoff time
7h 0m

Course Records

Men
2:11:25
Luke Kibet
Kenya — 2009
Women
2:28:54
Priscah Cherono
Kenya — 2019

Race History

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon was first held in 1982 and grew into one of Asia's most polished big-city marathons, touring the gleaming Marina Bay district of the island state. Defined by the relentless equatorial heat and humidity that force a pre-dawn start, it built a reputation for slick organization rather than fast times. From its founding it expanded into a major cosmopolitan event. Run each December, it now draws a large international field to the modern city-state.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Singapore Changi (SIN)
Best area to stay
Marina Bay for proximity to the start/finish with iconic hotels, the Civic District for central stays on the route, and Clarke Quay or Chinatown for lively, better-value options.
Getting to the start
The start is around Marina Bay/the Padang; take the MRT to City Hall, Esplanade or Marina Bay and walk to the start.

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