Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The BYD Singapore International 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.
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.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to challenging typical weather.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 120m
- Elevation loss
- 120m
- Highest point
- 19m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- F1 Pit Building
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:11:25 — Luke Kibet (Kenya), 2009
- Women's
- 2:28:54 — Priscah Cherono (Kenya), 2019
Race History
The 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. Standard Chartered served as title sponsor for over two decades before BYD took over in 2026, with Standard Chartered continuing on as a supporting partner. 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.