Singapore, Tuesday, October 26, 2010 — With less than six weeks to go, the Singapore Marathon race routes were announced today.

The Singapore Sports Council (SSC), the organiser of the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010, also revealed the incentive scheme on offer for the race scheduled on December 5th.

There is an increase in prize money across all categories — the Elite, Open, Half Marathon, 10km and Wheelchair categories, as well as the ‘Champions Fund’ for athletes who return to Singapore for the 2011 edition.

There is also a ‘Time Bonus’ if they are able to meet certain times for the full marathon. Altogether the total prize purse now amounts to US$355,707 (S$473,090), making the Singapore Marathon one of the most lucrative races in the region.

For elite athletes this year, there is a substantial US$15,000 (S$19,950) increase in prize money for both the Men’s and Women’s categories.

The ‘Champions Fund’ is a new incentive scheme for athletes returning to Singapore in 2011, with an additional US$5,000 (S$6,650) for each of the first placed athlete in both the Men’s and Women’s full marathon categories. To qualify, the first placed athlete must receive the ‘Time Bonus’, and return to race in 2011.

In order to receive the ‘Time Bonus’, the top runner in the men’s category who clocks a timing below 2 hours and 11 minutes for the full marathon will be eligible to receive US$10,000 (S$13,300) while the second and third placed winners who come in below 2 hours and 12 minutes will each receive US$5,000 (S$6,650).

Commenting on the new incentive scheme and increase in prize money, David Voth, Chairman, SCMS 2010 Organising Committee and SSC’s Senior Director, Sports Marketing Group, said: “The improved prize model ensures a quality elite race component with elite world class athletes who are encouraged to aim for faster times and in turn an improved level of competition.

“It also gives Singaporean and international runners an opportunity to look forward to a lucrative race at the end of the running calendar right here in Singapore. It is our ambition to make this race Asia’s pinnacle race in time to come. We now have a race for everyone to look forward to.”

Details of the three race routes were announced, with changes made to accommodate the 60,000 participants. There are three unique start points — Orchard Road for the Full Marathon, Sentosa for the Half Marathon and Esplanade Bridge for the 10km category.

All routes have also been reinforced with additional medical support, with official medical provider Alexandra Health deploying 20 doctors, 110 nurses, 550 first aiders, 30 ambulances, 10 RAVs, 13 Kruzers, 21 bicycles and four buggies. There will also be six medical tents stationed across the three routes and at the finish line.

“Given the magnitude of this year’s race and three different routes, we have worked closely with the Singapore Sports Council, the organiser of the SCMS 2010, to implement every measure and precaution needed to ensure a safe running experience for all,” said Dr Francis Lee, a medical doctor from Alexandra Health.

Full Marathon (42km)
For the first time ever, the Full Marathon will kick-off at 5am, 30 minutes earlier than previous years, at the heart of Orchard Road at the T-junction after Ngee Ann City. Runners will run pass landmarks such as Clarke Quay, Chinatown, the Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

Half Marathon (21km)
Participants of the Half Marathon will be flagged off at the Sentosa Bridge. The Half Marathon will see participants completing 1km out of the 21km route through Universal Studios Singapore. This will be the first time the theme park — which will be open before its normal operating hours to accommodate the race — will host an event of this nature.

This is also the first race in Asia which will have runners running through a theme park as part of a half marathon route. The park’s guides and up to 21 well-known characters and mascots will be out in full force to add to the festive mood, cheering the runners.

10km
The 10km run will start at the Esplanade Bridge. Runners will then head towards the Central Business District before turning back towards the Fullerton Hotel, and then on to the Esplanade Bridge. From there on they will continue their way past key landmarks on the Marina Bay before stopping the clock at the Padang.

Added David Voth: “With just about six weeks left to race day, we hope that runners are already preparing for the historic event. 2010 has been a great year for Singapore sports and we are looking forward to capping it off with another fantastic event which will put Singapore on the continental if not world map.”

Route Downloads
Full Marathon Route Map
Half Marathon Route Map
10km Route Map

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