The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is set to return on November 29 to December 1, 2024, with Standard Chartered bank renewing its commitment to Singapore’s marquee running event.
The bank has partnered SCSM since 2002, making it one of the longest sports partnerships in Singapore. According to event organiser, The IRONMAN Group… ‘2024 aims to reignite the passion for running and community camaraderie, and promises to be a celebration of resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of Singapore’s running community.’
(The sponsorship announcement comes as Standard Chartered faces controversy. Recent media reports point to US court submissions, which allege that the bank processed transactions in breach of sanctions against Iran. A number of transactions were further alleged to be linked with funding terrorist groups. Standard Chartered has fully disputed all allegations stated that these have already been ‘thoroughly discredited.’)
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2024
This year’s marathon in Singapore will see the re-introduction of the Ekiden Race, adding a new layer teamwork. In the Ekiden Race, teams of five runners take turns to complete sections of the marathon course, passing a sash to the next runner at designated transition points.
This encourages teamwork and greater inclusivity, enabling more to participate in the marathon. In support of the community, Standard Chartered will provide 100 complimentary Ekiden slots on a first-come-first-served basis to corporate teams who commit to fundraise for Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global youth economic empowerment initiative.
Futuremakers helps to empower young women in need to gain skills and sustainable employment, and supports entrepreneurs to build microbusinesses and create jobs.
The bank will also roll out the inaugural ‘5km and Beyond’ challenge for its Singapore-based employees to inspire novice runners to join the race and achieve their personal fitness goals. This initiative includes complimentary registration slots, training programmes, running clinics and other incentives.
This complements other employee activations such as Home Run @ SCSM, where colleagues are invited to run or walk to raise funds for Futuremakers.
SCSM 2024 will also feature a ‘Run-cation’ promotion exclusive for Standard Chartered Singapore cardholders until October 13, 2024. Four participants who sign up for SCSM 2024 using a Standard Chartered card will have the opportunity to win marathon race slots for 2025 Standard Chartered marathon events in Hong Kong, Taipei, Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur, and a pair of round-trip, economy flights to the respective cities with a three-night hotel stay.
Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered, said “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, the nation’s marquee running event which has grown from strength to strength.
“Through sports, we are able to play an integral role in building social bonds and community resilience. This year, we are focused on giving back and making the marathon an even more inclusive event for our community, colleagues and clients.
With the re-introduction of the Ekiden race, a ’Run-cation’ promotion, and the launch of a ‘5 km and Beyond’ employee challenge, we look forward to connecting Singapore’s diverse running communities, delivering yet another remarkable experience.”
Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, organiser of SCSM, said “We are excited and honoured to once again collaborate with Standard Chartered and our renewed partnership to promote a running culture in Singapore.
“The resounding success from last year’s event, where we saw some 44,000 runners, including more than 8,600 international participants – the highest in the marathon’s history – has fuelled our determination to elevate the 2024 race experience even further.
“We aim to celebrate runners of all abilities with the return of the Ekiden Race, championing shared achievements and inclusivity. With a wide range of race festivities in the pipeline, the event will engage the community and build an atmosphere that runners as well as race supporters enjoy.”
SCSM 2024’s three-day event will kick off with the Kids Dash on Friday, November 29, followed by 5km and 10km runs on Saturday, November 30, while the half marathon and marathon categories will flag off on Sunday, December 1, with Ekiden teams running alongside the marathoners.
