BY As part of the measure to address the COVID-19 situation, the IRONMAN Group, event organizers of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) launched the SCSM Virtual Club (VC) and the SCSM Virtual Racing Series. These will provide a racing alternative in this period of uncertainty while race organizers will continue to work close with relevant government agencies for the unique race format for 2020 SCSM.
Signups for the Virtual Club are free and accessible globally, allowing for runners to connect and train, compete and earn rewards together.
The SCSM Virtual Club
The virtual club is engineered as an all-in-one engaging and rewarding platform for runners to stay active, train and gear up towards the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. It will include weekly races and challenges, an online store with redeemable rewards, training and nutritional resources, and performance tracking.
In the build up to 2020 SCSM, there will be a total of 15 SCSM Virtual Races. These Virtual Races celebrate uniquely Singaporean running routes, and encompass four main themes:
1) Action Seeker – routes that take runners through places of adventure
2) Culture Shaper – routes featuring Cultural Landmarks
3) Explorer – routes that go through iconic attractions
4) Foodie – routes that take runners on a culinary adventure
The SCSM Virtual Club is meant to bring runners together in this tough period where there are no actual races are made available for runners to gain motivation and rear up their competitive spirit.
2020 SCSM Race Format
For 2020, SCSM will be introducing a unique alternative race format with virtual and possible physical components that are being explored depending on regulations to replace the traditional road-race. The first of its kind, the race will allow runners to take part in the race safely and virtually, and still look forward to the signature finisher experience – complete with the finisher photo for runners to celebrate their accomplishments. There will also be a virtual reality component allowing runners to create avatars who can navigate through the virtual SCSM route in real time, competing with fellow runners. Planning for the race is still ongoing, and more details will be shared soon. Runners and partners are encouraged to stay updated for the latest information from SCSM’s digital platforms, as well as official government platforms and recommendations to keep the risk of transmission low.
Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, commented, “The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon will be a unique experience this year. With the launch of new innovative solutions, we will be able to continue training and connecting with fellow runners and athletes from around the world. I thank the organisers and sponsors for supporting the Marathon, and for bringing people together through sport!”
Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is a key highlight of our sporting calendar. We are glad to partner IRONMAN Asia and our tourism industry to continue and present this year’s race in a new and innovative format, given the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re also excited for the international community to discover Singapore’s hidden gems virtually as they explore our city from wherever they are in the world.”
For more information and signup at https://www.sgmarathonvc.com/
About Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the leading mass participation run and only IAAF Gold Label race in South East Asia. Since 2002, the race has brought runners unparalleled running experiences, threading through the heart of the city seeing iconic heritage buildings and against one of the world's most iconic city skylines and past some of Singapore’s iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Comprising six categories; Marathon, Half Marathon, Ekiden Relay, 10km and Kids Dash, the race has been a catalyst to growing the local and regional running community, by bringing together approximately 50,000 professional, amateur, avid and leisure runners yearly. For more information, visit www.singaporemarathon.com.
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