BY COVID-19 has been rough on sport events and marathons as they typically involve large amounts of participants and audience. Fortunately, many marathons have taken to the virtual platform by formulating a virtual version of their typical onsite running event. Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2020, a hallmark event of marathons in Singapore, is no exception. SCSM 2020 aims to bring runners an immersive experience with both virtual and offline events that are sure to make you feel part of a community.
Unique Hybrid Race Format
Runners can register for the unique hybrid race format that has an outdoor or indoor race option with a compatible tracking device or to join the immersive augmented reality (AR) format powered by Rouvy on a treadmill. Oversea runners can take advantage of the AR format to experience the spectacular cityscapes in the “Best of Singapore” routes. There are five categories: SCSM Grand Finale Rouvy AR 10KM, Rouvy AR Half Marathon, VR 10KM, VR Half Marathon And Double Up Challenge.
The Half Marathon and 10K routes featured in the AR format have been specially curated in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to feature some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and scenic streetscapes such as Orchard Road, Little India, Chinatown, the Civic District and more.
Grand Finale Celebration Experience
For those who still prefer an onsite experience, you can opt to attend a two-day signature Grand Finale Celebration experience at Gardens by the Bay on 5th and 6th December. Held at the Flower Field Hall in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, the Grand Finale Celebration will give runners the opportunity to collect their race entitlements and commemorate their race achievements against photo backdrops of their choice.
This will be open to those who have purchased the Grand Finale race entitlements, and will be on a pre-registration basis for specific time slots as part of prevailing safe management measures. Overseas runners can also opt for a race entitlement package, and have their race singlet, medal and other goodies sent to them.
Augmented Reality (AR) Race Format and More
For gamers or people who would like to feel the thrill of running with others or anyone curious, you can create an avatar and see yourself competing with fellow runners in real time, while also emulating the actual race experience through various in-video features.
To allow as many runners as possible to experience this immersive virtual race format, race organisers have also teamed up with Sport Singapore to activate 12 ActiveSG sport centres around the island. These gyms will offer bookable slots for the AR Half Marathon and 10KM categories via the ActiveSG app. Get that same thrill and feeling of actual race day without putting yourself at risk.
Additionally, there will be a special 90-minute live Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2020 Race As One Show on 5 December starting at 6pm. Runners can tune in via the SCSM Facebook page to catch celebrities and personalities race for a cause in the Rouvy AR Half Marathon Relay Challenge. This year, SCSM will be joining National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC)’s Giving Week 2020 and raise funds for Community Chest, more details will be shared closer to date. Through this initiative, the race organisers hoped that all participants, partners, and the community would come together and stand in solidarity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The show will also feature highlights and runner stories from the 15-weeks SCSM Virtual Racing Series of this year’s unique marathon.
Bringing Together a New Experience
Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “Marathons are all about overcoming obstacles and pushing your limits. We are heartened that The IRONMAN Group have shown that same spirit for this year’s event, by adapting and boldly reimagining the race during this challenging period. We encourage all event organisers to do the same, to continue exploring new formats and redefining how events could look like in the new COVID environment. In the meantime, we’re excited that runners from all over the world can experience the sights and sounds of our beautiful city virtually this year. We hope this will inspire them to visit us in person, in time to come.”
“While many Singaporeans were eager to see the SCSM return in its full glory, we know that for this year this was not to be. Undaunted, the organisers have creatively put together a celebration of the SCSM through an immersive and engaging journey and experience. This speaks to the spirit of Singapore and of all runners who want to come together in one voice to celebrate our way of life and in overcoming the limitations of these COVID-19 times. I wish all runners an enjoyable, meaningful and memorable SCSM 2020,” added Mr Lim Teck Yin, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Singapore.
Keep up to date and find out more on SCSM 2020’s official channels:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGMarathon
Instagram: @sgMarathon
Twitter: @SG_Marathon
Strava: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
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 http://www.singaporemarathon.com.
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