Runners Celebrate as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 Opens for Registration
Inspired by the spirit and determination of the runners, event organisers are working harder than ever to enhance the experience of this year’s race
Singapore, 16 July 2008 – Registration for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 was officially opened today at the Raffles Place with past runners at the centre of attention. This year’s marketing and advertising campaign focuses on recognising runners who are the inspiration behind this event.
The VIPs with over 30 of the ‘150 Faces’ who turned up in support of the event
photo Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Transport, is one of the runners featured. He is joined by fellow runners in the unveiling of the collaterals of this year’s campaign, which showcases “150 faces of inspiration”.
With title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank renewing its long-term commitment to the Singapore Marathon in a S$10 million agreement last week, this year’s race is again focused on offering runners and supporters an enhanced experience on and of the track. To ensure this is achieved, registration has been capped at 50,000 and additional funding has been channelled towards areas including logistics, infrastructure and entertainment.
Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Council Oon Jin Teik, said, “After attracting 50,000 competitors last year and establishing a format that can rival the best marathons in the world, we decided to hone our focus directly on further enhancing the experience of race day. The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the crown jewel of the running events in Singapore. It has the widest depth and breadth in participation from elite and casual runners, as well as corporate and individual participation. This event is a fantastic example of how the Singapore sports scene has grown over the years, uniting the community and offering companies a strong value proposition in return.”
Loh Lin Kok, Co-chairman of the SCSM 2009 Organising Committee and President of Singapore Athletic Association (SAA), agreed, “Corporate sponsorship has been imperative for the continued development and improvement of our successful Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. With our sponsors’ and partners’ support, this year’s event promises to be the best yet. It will focus on enhancing the runners’ experience, as the runners and their supporters are truly our inspiration for improving and developing this race, and, without them, this now-coveted sporting platform just would not have harboured the same event equity as it enjoys today.”
Categories will remain the same this year, with competitors being able to choose from the Full Marathon (42km); the Half Marathon (21km); the 10km - Men’s and Women’s, 10km Team; the Standard Chartered Kids Dash and the 10km Wheelchair Race. Runners can expect more of the vibrant, carnival atmosphere at the East Coast Park, where supporters can gather and cheer on their friends and family. Half marathoners will also enjoy a more challenging run this year, given the slight changes to their route.
Through the event’s Run for a Cause initiative, runners and supporters will be able to raise funds for this year’s beneficiaries under the Community Chest: Bukit Ho Swee Family Service Centre; Lions Befrienders and the Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School The organisers are aiming to raise a total of S$350,000, which will help improve the lives of the underprivileged, the elderly and the youth.
Registration for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is available at www.singaporemarathon.com from today. Early birds-registration ends on 5 August.
