Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008 opens for registration
Greater community to be part of Singapore’s premier running event
Singapore, 21 July 2008 – Registration for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008 opened today at Raffles Place with Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State, Trade and Industry, Lee Yi Shyan, being among the first to sign up for Singapore’s premier running event.
The giant mi adidas shoe that runners and members of the public can place their shoeprint stickers on when they pledge their support to raise money for the adopted charity, Community Chest.
Lim Cheng Teck, Chief Executive, Standard Chartered Singapore, said, “We are celebrating our 150th anniversary in Singapore next year and our goal is to raise a total of S$1.5 million for the Community Chest through a number of initiatives, one of which is through the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. This year by introducing multiple charities and on-line pledging, we want to enable everyone, not just charity runners, to be part of this initiative and truly make every step count for the less fortunate in our community.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Council, Oon Jin Teik, said, “The support of the corporate sector is vital in the development and growth of our local sports industry. The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is a great example of an event that has grown by leaps and bounds with the support from key corporate partners such as Standard Chartered. The event has grown tremendously from Standard Chartered’s involvement not just in sponsorship dollars but also in their commitment through staff volunteerism in various operational aspects of the race. Standard Chartered’s exemplary corporate partnership clearly demonstrates the strong value proposition that sports offers companies and we hope more companies will come forward to leverage on the power of sports marketing and branding.”
Through the continued strategic partnership with title sponsor, Standard Chartered, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon also looks to add new initiatives to enhance the experience of runners and supporters alike on Sunday, 7 December 2008.
Organizers are aiming for another record-breaking year with 48,000 runners, signifying a 20% increase across seven different categories, the Full Marathon (42km); the Half Marathon (21km); the 10km - Men’s and Women’s, 10km Team; 10km Wheelchair Race and the revamped Kids Dash.
The very popular Standard Chartered Kids Dash will be separated into four age groups -- three years old and below, four to six years old, seven to nine years old and 10 to 13 years old -- to ensure an enjoyable running experience for the budding runners. There will be separate start times for these categories, beginning from 10.30 am. In the interest of their safety, runners in the two youngest age groups must be accompanied by one parent.
Runners can also expect improvements to the route; the organisers are incorporating the iconic Benjamin Sheares Bridge and the Singapore Flyer into the route for the first time.
The Runspiration programme will see the number of bands and cheerleaders doubling from 20 to 40 teams. The inclusion of award winning local cheer teams as well as teams from the region will also add to the vibrancy and atmosphere of the event. All Runspiration competitions are open to the public and organizers are also looking to attract more fancy dress participants and photographers.
Loh Lin Kok Co-chairman of the SCSM 2008 Organising Committee and President of Singapore Athletic Association (SAA), said, ”While the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon grows in scale and stature every year, the race experience remains of utmost importance to us. The changes to the race route and the expansion of the Runspiration programme have been made to ensure that all participants will have the best race experience on event day. We are confident that this year’s race will surpass all records and expectations set in past years.”
