* taken from ASEAN Community FB fan page 

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) is the marquee running event of Singapore's sporting calendar. Every first Sunday of December, thousands of participants from all walks of life run past some of Singapore's iconic landmarks such as the Esplanade and Sentosa. Full Marathon runners also get to soak up the festive atmosphere as they run under the twinkling lights of Orchard Road.
In 2012, SCMS retained its Gold Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), placing it among the company of the world's elite races such as the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. As the highlight of Singapore's running calendar, the Marathon helped grow the running culture in Singapore. It began with just 6,000 runners in 2002, reaching a peak of 65,000 runners in 2011. In 2012, the theme – "Run for a Reason" – encouraged all runners to submit their individual reasons for taking part in the Marathon.
SCMS 2013 will feature three different start points and routes for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km. The Kids Dash also offers aspiring little runners the chance to experience the Marathon, while the Ekiden promises to foster both teamwork and strategic planning among a team of six runners completing the Full Marathon in a relay format.

Courtesy of Standard Chartered.
By Azri Admin Sg