Photos featured may have been taken before COVID-19.
Whether you’re an athlete who enjoys pushing the limits of your endurance, or just looking for a fun way to sweat it out with family and friends, Singapore offers a dynamic range of events for fitness enthusiasts of all stripes.
Many of these endurance events have evolved and adapted their races to COVID-19, which means that participants can work up a sweat without having to fret.
From themed runs for the entire family to marathons geared towards seasoned veterans, these endurance events are bound to give you a major endorphin rush.
Test your mettle
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
If there’s one unmissable race to attend in Singapore, it’d be the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, an iconic event that attracts thousands of runners annually.
Runners can pick between the full 42-kilometre route, or less daunting challenges like the 21.1 km and 10 km routes. As you pound the pavement, you’ll be able to enjoy Singapore’s gorgeous city scape, with routes typically taking participants through Marina Bay and the Civic District.
Less competitive runners can opt for fun runs like the team-based Relay Ekiden and the 600m kids’ dash.
Due to COVID-19, the marathon has since taken on a high-tech twist, with a series of virtual and augmented reality-enhanced races. Runners will be able to create digital avatars, compete against each other in real time and participate at gyms across the island.
2XU Compression Run
Geared at both novice runners and enthusiasts alike, the 2XU Compression Run is ideal for participants who’re just getting their fitness journey back on track.
While the race offers 21.1km and 10km routes, there’s also a more leisurely five-kilometre route that’ll still prove more than sufficient to get your heart racing.
2021’s format will take on a virtual element, with runners choosing their own routes and logging their race times via partner apps like Strava and Fitbit.
OSIM Sundown Marathon
The granddaddy of night races in Singapore, the OSIM Sundown Marathon is an unforgettable experience.
Taking place in the evening, this iconic race will have you pushing your endurance beneath the golden glow of our city lights.
The flag-off is in the evening, with participants running through the night and finishing near dawn. The festivities tend to include myriad fringe activities, from movie screenings to food stalls.
RUNNING AT SUNDOWN—the marathon’s digital version of the race for 2021—will allow participants the flexibility to clock five kilometre-runs across a month-long period, with their progress logged on a fitness tracker of their choice.
MetaSprint Series
Athletes looking to dip their toes into triathlons should consider signing up for the MetaSprint Series Singapore.
Unlike most triathlons, this event allows participants the flexibility to choose two out of three of the traditional triathlon categories to participate in.
Whether you’re channelling your inner Aquaman with the swimming and sprinting of the Aquathlon or going all out with the standard triathlon, you’re bound to find an event that suits your skillsets and preferences.
As part of the COVID-19 measures this year, you can opt to take place in a traditional race while adhering to social distancing measures or sign up for the digital version of the race. The latter will utilize an app with voice navigation to guide you around the course.
Spartan Race
If you’re a fan of reality TV shows like Ninja Warrior or Hollywood movies like 300, the Spartan Race is your chance to unleash your inner gladiator.
Test your endurance and speed in teams while you tackle courses which offer sprints, marathons, and a variety of challenging obstacles all rolled into one— Try your hand at rope climbs and spear throws, or work your way through burpees and push-ups if you fail a station.
It’s a tough race, but you’ll certainly feel like an invincible warrior when you’ve completed it!
Fun runs
Aloha Sentosa Virtual Run
Seaside views and scenic nature trails take center stage on the Aloha Sentosa Virtual Run. Taking place on the island resort of Sentosa, this 5-10km run is perfect for families looking to work up a sweat together.
Besides being a great way to bond and enjoy nature, the race also tends to offer a whole slew of offers and deals for participants. 2021’s edition of the race includes discounts to numerous attractions like Madame Tussauds Singapore and Sentosa Adventure Land.
Colour Run
Known as The Happiest 5K on the Planet, the Colour Run lives up to its name by getting you doused in powdered chalk when you turn the corner after every kilometre. With no winners or official time-taking, this is one fun race that’s open to everyone from first-time runners to experienced athletes.
The rules are simple—come in a white t-shirt, and finish the race doused in all the hues of the rainbow. Most races conclude with an after-party, which involves music, dancing and participants plastered in even more colours.