StanChart Singapore Marathon to be in hybrid format with virtual race, augmented reality
SINGAPORE — This year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will feature a hybrid race format which incorporates a virtual race (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to traverse through Singapore’s cityscapes.
Event organiser Ironman Group announced the format in a media release on Thursday (29 October), adding that the new format will replace the traditional race this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be free of charge for participants.
The format will be used in five race categories during the Grand Finale of the SCSM from 27 November to 6 December: the Rouvy AR 10km and Half-Marathon, as well as the VR 10km, Half-Marathon and Double Up Challenge.
Runners can register for either the outdoor or indoor race option with a compatible tracking device, or they can run on a treadmill to experience the AR format, which allows participants to create avatars and see themselves competing with fellow runners in real-time.
The race routes featured in the AR format have been specially curated in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), to feature some of Singapore’s landmarks and streetscapes such as Orchard Road, Little India, Chinatown and the Civic District.
SCSM organisers have also teamed up with Sport Singapore to activate 12 ActiveSG sport centres to offer bookable slots for the AR categories via the ActiveSG app.
Two-day Grand Finale Celebration
Race participants can also sign up for a two-day Grand Finale Celebration, held at Gardens by the Bay on 5 and 6 December, where they can collect their race entitlements and commemorate their race achievements against photo backdrops of their choice.
There will also be a special 90-minute live SCSM 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 an AR Half-Marathon relay challenge.
Public health and safety protocols in accordance with the safe management guidelines by the authorities will be in place for the Grand Finale Celebration event.
Overseas runners can also opt for a race entitlement package, and have their race singlet, medal and other entitlements sent to them.
To help runners stay active, train and gear up for the race, runners and the community have been able to participate in weekly challenges and races on the SCSM Virtual Club platform. Since its launch in August, the club has received over 80,000 participation across the weekly virtual races and challenges.
For more information on the SCSM 2020 and the SCSM Virtual Club, please visit www.singaporemarathon.com.
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