SINGAPORE – Excitement is building as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) approaches, set to take place from November 29 to December 1. However, race organizers, the Ironman Group, have warned residents and visitors about significant road closures and transport alterations in anticipation of the event.

Key areas of the city will see road closures, notably Nicoll Highway, National Stadium, Beach Road, Marina Boulevard, and parts of the Central Business District (CBD). Specific buildings located along Temasek Avenue, Beach Road, and Nicoll Highway MRT will become no-access zones, prohibiting any vehicular movement, including pick-ups and drop-offs.

In an effort to manage the increased foot traffic and ensure safety, SBS Transit has announced that 27 of its bus services will also face disruptions. On November 30, several bus services—including numbers 10, 11, 14, 16/16M, and 32—will be rerouted from the beginning of operations until 11:45 AM. Affected stops will include those along Bayfront Avenue, Beach Road, and Nicoll Highway, as well as stops within the Civic District and Marina Central.

On December 1, further alterations will affect services from start until 3:00 PM, involving additional bus numbers such as 48, 80, and 186, among others. This could significantly impact commuters and spectators planning to attend the marathon.

The marathon festivities will kick off with the Kids Dash on November 29, followed by 5km and 10km runs on November 30. The highlight will be the half-marathon and full marathon on December 1, which promises to attract participants from around the globe. For the first time since 2021, the Ekiden relay race will also make a much-anticipated return.

Interestingly, the finish line for participants will shift for the 2024 edition. Instead of the National Stadium, runners will now complete their races at Anderson Bridge, as the stadium will be occupied for the upcoming Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup from December 8 through January 5.

Jeff Edwards, the managing director of Asia for the Ironman Group, emphasized the importance of careful planning for the marathon routes in collaboration with key partners. He stated, "Safety of all is a key priority when we plan these events. SCSM 2024 looks forward to welcoming participants from all over the world to an event that celebrates both the excitement of a world-class race and the beautiful sights of Singapore."

With the marathon just around the corner, preparations are in full swing, and challenges such as rerouted bus services and road closures are addressed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Mark your calendars and plan your travel routes accordingly for this exhilarating weekend of athleticism and community spirit!