Here’s a deeper look at why the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM)  often described as “Singapore’s only full marathon”  continues to draw large crowds, and what it would take for it to truly “level up” and become a world-class performance marathon.

 Why it still draws crowds

• Mass participation and inclusive appeal.

• The 2025 edition drew over 55,000 runners from roughly 80 countries up from about 6,000 when the event was relaunched in 2002. (SportPlus.sg)

• Breadth of race offerings. It isn’t just a single 42.195 km event  SCSM includes half-marathons, 10 km, 5 km, and relay (Ekiden) events.

• This makes it accessible to a wide range of runners: beginners, weekend runners, serious hobbyists, and international participants. (Wikipedia)

• Community spirit and local pride. For many Singaporeans and regional runners, SCSM offers a convenient, accessible “first marathon” no need to travel abroad, just sign up and be part of a big running festival.

• That democratic appeal gives it staying power even if it doesn’t command elite-runner attention. (CNA)

• Event growth and logistical improvements.

• The 2025 edition adopted a new two-day format (half and full marathons on separate days) to ease congestion and improve the experience. (Singapore Marathon 2025 -)

• The organisers are clearly responding to growth, popularity, and feedback.

In short: SCSM works as a large-scale, inclusive running festival  and that is enough to draw thousands of participants and sustain interest.

 Why “world-class” performance status remains elusive

Despite its scale and popularity, SCSM still struggles to be considered a “top-tier” marathon on the global circuit. Key obstacles include:

• Tropical climate  heat and humidity. Many elite marathoners avoid Singapore because it’s “too hot to do well in a full marathon.” (CNA) For example, the 2025 men’s winner finished in 2:15:40  “over five minutes slower than his personal best.” (CNA)

• Unfavourable conditions for personal bests.

• Because elite runners typically race only two marathons a year, they aim for venues where they can hit peak times  and Singapore’s weather, early flag-offs, and course challenges make that unlikely. (CNA)

• Lack of crowd atmosphere and vibrant spectator support. The early start time (before dawn) and hot weather deter large spectator turnout.

• One industry voice says: “You’re never going to get big crowds in Singapore, because it’s not pleasant to stand out there and watch in the heat…” (CNA)

• Logistical constraints: road closures, route design, city-race complications.

• Organisers face difficulties closing roads in a busy city, limiting how attractive they can make the route. According to one critic, the route suffers from too many utilitarian choices  not scenic or immersive enough to feel like a “major” marathon. (reddit.com)

• Withdrawal from elite-marathon ambition.

• The marathon once submitted a bid (in 2017) to join the elite global circuit (the top-tier “majors”), but due to commercial and organisational challenges, that bid was effectively abandoned. (The Straits Times)

 What it would take for SCSM to become “world-class”

Given the structural and environmental obstacles, elevating SCSM into a globally competitive marathon will require rethinking  perhaps even embracing a different identity than purely “fastest course” status. Some of the most viable avenues:

• Lean into what Singapore is not what it isn’t. Instead of trying to mimic the “fast and flat” European/US marathons, market SCSM as a unique, tropical-marathon challenge. Make “heat + humidity + city landmarks” part of the brand  like an “ultimate test” rather than a personal-best course.

• This was suggested by a running coach involved with past editions. (CNA)

• Create a regional “major” series. Some analysts propose building a Southeast Asia marathon circuit linking marathons in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. to offer a “mini – major” series tailored for the region.

• Runners completing the series get a special medal/recognition.

• That could give SCSM global interest without competing head-on with peak-time marathons in temperate climates. (CNA)

• Enhance experience beyond the race: tourism + destination appeal. Use Singapore’s global city status: pair the marathon with tourism packages, city sightseeing, cultural events, hospitality offers.

• Sell SCSM not just as a race  but as a full “Singapore experience,” making it attractive to international runners who also want a holiday. (CNA)

• Invite high-profile elite runners even if not chasing records. Bringing in marquee names (recognizable, popular runners) not just for speed but for visibility  could build prestige, media interest, and spectator buzz.

• Some argue this helps even if times are slower than global bests. (CNA)

• Optimize race logistics, route design, runner comfort.

• Continue refining race-day logistics, route planning for scenery (tourist landmarks) rather than just utilitarian roads, start times, hydration  all to maximize runner satisfaction and spectator engagement.

• The 2025 switch to a two-day format is a step in this direction. (Singapore Marathon 2025 -)

 What world-class means and whether SCSM should chase that

It’s worth asking: should SCSM emulate the global “majors,” or instead carve out a niche of its own?

• If “world-class” means record-chasing, elite-runner times, and inclusion among the top global marathons then climate and city constraints may always hold SCSM back.

• But if “world-class” instead means a highly respected, globally appealing, personally meaningful marathon  blending community participation, tourism, inclusivity, and unique regional flavour then SCSM might already be on its way.

In my view, the more realistic and ultimately rewarding path for SCSM is to redefine what “world-class” means for a tropical, Southeast-Asian city marathon.

Embrace its strengths global community, inclusivity, cityscape and build around them.