StanChart Marathon to kick off with festive theme

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20121030-380412.html

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) is going festive to distinguish itself from other top marathons around the world.

Having been conferred Gold Label status by the International Association of Athletic Federations last year, the annual mass-participation race ranks alongside elite marathons such as those in London, Berlin, Boston and New York City.

And organisers believe that, with the traditional SCMS race date on the first Sunday of December so close to the Christmas season, having a festive theme will help grow its international stature.

For this year's Dec 2 race, volunteers and organisers will be decked in festive costumes, and festive music performances will be held along the running route. There will also be best-dressed festive-themed runners' competitions at the race.

Besides the festive theme, this year's marathon will also feature more ways to motivate the runners.

They include cheer markers - featuring words of encouragement sent in by runners - and cheer video screens displaying videos of support tagged to individual runners.

The race routes for the full- and half-marathon are being tweaked to prevent congestion.

A smoother baggage-deposit system has been implemented. Runners can opt for the service during registration and will be presented with a Baggage Service Pack at the Race Entry Pack Collection next month.

For more information on SCMS 2012, visit www.marathonsingapore.com and www.facebook.com/marathonSG.