WHAT’S NEXT?
Asked what’s next given the marathon’s perennial challenges, race organiser the Ironman Group said the goal is to keep growing participation as well as improving experiences.
“For us as organizers, we never lose sight of our core mission, which is to grow each edition of the race, increase participation, and deliver an exceptional experience for runners from Singapore and around the world,” said Mr Santoz Kumar, the general manager of the Ironman Group.
Title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank said that it will continue to explore ways to create experiences “that go beyond race weekend” and can benefit the wider community.
For example, this year, it offered 200 complimentary race slots to volunteers and running enthusiasts from community organisations such as Special Olympics Singapore, and Running Hour, which benefits those with special needs.
On how the marathon will continually raise its appeal to international runners, Mr Santoz said that group has “extensive experience in international marketing and promotion”, which has helped grow overseas participation at the event over the years.
The race attracted 14,000 international participants from 80 countries – about 25 per cent of the participants. In comparison, participation statistics from the Berlin Marathon, a World Marathon Major, showed that over 40 per cent of its participants are from overseas.
