The organization is commendable, right from the online registration to the goodie bag collection, finisher medal & t-shirt.... PERFECT! Thanks to ADIDAS, the souvenir & finisher t-shirts are of 'Dri-Fit' quality - perfect for runners in this tropical heat & humidity.

The number of mobile toilets at the race start help to ease long queues. Sufficient water points along the route & very generous power gels handed out at around the 29KM+ mark.

However, the lackluster support along the route was so obvious compared to last year. The first group of cheerleaders at around Fort Road looked like they were running out of steam from the heat of the morning sun. The 2nd group at around the 37KM mark were trying to get 'fives' from the runners who were too tired even to lift up their hands. Apart from the clownish cheering at the finish line by the 2 DJ's, which helps to brighten up the end of the race, the crowd support was generally very poor going out.

Feedback for further improvement:
- Make the start time earlier (5 or 5:30) to avoid the mid-morning heat.

Otherwise it was a perfect route for a well organized marathon.

This was my 4th Singapore Marathon and probably the best organized. Singapore really knows how to pull off this race in a smooth manner. While the course is mostly shaded, it is a boring course. I remember running back in 2000/2001 when the course went through town. Lots to see (including the traffic lights that runners had to stop at!!!). All in all though, it is much improved since Standard Chartered took over the race. Biggest complaint: Virtually no crowd support at all over the majority of the course. The crowd was near the start and finish and not many other places.

Agree with comments from others.... An earlier start would be ideal... maybe 5:00 or 5:30am. Once the sun comes up, you are really at the mercy of the weather in this race. Yesterday the sun was up, so you can imagine what happened to the non-elite runners!!

I love this whole run... because I really had a fun run and I really enjoyed my run. Though it was a tough race for me, I really looked forward to my finishing point. Also very encouraged and motivated by the number of paticipants who took part. The race was very well organized. Anyway, just want to say... keep going, people, and you will reach your destination. :)

I find it a little bit strange that at the water stations runners were given water bottles. To me, that is a waste as runners usually do not have the energy or incliniation to consume an entire bottle while running the race. Perhaps water should be poured into cups instead, with bottles given only upon request.

Overall, it was a good race. The organizer shouting out your name at the finishing line to encourage you was a nice personal touch.

I've decided to put in my comments almost 1 year after the race. And here they are:

Pre-Marathon: Expo was too small. Nothing much to see whatsoever. (I'm comparing to other marathons that I've run, like the Cleveland Marathon, Richmond Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, etc.). However, comparing to the 2001 event (the only other SIM that I ran although I did the 1/2 in '03 and 10K in '02), it's a vast improvement. To make it a truly international event, consider a bigger event hall. Also, try to have more event merchandise besides t-shirts. (For example: Pins, mugs, caps, jackets.)

Marathon: They should consider starting the marathon even earlier. I remember the '01 event started at 5am or 5:30am, which was great, esp. for slow runners like myself. The Khon Kaen Marathon (Thailand) started at 4:30am and the KL Marathon started at 5am. We should start earlier since we are even nearer to the equator and this is named by Runners' World as one of the toughest marathon in the world. The route, was alright. But having to run along the ECP was not a great idea as the route was kind of narrow and there are other people camping out over the weekend.... Not to mention the route was also shared with other users like cyclist and walkers not participating in the event. The only good thing is the shade that the trees provided and the course is extremely flat.

Post-Marathon: All finishers get an additional t-shirt, which was great! However, the water and refreshments after the run was insufficient for back-of-the-pack runners. They should consider having more, esp. for slow runners for obvious reasons - we need to hydrate even more and to quickly replenish ourselves to aid recovery.

Overall: Generally speaking, if your intent is to support local event and to run in a marathon, then Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the one to take part in. Crowd support is so-so though. You will hardly hear any cheers by strangers except by the cheerleaders. (This is part of our culture so we can't complain.)

Other suggestions: Most marathons have mile markers rather than KM markers. Should consider mile markers because we have 26 to tackle, as compared to 42 KM markers to tackle. (It's psychological, but it DOES help!) Also, have water/sports drink station at every mile marker (or every 2 KM marker) as well as timing.

The SIM 2004 course was indeed a more ideal course for me than the SIM 2003 course. The finishing point was well sheltered from the heat. However, I enjoyed receiving the finisher's medal at the finishing line in 2003. In the 2004 marathon, we redeemed the finisher's medal at the finisher's resting area.

I ran the Standard Chartered 2005 Marathon this February and by comparision:

In Singapore, the spectators were everywhere to support us; you don't get pressured by the time limits and at the same time you get Isotonic drink, power-gel, participation t-shirt, finisher's t-shirt, finisher's medal and a wonderful massage.

In Hong-Kong, supporters were only at the finish point; you have time limits at every quarter of the marathon before the barricades are removed; and for amenities, you get Watson's Water, participating T-shirt, and an aluminium photo-frame. The weather was superb, only 15 degrees Celsius. The medical support team is also first-class.

They (SIM or HKIM) by comparision all have their pros and cons. I would really hope to experience Standchart Marathons with consistent high standards.

Overall, the 2004 marathon was a much improved marathon over last year's, but there's still room for improvement. I would prefer a 6:00 am starting time because of the hot and humid climate. The water points along the route require more helpers, as I noticed that most water points are undermanned (and also, water should not run out after only 4 hours into the marathon).

I hope with all the feedback from runners, the organizer of this event will improve and make the Singapore International Marathon 2005 into a huge success.

There was water. No problem for me.
Want your brand of isotonic drink? Bring your own. Or better still, volunteer to get the sponsors.
Want it in a cup? Bring your own.
Want heat rub? Bring your own if you think you must have it.

Please, Singaporeans... stop complaining.

Overall, a well organized event. Route was above average (heard some negative comments about the heat!!?? This is the tropics, what the hey are you complaining about??)

Thoroughly impressed with the fact that all the water points, first aid points, cheerleaders, etc were comprised of all volunteers.

Strange that some people can still have so many negative comments on the service and support.
Great fanfare at the end.

This was my 2nd Singapore Marathon. I am very disappointed with the 2nd half of the marathon route. There are no drinks at 19 km, 22 km, 30 km or the last two drink stations (along the entry point towards the esplanade). It was a commendable improvement last year; however Standard Chartered did not improve on the drinking stations. Can you imagine running the full 42 km without water? - especially the last 20km?!

They have changed the brand of the isotonic drink (EXCEL - maybe to cut down the cost). In 2003 they had a bottled isotonic and in 2004 it was in a cup. As a runner, we can do without the crowds and shade, but we cannot do without water... especially with no isotonic either. It's the worst not to even have water!!! I even saw a few of the runners buy drinks from drink vendors... pity them!