My third marathon but my first abroad and apart from the heat I thoroughly enjoyed the run and it's atmosphere. Lots of shade for the first 30k and thankfully lots of water and energy drinks, especially for somebody who was still accustomed to the colder weather(had 3 days to acclimatize). The route along the beach was fantastic, never seen so many ships in my life and the cheer leaders/supporters played there part also. Appreciated the massage at the end and a freebie at that, something unheard of in NZ. Generally the event was well organised and obviously the negatives of previous years were acted upon, however there are 2 points where improvements could be made and that is (1) The main door to the stadium could have been opened earlier (whether it was planned or not) so we could use the loo facilities (2) The stadium lights turned on so we could run the track and stretch under lighting. I will return for the 2003 if work and finance allow it, but right now I'm warming up for the 2003 Hongkong marathon. See you all there.

The 2002 marathon was a big improvement compared to the one last year (2001 was a nightmare). I think the credit should go to Standard Chartered for success of the event. The overall atmosphere was just great with free transport to the starting point and also great music prior to start of the race. With plenty of water stations, the race distances was well marked too. My only complain is that the race should have started earlier at maybe 6:00AM instead of 6:30AM because of the hot weather. Would definitely take part again next year.

New course is professionally designed and very shady. Safety was improved as the route was closed to traffic. Water points aplenty at every 2km. Overall a well organized event. However, the start time could be earlier than 6.30 am to avoid the heat. Hopes the standard is maintained next year.

I made the trip to Singapore from England and I have to congradulate the organizers. A lovely course well shaded for the most part and plenty of water stations, which in this sort of heat is critically important. Nice finish with lots of atmosphere. Well done!

Well organised. The east coast was very scenic. The MC before the start was lively and entertaining and the music superb!

Standard Chartered Bank sponserd the best marathon in Singapore rather than anywhere else, very enjoyable and cheerful and is a very good memory for my very first full marathon and I won't miss it next year!!

I ran the Exxonmobil Singapore marathon 2001 and vowed never to do it again - the course / organization was JUNK !!

The 2002 race with new sponsors and a Professional race director and team for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon made all the difference.

- New shaded and scenic route
- No traffic trying to mow you down
- Water and sportaid 'Free flow' ea 2km
- KM markers each KM
- 6000+ Participants

Great event - see you next year !!.

Alex Harkess

The 2002 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is the best I have seen so far. A record number of 6 thousand ran yesterday. 3 cheers to the Singapore Sports Council and Standard Chartered Bank (new key sponsor).

Firstly the course took the runners by the coast and under mostly shady environment which is important in tropical climate like Singapore. This is especially so for the sub-3 hours runners as they are competing for better times. For those with running time above the 3 hours mark, it is as important for safety reason. They are the ones who have to bear with some of the most gruelling heat and humidity. A challenge for the best to break a record in such condition!

As for the water points and spectators raised in previous reviews, both water and 'energy drinks' were available at every 2 km initially and 1 km towards the very end. More can be added towards the last 15 km journey.

The addition of relay and cheering points at multiple points make the marathon alot more fun for both the runners and spectators. The breakfast parties was a great idea.

In addition, chip tags were distributed to all runners this year. This makes the logistic for checkpoints and endpoint more efficient and accurate.

Perhaps Singapore can be the first in the world to host a night marathon since the condition is very hot here in the day! An idea!

I would definitely consider running again.

Cheers!

I'm a casual participant and finished in under 5 hours. The race was my first and will run again in 2002. My take on the race in 2001:

1.Lack of spectators and little publicity.
2.Close the damn roads! I was running side by side with a bus at some stretch. As reported, a top runner got hit, but I understand that he was running at the right side of the road. In Singapore, motorists drive on the left, unlike say the USA. In fact, we were running on the pavement along the stretch of road he was hit.
3.Too hot? Definitely, but okay for people who train or live in the climate.
4.There is still plenty of water and sports drinks for slow runners like me, but the supply apparently ran out for runners who were even slower.
5.Close the damn roads!
6.Boring route, esp. from the 25km to 35km stretch, area around the nature reserves and reservoir.
7.And close the damn roads.

Thanks for reading. Inspite of everything, I will run again.

Singapore is a country that prides itself on organization. Unfortunately this does not apply to the Singapore Marathon. You have to be half-witted to run this race.
Granted, there is nothing that anyone can do about the extreme heat and humidity, but at least they can do TWO things that would make a world of difference.

(1) Water, cold sponges and sports drinks, ALREADY POURED INTO CUPS, every mile.
(2) CLOSE THE ROADS!!!

I am a 'semi-elite' runner with a best time of 2;23 in the USA. I was leading this race for the first 10 miles (16km) in 1999, and I dropped out because I almost got hit by a bus. I was thirsty thoughout the race and became very dehydrated because when I arrived at the water stations, they did not have water poured into cups already!

Can these people THINK?

I ask that all runners, throughout the world, avoid this race until they get their act together.

Jason