Sundown Marathon Singapore – All you need to know!

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Sundown Marathon Singapore Guide
Photo by Sundown Marathon Singapore
Updated Jan/2023. The next Sundown Marathon Singapore is happening on May 20th, 2023. Check the official website for race details and to register. 
Singapore is worldwide famous for its food, its futuristic architecture, and for being a multicultural state. Singapore is also home to Asia’s largest night race, the Sundown Marathon Singapore with over 27.500 runners from 55 countries. 

If you follow our adventures, you already know that we are crazy about sports. If you are new here have a look at some stuff we did in Langkawi, Angkor Wat, Paris, Cervia, and Catalunya.

Natalie couldn’t believe the day I told her that she was enrolled for her first half marathon and that I was going to run the full marathon. We raced the Singapore Marathon, but during nighttime, and here is our Sundown Marathon review:

 

> Sundown Marathon Singapore Entry Process Review

The entry process is straightforward, on the official website of the event you will find all the info on how to enroll for the race. I did Natalie’s and mine in less than 10 minutes.

> Sundown Marathon Expo Review

The Sundown Marathon Expo took place at Suntec City, a huge convention center & shopping mall. You should collect your race pack during the expo, so we went there on the second day, and found it well organized and with helpful staff. Got our race packs really quickly.

In total, we spent about 45 minutes at the Expo. There are several booths from renowned brands showing their latest products like Garmin, TomTom (their new watch is incredible), Compressport… Also got to know about other races in Asia and even raced my fastest triathlon ever, 1 minute and 56 seconds.

From the enrolment, to the expo, and the race day... Everything went smoothly at the Sundown Marathon Singapore 2016.

There was one issue though, the Expo happens one week before the race. Many overseas runners were not able to visit the Expo and have to collect the race kit on the race day.

Tip: Better to reach Suntec via MRT, from Esplanade or Promenade stop is about 3 minute walk.

> Sundown Marathon Singapore Course Review

The course of the Singapore Marathon is great. I would say 98% flat, there is one bridge at the beginning of the race that is quite steep and another one at the end of the race that is a killer.

In general, the course is very pleasant, the race starts on the F1 pits, you cross all the extension of East Coast Park then back to Gardens by the Bay East, over the Marina Barrage, pass by Gardens by the Bay, and head to the Singapore Flyer. The views from the Gardens East and the Marina Barrage are incredible. Here you can check the map.

The course was beautiful, we passed by many landmarks and tourist attraction of Singapore.
Photo by Sundown Marathon Singapore

 

> Sundown Marathon Singapore Race Review

The action started at 6 pm, in the area around the F1Pit Building. There were plenty of activities for runners and non-runners: movie screening, basketball, dodgeball, Zumba… We arrive late, around 11 pm so didn’t get to see much of the other attractions.

The heat was tough even racing during night time. Running along the East Coast Park was better, we got a sea breeze that helped to cool down a bit. The volunteers did a great job cheering and boosting the runners’ confidence.

They could be found every 3km or so. The vibe among the runners was awesome, people were very excited and we didn’t feel that heavy competitive atmosphere.  We really enjoyed the race.

A few things that we didn’t like, the race starts late at night, the flag-off for the half marathon was at 11:45 am, and the marathon was at 12:30 am. It is really crowded on the first 10 km, it’s hard to maintain a consistent pace (an issue in every race with over 5 thousand runners).  

The first 3 aid stations were a bit crowded too, on the other ones was easier to get isotonic, water, gel, banana… I wish they have ice on the stations, a bag of ice would be great to cool down!

It was Natalie’s first half marathon and my 5th marathon (counting the ones I did on my Ironmans). She finished the race in 2:19h and I did in 4:43h. 

After the Sundown Marathon Singapore, time to celebrate one more achievement. Rob's 5th marathon and Nat's 1st half marathon.

Where to stay in Singapore for Sundown Marathon?

It all depends on how much you want to spend. You can stay right in the city center close to the race, or a bit further and rely on taxis or public transport. Singapore’s public transport is one of the best in the world, buses and metro work perfectly.

Here is a list of the best hotels to stay for the Singapore Sundown marathon:

(click on the name of the hotels to see the rates and nook it)

The classics: The Fullerton, Raffles & Mandarin Oriental

The stylish: Hotel Telegraph

The best rooftop swimming pool: Marina Bay Sands

The affordable: Holiday Inn Express Singapore Serangoon, The Pod & Wink


Traveling to Singapore for Sundown Marathon

Plenty of airlines offer flights to Singapore Changi Airport. Suggest checking on Skyscanner for the best deals. To reach the city center from Singapore airport is easy, you can get a taxi or take the MRT (metro).

If you are coming from Malaysia, traveling by bus is another option.

Sundown Marathon Singapore was tough but also fun! The heat was a challenge, but we keep our smiles during the whole race!

How is the weather in Singapore during the marathon?

Be sure that it will be hot. Singapore’s weather is warm all year round. We were wishing for some rain to refresh a bit, but it didn’t happen. In May, the temperature in Singapore does not go below 26-28C. Heavy showers can occur but it’s hard to predict. It may rain for 5 minutes or the whole day.

Sundown Marathon Singapore Review Final Thoughts

Overall the Sundown Marathon organizers did a great job. We enjoyed the race, the expo, and the entry process was easy. Their website and Social Media channels were updated and most of the information needed pre-race could be found online. Of course, there is always room to improve, I would suggest organizing the Expo on the same weekend as the race and to start the race earlier.

Concentration before the Marathon in Singapore, ready to face my first half Marathon.

So here you go, all the info and tips to organize yourself to run the Sundown Marathon. It’s a well-organized and fun race. Maybe see you there next year!

PS: A big thanks to Hivelocity for inviting us to this race.

22 thoughts on “Sundown Marathon Singapore – All you need to know!”

  1. I must admit I only do a lot of walking on the treadmill. But this sounds interesting, especially in Singapore. Night things are so safe there.

    Reply
  2. Nice job–congrats to both of you for finishing your races! Such a great accomplishment!! I really like the concept of a night marathon–it makes for a different atmosphere and it would be nice to have it a bit cooler out as well! Sounds like a great experience and a fun time!

    Reply
  3. I joined their marathon last year with some of my colleagues, the race does really start late! There were a lot of entertainment programs going around and I was thinking, maybe they forgot about the race? hahaha but the organizers sure did a great job!

    Reply
  4. Congratulations to the both of you for running the half and full marathons. Sounds like an amazing experience. I’ve run 8 marathons, but never one at night. Did that throw you off a lot, given that you were probably training during the day? We’ll be in Asia next and perhaps we will see you at the 2017 marathon. Cheers!

    Reply
  5. What an amazing experience! I struggle to run due to shin splints but props to you guys for being in awesome shape to do a half and full marathon each whilst traveling! Natalie must have had an incredible feeling of accomplishment when she crossed the finish line on her first race!

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  6. The good thing about a night race is that you’d beat the heat. I’d never even heard of night marathons – the Sundown Marathon Singapore sounds so fabulous, though definitely beyond me. Well done!

    Reply
    • The Sundown Marathon was a big surprise for us too We have run at night time before, but the start was always around 7-9 pm. In Singapore, apart from the heat, the challenge was to be awake to almost midnight, when was the flag off. But worth it, we had an amazing experience!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Nat

      Reply
  7. Congratulations! Singapore is very pretty at night with all the city lights. Unfortunately the weather stays warm, but its much better than running in the afternoon heat!

    Reply
    • Singapore by night is stunning. The view we had from the Marina barrage with the city all lighted up, was gorgeous.
      It was tiring but worth it, the marathon was a great experience!
      Thanks Mar, happy travels!
      Nat

      Reply
  8. Great job! Thank goodness it was at night, I couldn’t imagine running under the hot sun. Such a late start though! I agree it would make a lot more sense to have the expo closer to the race, it seems like it would be much more convenient for all the international racers.

    Reply
  9. Been hearing a lot about this marathon from a few friends there in SG. It’s really good to know all the details about the marathon and it’s beginner friendly. May i just ask if you have any suggestions for accommodations for those who are travelling just to join? Thanks

    Reply
  10. Seem like a fun event! I wonder if there will be another event like this coming August? Planning to travel to Singapore on that date. Anyhow, your post is much appreciated.

    Reply

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