Getting to the start line of this year’s BYD Marathon is set to be easier, with selected MRT services starting from 2.30am on race morning on 6 December 2026.
The early train services are among several changes being introduced for this year’s edition of Singapore’s national marathon, alongside a new Medic Runners programme, an expanded Race Expo at the National Stadium and a series of perks for participants.
The BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas takes place from 4 to 6 December, with the full marathon flagging off at 4.30am on Sunday, 6 December, from the F1 Pit Building.
Early MRT services for marathon runners
Following a Memorandum of Understanding established between SG International Marathon Pte Ltd (SGIMPL) and Stellar Ace, a business arm of SMRT Corporation Ltd, selected sections of the North-South, East-West and Circle Lines will operate between 2.30am and 4.30am on the morning of the BYD Marathon, with trains running every 15 minutes. Travel during those hours will be free for runners and supporters.
Services will include southbound trains from Bukit Batok to City Hall on the North-South Line; services in both directions on selected sections of the East-West Line; and clockwise services from Serangoon to Promenade on the Circle Line. Promenade will be the nearest operating station to the start at the F1 Pit Building.
Paid shuttle buses will also be available throughout the race weekend for participants without direct MRT access, with details to be released closer to the event.
Shalindran Sathiyanesan, Event Director, SGIMPL, said: “Traffic congestion to the start line is a real concern, especially with an early flag-off. Marathons around the world provide runners with reliable transport, and we want to do the same for SGIM. We are very pleased to partner with SMRT, and in this first year, we focused our support on the BYD Marathon, Singapore’s only Gold Label Race and National Marathon and our runners’ toughest distance, with paid shuttle buses supporting the adidas Half Marathon runners on Saturday. Safety remains our top priority, and Medic Runners are a further layer, another set of eyes on course alongside our medical teams, helping runners get support faster when needed.”
Enhanced Safety with Medic Runners on course
Race organisers are also introducing Medic Runners for the half marathon and the marathon. Selected runners must have experience at the half-marathon or marathon distance and be certified in CPR, AED and basic first aid. They will also undertake training runs and refresher first-aid sessions ahead of race weekend.
Up to 200 Medic Runners will be stationed throughout the course to provide an additional layer of support alongside the event’s professional medical teams.
More than 1,200 people have applied for the programme so far, with about 20 per cent of applicants being healthcare professionals.
Race weekend moves into the National Stadium
There will also be a different feel to the event once runners reach the finish line. With The Kallang Group coming on board as the Official Venue partner, much of race weekend will be centred on the Kallang precinct.
Race pack collection will take place at Arena Park, while the Race Expo will move to the National Stadium, alongside the finish line, for every category except the Kids Dash.
It marks the first time the Expo has been integrated into the finish area rather than operating as a standalone event. Entry will be free, with retail, food and beverage, athlete panels, meet-and-greets and live performances planned throughout the weekend.
The BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas will run over three days. The Standard Chartered 10km and 5km take place on Friday evening, followed by the adidas Half Marathon at 4.30am on Saturday and the BYD Marathon at the same time on Sunday.
Away from race weekend, organisers have launched Friends of SGIM, which offers registered runners discounts and promotions at participating local F&B, fitness and recovery businesses until the end of the year.
All registered participants will also be entered into a lucky draw for a BYD SEALION 7, with marathon and Crew Challenge participants receiving two entries each.
Leon Lai, Chief Executive Officer, SGIMPL, said: “This year’s programme was built with a key objective in mind – to involve the wider community, and to build an even bigger event, together. From SMRT opening the trains early, the Kallang Group opening up the National Stadium, BYD putting a car on the line, our sponsors and partners adding to what runners receive, to businesses across the island joining Friends of SGIM. It’s the whole of Singapore coming together to make this race what it is. That’s the marathon we want: one built by the whole of Singapore, for the whole of Singapore.”
Registration for the 2026 BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas closes on 30 September, or earlier if entries sell out.
