Extended Early Morning Train Services Introduced For 2026 BYD Singapore International Marathon Presented By adidas

Singapore, 31 July 2026 — SG International Marathon Pte Ltd (SGIMPL) today announced several partnerships with key local organisations that will result in a stronger, enhanced transport and safety infrastructure at the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas.

The BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas (SGIM) is the country’s only national marathon and Southeast Asia’s longest-standing World Athletics Gold Label road race. This year’s programme is a deliberate step towards SGIM’s ambition of becoming one of Asia’s premier marathons: stronger transport and safety infrastructure and a lineup of initiatives that bring the race’s energy islandwide.

The Kids Dash kicks off the race weekend with the competitive 1.6km at 7.30am and other race distances to follow. The Standard Chartered 10km flags off in the cool evening breeze at 8.30pm while the 5km begins at 9.30pm. The starter gun sounds for the adidas Half Marathon and BYD Marathon at 4.30am on Saturday and Sunday respectively. With the exception of Kids Dash, all races begin at the F1 Pit Building and finish at the National Stadium.

Easier access: Early Hours MRT Service

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between SGIMPL and Stellar Ace, a business arm of SMRT Corporation Ltd, selected sections along three MRT lines will open earlier than usual, providing greater convenience and access to runners getting to the start line at the F1 Pit Building for the BYD Marathon. The early hours MRT service will run from 2.30am to 4.30am on Sunday, 6 December, on the North-South, East-West and Circle Lines. The trains will run at 15-minute intervals and the rides will be complimentary for all runners and their supporters. The last complimentary train ride will depart from Bukit Batok, Jurong East, Tanah Merah and Serangoon stations at 4.30am.

Please refer to the appended factsheet for information on which stations will be open and other route details.

Paid shuttle buses will also run across race weekend for participants without direct MRT access. More information will be announced on the official website closer to the date.

Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, said: “SMRT is pleased to once again support this flagship marathon by starting our train services earlier at selected sections along three of our lines, helping runners, volunteers and supporters get to the race safely and conveniently before dawn. We are excited to bring back this service to facilitate one of Singapore’s most iconic sporting events.

Our teams will be preparing well in advance to ensure a smooth and reliable start to race day, and we look forward to getting participants from Singapore and around the world to the starting line. We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and memorable race.”

Enhanced Safety: Medic Runners, a new layer of safety for runners

The safety of runners is SGIMPL’s top priority, and in 2026, that commitment goes further with the introduction of Medic Runners for the adidas Half Marathon and the BYD Marathon. Under this scheme, up to 200 Medic Runners with first-aid training will be out on the race course, adding to the overall safety and welfare programme. The programme had already drawn over 1,200 applicants, with approximately 20% of them healthcare professionals volunteering their time and expertise. Medic Runners will be identified by specialised bibs and will provide timely life-saving medical assistance when required, before SGIM’s professional medical teams get to the affected runners on course.

Runners who would like to be a part of the programme can submit their applications on the Medic Runners page at singaporeinternationalmarathon.com. Applicants must be experienced half-marathon or full-marathon runners and certified in CPR, AED and basic first aid. Selected Medic Runners must attend two training runs and refresher first-aid sessions prior to the race weekend. Recruitment for Medic Runners is open from now till mid-August 2026.

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.”

Wider reach: Race weekend at the National Stadium

This year, the entire race weekend, from race entry pack collection to the Race Expo to the finish line, is fully integrated within the Kallang precinct, in partnership with The Kallang Group. Race pack collection takes place at Arena Park while the Race Expo and the finish line for every distance except Kids Dash are held at the iconic National Stadium. Whether you’re picking up a race pack, hunting for exclusive merchandise, or just soaking in the atmosphere with family, the National Stadium becomes the place to be all weekend, runner or not.

For the first time, the Race Expo moves out of its traditional standalone format, integrated with the finish line, bringing the full race weekend experience under one roof.

Expect a Race Expo like never before, entry is free and all are welcome, with a full weekend of shopping, limited-edition collectibles, F&B options, and a carefully curated programme throughout, from athlete panel sessions to meet-and-greets with world-renowned professional athletes, to live bands keeping the energy high.

“The running community has always been part of the everyday rhythm of The Kallang. We’re proud to partner SGIM to bring the Race Expo and finish line together at the National Stadium this year. This allows us to transform race weekend into a shared celebration that extends beyond the runners to families, friends and the wider community,” said Daryl Yeo, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Experience Officer, The Kallang Group. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to The Kallang and keeping the precinct pulsing with community spirit all weekend long.”

Bigger rewards: BYD SEALION 7 and exclusive perks available via Friends of SGIM

Another new introduction is the Friends of SGIM programme, a growing network of homegrown and local SMEs across F&B, wellness and recovery, offering exclusive perks to all registered runners. Participation in the Friends of SGIM programme is free for all SMEs and it reflects SGIM’s commitment to supporting local businesses by leveraging the race’s scale and reach to drive business to them.

To date, more than 20 homegrown businesses and local SMEs have confirmed their participation. Starting from 1 July till 31 December 2026, registered SGIM runners can enjoy discounts and promotions can enjoy exclusive discounts and promotions across a curated range of F&B, fitness and recovery partners, including household names such as Sarnies, Nylon Coffee Roasters,  Project Acai, Shelter, FORGED by RF and more. Runners can keep a lookout for the “Friends of #SGIM” decals at participating outlets, present their race ticket from their registration account and receive or redeem their exclusive perks. The full list of Friends of #SGIM is available at singaporeinternationalmarathon.com/friends-of-sgim/.

Dennis Tang, Co-founder, Nylon Coffee, said: “Running a small homegrown business is like running a never-ending marathon, each kilometre, each milestone is an achievement. We are proud to support the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas this December, fueling the participants with tasty coffees, one cup at a time.”

Every participant of the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas will also be automatically entered into a lucky draw and stand a chance to win a brand-new BYD SEALION 7, courtesy of title sponsor BYD. Registered runners across all categories, including the Kids Dash, will receive one entry while BYD Marathon and Crew Challenge entrants receive two entries, doubling their chances. The winner will be announced by 7 December.

Bigger rewards: New sponsors and partners on board for 2026

Several new sponsors and partners have come on board for 2026. They include The Westin Singapore, 100Plus, Heineken 0.0, Recogen, Rokeby, Sunday Shades, Sunpride, Walch, and more. The full list can be found on the appended factsheet. Additional sponsors and partners are expected to be confirmed ahead of race weekend.

Runners who sign up for this year’s marathon will receive a race pack with entitlements valued at up to S$175, expected to grow in value as more sponsors and partners come on board. Curated for performance and convenience, this year’s race pack includes items such as nasal strips, kinesiology tape, a reusable, foldable cup, an adidas participant tee, and a tote bag, along with other race essentials, with contents and value varying by race category. Partners will also bring their brands to life at the Race Expo, with activations and experiences for runners and visitors to enjoy across the weekend.

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.”

The BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas takes place 4 – 6 December 2026. Registration is open at singaporeinternationalmarathon.com and closes on 30 September 2026, or earlier if all entries are sold.*

*The organiser reserves the right to extend the registration period at its discretion.

Early Hours MRT Service on Sunday, 6 December 2026 (BYD Marathon)

Race Categories and Schedule

Runner Entitlements and Race Pack

Note: entitlements are expected to grow as more sponsors are confirmed ahead of race weekend.

Sponsors and Partners (As of 31 July 2026)

Friends of SGIM

This factsheet consolidates publicly announced information on SGIM26 as of the time of writing. For the latest details, visit singaporeinternationalmarathon.com.