Digital run-in to StanChart marathon

Digital run-in to StanChart marathon

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) might be months away but a "race" will start from next week.

On Wednesday, the world's first digital queue for a mass-participation sporting event will be launched. This allows participants to get ahead in the SCMS registration using social media.

The top 100 participants will get to register for their chosen category for free, while the top 10 entries for the full marathon will get a spot on the front row at the start line. This is the first time the privilege has been granted to non-elite runners in the event's 13-year history.

Those keen can join the digital race by sharing content and posts from the official SCMS pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - using the hashtags #SCMS2015 and #DIGITALQUEUE.

Through these posts as well as retweets, comments and likes with SCMS-related content, runners can earn points to propel them to the front of the queue.

Participants also have to respond to the organiser's daily challenges, which require them to share their favourite SCMS memories and submit creative picture captions among others.

The queue, which can be found on marathonsingapore.com, ends on July 8.

Last year, the event attracted 53,045 entries.

Running enthusiast Yvonne Yeo, 39, welcomes the concept, saying: "New runners will be motivated and more keen to try out for the marathon."

Apart from the queue, runners can also join the launch event on July 9 at Plaza Singapura to clinch a commemorative golden bib which offers 50 per cent discount off registration fees for the Dec 6 event.

It is available only to the first 200 registrants.

chongcjy@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on June 27, 2015.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.