BYD Singapore International Marathon Presented By adidas Announced: New Title Sponsor, New Organiser and a Fresh Vision for Singapore’s National Marathon and Premier Road Race
- John Yeong
- 10 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Singapore Marathon renamed BYD Singapore International Marathon as organisers unveil new partnerships, race format and runner-first experience
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026 — Singapore’s premier distance running event has entered a new era. At a media conference today, organisers officially unveiled the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas, the new identity for the race formerly known as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.
The announcement marks a significant turning point for Singapore’s only national marathon, with a new title sponsor, a new organising company, and a refreshed race format aimed at elevating the runner experience and strengthening Singapore’s standing on the global marathon circuit.
The marathon will now be organised by SG International Marathon Pte Ltd, taking over from Ironman Asia after its 10-year tenure managing the event.
The change marks the start of a new chapter aimed at reshaping the race’s image and strengthening Singapore’s position on the global marathon calendar.
A New Name and New Strategic Partnerships
The rebranded BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas reflects a new partnership ecosystem for the event.
Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has been unveiled as the title sponsor, while adidas joins as the event’s first-ever presenting sponsor. Standard Chartered Bank will remain involved as the Official Bank, continuing a long-standing association with the race despite no longer holding title sponsorship.
Each partner will also hold naming rights to specific race categories:
BYD Marathon
adidas Half Marathon
Standard Chartered 10km
The marathon distance will retain its World Athletics Gold Label Road Race status, making it the only marathon in Southeast Asia to hold the distinction, while all other race categories are measured and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
The event continues to be supported by key national partners including Sport Singapore (SportSG), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Athletic Association (SAA).
New Organiser with a Runner-First Vision
The transition comes after Sport Singapore appointed SG International Marathon Pte Ltd as the new organiser following an open grant call last year. The company has been awarded a two-year term with the option for extension.
IRONMAN Asia previously organised the race for a decade, during which the event grew significantly in participation and prestige. Under its leadership, the marathon introduced Singapore’s first night marathon, launched a 5km race category, and expanded participation from 46,000 runners in 2016 to about 55,000 runners in 2025.
During that period, the event was also named Best Sports Event of the Year five times at the Singapore Sports Awards.
Speaking at the media conference, Shalindran Sathiyanesan, Event Director of SG International Marathon Pte Ltd, said the new organising team aims to build on that legacy while prioritising runner experience.
“Our team is made up of avid runners who have consistently taken part in and observed running events from around the world, including our national marathon, over the years,” said Shalindran.
“Our love for running shapes our approach and frames our vision of what we would like to achieve and deliver for Singapore’s largest annual running event.”
One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of a cap on total race entries, with 52,000 slots available across all race categories.
“The decision to place a cap on the number of runners reinforces our focus on creating an enjoyable race experience,” Sathiyanesan said. “We are planning the race with the aim to deliver a meaningful and rewarding event for participants while continuing to uphold its status as Singapore’s only national marathon.”
He added that the organisers hope to reshape perceptions of the race and build a broader running culture.
“Beyond the race itself, we are focused on building a total brand experience that incorporates local SMEs, running communities and collaborations with international brands while showcasing Singapore’s unique culture.”
New Three-Day Race Format
The 2026 edition of the marathon will feature a three-day race programme from 4 to 6 December, designed to spread participation across the weekend and enhance the overall event atmosphere.
The schedule will include:
Friday morning: Kids’ races
Friday evening: 5km and 10km races
Saturday morning: Half marathon
Sunday morning: Marathon
Organisers say the revised format will help create a more engaging race festival while improving the runner and spectator experience.
Athletes Welcome the New Chapter
Singapore’s top runners also voiced support for the event’s evolution.
At Singapore Marathon 2025, marathon record holder and past race winner Soh Rui Yong said the marathon has played an important role in the development of local long-distance running.
“The Singapore Marathon has always been a key race for local athletes. Many of us grew up racing it, and it’s where we test ourselves against international competition,” he said.
Soh added that continued improvements to the event could help raise the standard of distance running in Singapore.
“If the organisers can create a race that attracts stronger elite fields and bigger participation, it benefits everyone — from elite runners to first-time marathoners.”
Fellow national athlete Vanessa Lee, a multi-time national champion, multi national record holder and past half-marathon winner, said the race remains a highlight of the local running calendar.
“For Singaporean runners, racing in your home marathon is always special,” she said.
Lee noted that improvements to the race experience could encourage even more runners to take part.
“When the event feels exciting and welcoming, people want to come back every year. That’s what builds a strong running culture.”
BYD, adidas and Standard Chartered Deepen Their Commitment
BYD’s entry as title sponsor signals a new commercial chapter for the race. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and President of BYD Philippines, said the partnership aligns with the company’s values.
“Running a marathon requires dedication, resilience and a commitment to improving over time. These are principles we value and are key to BYD’s progress in the New Energy Vehicles segment.”
“The national marathon is a prestigious event and we are proud to power its next era and support an event that brings communities together through shared purpose.”
Meanwhile, adidas will expand its involvement in the race as presenting sponsor, providing official race apparel and launching Singapore-exclusive race merchandise.
Chen Rui Yuan, Country Manager of adidas Singapore, said:
“adidas is proud to be the first-ever presenting sponsor of Singapore’s national marathon. As we deepen our involvement, we are excited to help shape Singapore’s evolution into a true running city that inspires runners of all levels to cross the finish line stronger.”
Standard Chartered also reaffirmed its continued support.
Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered Singapore, said the bank remains committed to the race it helped grow over more than two decades.
“We are proud to continue our longstanding association with the marathon, having helped grow the race into the country’s premier mass sporting event over the past 24 years.”
Showcasing Singapore on the Global Stage
First staged as a competitive race in 1982, Singapore’s national marathon has evolved into one of the region’s most recognised distance running events.
Daryl Yeo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Development) at Sport Singapore, said the new partnerships mark an important milestone for the race.
“With new partnerships, Singapore’s national marathon is poised to meet the evolving demands of the running community,” he said.
“Our commitment remains clear: to expand the event’s global footprint and attract an elite field of professional and leisure runners to our shores.”
The Singapore Tourism Board also highlighted the marathon’s role in positioning the city as an international sporting destination.
Jean Ng, Assistant Chief Executive of the Experience Development Group at STB, said:
“As a marquee event on Singapore’s sporting calendar, the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas draws runners from both local and international communities each year.”
“We look forward to welcoming even more participants and their supporters from around the world as the event enters this new chapter.”
Looking Ahead
With a new organiser, a new title sponsor, and a renewed strategy, the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas is poised to enter its next phase.
For runners, the rebrand promises improved race experiences and stronger international competition. For the city, it represents an opportunity to showcase Singapore as a world-class sporting destination.
As Shalindran summed up during the launch:
“Our ambition is simple — to create a marathon that Singapore celebrates and the world wants to run.” #SingaporeInternationalMarathon #BYDSIM2026