Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026

A race with about 74,000 runners participating.

I flew into Hong Kong on the night of 15 January, just a few days before race day. It felt familiar but different at the same time — the kind of trip where the purpose is clear, but you still allow yourself to take things slowly. No matter how many I’ve done (this was my 15th full marathon), race weekends still feel a little special… and a little unpredictable.

Race pack collection was on 16 January, and I took the MTR to Kai Tak Arena. Honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. For someone who always struggles with “GPS signal loss”, this was a pleasant surprise — very well signposted, straightforward directions, and super convenient. No stress, no confusion.

The whole race pack collection was well organised, though I didn’t expect the crowd on a Friday. It was busy — very busy. Once I collected my race pack, I spent some time wandering around the expo. Played a few games, queued for some freebies, and took my time looking around. I guess I’m getting a bit aunty lately — more patient, more willing to queue, and slightly more excited about free stuff than I used to be. Still, it was all part of the experience, and everything ran smoothly.

Race pack collection at Kai Tak Arena

After I received the news that I was accepted to run SCHKM 2026, I was so happy. Then I started researching the course, reading other runners’ comments… and I panicked a little. Bridges, elevation, tunnels — all in one race. But it turned out to be a really nice and manageable run. The temperature was great, and I was never running alone. There were always runners around my pace, never more than a metre away.

The 7:20 am sunrise

The only downside came in the last ~5km when we merged with the HM runners. There was a lot of zigzagging to avoid walkers, which broke the rhythm a bit.

Still, I’m very happy with my performance. Shin and plantar behaved (mostly), though things got a bit painful from 38km onwards — but no major drama, and I’ll take that as a win.

I enjoyed the run, took a few photos along the way, made some necessary pee stops, and stayed well hydrated at every water station (plus some cheeky walks 😌).

Garmin: 4:58:30. SCHKM app: 5:00:17.

I won’t lie — that one stung a bit 😅 I thought the app was showing net time! Thankfully, the certificate came out the next day with my net time: 4:58:27.

A sub-5 after many years. Not something I went in chasing, but a nice outcome of staying consistent — and 35 minutes 6 seconds faster than my SCSM 2025.

More than the timing, though, I genuinely enjoyed the run — and that’s what counts.

What stood out most about this trip wasn’t just the marathon. It was the experience of travelling for a run (even though this isn’t my first), moving through a city with purpose, and letting everything else fit around that one goal.

Numbers aside, I felt grateful — especially for my partner, my number one supporter, who showed up for me despite his stressful work schedule.

Running in Hong Kong is officially checked.

Will I do it again? Maybe.

For now, I’m happy to let this one sit — another city run completed, another chapter added.

Thank you to the organisers and volunteers. Also, this was the first race where I didn’t come across any pacers. Apparently, they were around… but I just never crossed paths with them.

On to the next start line, whenever it comes.

May x

Putting Some Dates on the Calendar

I didn’t announce anything.

No dramatic goals.

No “this is my year” declaration.

After sharing how my running journey started and where I am now, this felt like the right next step. Nothing loud. Nothing flashy. Just giving my running a bit of direction again.

AI-generated image 

All three runs on the calendar are ballot races. I know how lucky I am to even get a spot, so I’m genuinely grateful. No expectations, no entitlement. I'm just thankful for the chance to stand on those starting lines.

Putting these dates down isn’t about making big promises. It’s about giving myself direction without pressure. Training steadily. Respecting my body. Allowing recovery. Accepting that some weeks will be better than others.

There may be a few more races along the way if one becomes available and timing allows. No fixed plans. Just joining when it feels right.

For now, it’s simply about showing up and seeing where the road takes me.

May x

Update: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025

The latest update from the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 (ATMBKK2025) Facebook page!

Image credit: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok official Facebook page

The eighth edition of ATMBKK will be held on 30 November 2025, starting at the familiar MBK Centre. Registration opens on 1 July 2025, 10 a.m.!

For more information, please visit the official event websites:

• www.atmbkk.com 
• www.amazingthailandmarathon2025.com
  

For those who’ve followed my running journey, you might remember that last year I chose ATMBKK over Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) because, for the past few years, the 2 events were scheduled on the same weekend. I also blogged about how the ATMBKK start was a bit chaotic, with both half and full marathon runners starting together, and honestly, being placed in Pen 4 was a bit depressing for me. 

You can read more about my experience here: My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024.

Well, interestingly, this year the event dates don’t clash. ATMBKK is on 30 November, and SCSM is on 7 December 2025. That opens up the possibility of doing both! I’m still undecided if I’ll sign up again, but if I do, I might just go for the half marathon instead of the full, since the following weekend I’ll be aiming for the SCSM full marathon. It actually gives me the opportunity to treat the ATMBKK half marathon as a long run — a good prep to keep my legs fresh without overdoing it.

For now, there’s not much more information released, but I’ll be keeping an eye out and will share updates when they come.

Anyone else planning to join ATMBKK 2025? Let me know!

May x

KLSCM 2025 Is Here

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is back this year with exciting updates. For the first time ever, the race will finish at the Stadium Merdeka, a dream come true for many runners. Due to ongoing upgrades at Dataran Merdeka, the start line will be relocated to the city centre (exact location to be confirmed).

I’m grateful to be eligible for priority registration again this year. I had signed up in 2024 but couldn’t run due to an ankle injury after a fall in Mongolia — it was a real disappointment.

KLSCM holds a special place in my running journey — it’s where I achieved my personal best for the full marathon. I love the experience of running through Kuala Lumpur, with its energy, the crowd, and the shared sense of purpose among fellow runners. The atmosphere is always lively, and it reminds me why I love joining big races like this.

Throwback to KLSCM 2023

Here’s what you need to know about KLSCM2025:

Race Dates:
Saturday, 4 October 2025:

• Pantai KL 10km: 6:00 am
• 5km Fun Run: 7:45 am
• Kids Dash: 10:00 am

Sunday, 5 October 2025:

• Full Marathon: 3:30 am
• ASICS Half Marathon: 4:45 am

Registration Info:

• Priority Registration: 17–21 April 2025
• Public Registration: 22 April – 31 July 2025 (or until sold out)
• Run for a Reason (RFAR) & Corporate Challenge: 17 April – 31 July 2025 (or until sold out)

And with a brand new route this year, I’m curious to see how it feels — who knows, maybe the fresh route will bring a pleasant surprise! I’m excited to experience the course and enjoy returning to KLSCM.

Looking forward to making a strong comeback this year and experiencing the new finish at Stadium Merdeka.

📍 For more info or to register, head to the official KLSCM website: www.kl-marathon.com

May x

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 is Back

After missing last year’s Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, I told myself I would be back—and now it’s official. #SCSM2025 is now open for registration, and I've signed up.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2023

Why did I skip 2024?
It wasn’t about trying something new. I went back to a race I hadn’t run in a while. One that used to be a regular on my calendar - The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok. I used to run it every year before COVID. It was usually held in February and had become a fixed part of my race schedule. However, after the pandemic, the event was moved to December, and for years, it clashed with SCSM.

In 2024, I made the tough decision to skip Singapore and return to Bangkok.

You can read more about that journey here.

So why come back?
There’s just something about SCSM that kept calling me back. And no, it’s not because I missed the humidity.

Maybe it’s because this run is where I track my growth. And every year, I show up as a different version of myself.

Or maybe it’s the same organiser, same vibe, smooth logistics, the crowd energy, or the feeling of crossing the finish line in a sea of sweaty, proud runners.

Honestly, part of it might also be the FOMO. When race day rolls around and everyone’s posting medal selfies and finish-line shots taken by those amazing photographers... you just want to be in that frame, too.

And let’s be real—who doesn’t want a good race photo? The SCSM photographers are pros. 

Whatever the reason, I’m back. Even after a season of lazing around, skipping runs, and making excuses, I’m ready to get moving again.

Shout-out to the event photographers.
Somehow, they manage to catch you at your best.

Here’s what you need to know about SCSM2025:
Date: 6–7 December 2025
Registration Fees (Super Early Bird):

• Marathon – $137

• Half Marathon – $115

• 10km – $93

• 5km – $71

• Ekiden (per team) – $545

• Kids Dash – $44

In 2025, SCSM will switch to a two-day format, replacing the usual three-day schedule. This change is intended to enhance the race-day experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable for all participants.

• 6 Dec (Sat): Half Marathon, 5km, and Kids Dash

• 7 Dec (Sun): Marathon, 10km, and Ekiden

To register for SCSM 2025, visit the official website or head here.

For more details and updates, check out:

• The official site – www.singaporemarathon.com 

• Straits Times coverage – Stanchart Singapore Marathon’s half-marathon, marathon to run on separate days

So, who’s joining me at SCSM2025?

Let’s train, suffer, and celebrate together. Drop a comment or message me if you’re in!

May x

My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024

Last Run of the Year. The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok is an annual event held in Bangkok, and it's one that I've always looked forward to. Before COVID, it was usually held in February, and I'd participate every year. But like so many events, things changed after the pandemic, and the marathon was shifted to December. It's been years since I last ran this race because it always clashed with the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (SCSM). So, this year, I decided to skip SCSM and experience it again.

Photo credit AMTB 2024 Official Photographer: A crowd of runners

The race pack collection took place at Central World Life, and when I arrived, I was surprised by the long queue. Since it was a weekday morning and the first day of collection, I didn't expect such a large turnout. Despite the crowd, the process went smoothly, and everything was well-organised. There were several shops selling running shoes, sportswear, energy bars, and other race-related merchandise. It was a great experience, with plenty of options for runners to stock up on what they needed.

Fast forward to race day, I took a Grab over to MBK. The flag-off was at 2 am, and honestly, I wasn't fully prepared for this. I knew it was a bit reckless—jumping into a marathon without proper training, especially after recovering from a sprained ankle. But my goal was simple: survive and finish within six hours.

The start was chaotic, with both half and full-marathon runners starting together. I was in Pen 4, which meant a long walk to the starting line. As soon as the flag went off, we slowly began to move forward. However, with the timing tracker positioned further ahead, it took a while before I could actually start running at my own pace. The congestion made it challenging to find a rhythm early on. While the energy was great, the crowded start made it hard to settle in.

The event was well-organised, with water stations providing small bottles every 2 to 2.5 km. It was convenient and helped keep things clean, but it was not the most eco-friendly setup. Plus, it became a bit of a slipping hazard, with runners tossing bottles and caps without much care.

I hit a mental block earlier than usual—somewhere between 12 and 13 km. By the time we hit the 18 km mark, where the route split for the half and full marathoners, I seriously considered taking the shorter route. The temptation was real. But I reminded myself why I signed up for this and pushed on. From that point, it was a mix of running and walking along the elevated road, battling cramps in both my legs and stomach while trying to enjoy the experience.

When mental block hits, the sunrise reminds me to keep going. 

The sunrise might have been stunning, but the heat was no joke. 

By sunrise at 6:05 am, Bangkok's skyline was breathtaking, but the heat was brutal. By 6:45 am, it felt like I was being roasted alive. Still, I kept pushing forward, and after what felt like an eternity, I crossed the finish line at 5:23:14.

The finish line was a relief, but it also came with a bit of chaos. With runners from all categories finishing together, it got crowded, making it hard to navigate through the area. I had to squeeze around sweaty runners to make my way through. However, the post-race resting area was amazing, with a wide spread of food to refuel and recover, although it was packed with people trying to grab their share. Despite the chaos, it was all part of the experience, and it definitely made me appreciate the small victories of completing the race.

A huge shoutout to the Thailand Tri-league, the volunteers who kept us hydrated and motivated, and the photographers who captured every sweaty, determined moment.

It wasn't my smartest race, but I'm proud of myself for not giving up. Sometimes, it's not about perfect preparation or chasing PBs—it's about showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

What about you? Have you ever tackled a challenge you weren’t fully prepared for, but still managed to push through?

May x  

My Experience at the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2024

 Why did I decide to sign up? Well, it was something on my bucket list.

Photo by: May

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris on 7th April 2024 marked a significant milestone for me—a check off my bucket list. Initially invited by my partner's brother, who unfortunately backed out, I decided to go ahead with this journey alone. My partner decided to go to the Hong Kong Sevens 😒. Despite being a bit of a lone ranger, it was a fulfilling experience and a satisfying achievement.

Photo by: May

Arriving in Paris 3 days before the event was a smart move, allowing me to combat jetlag and acclimate to the local weather, even if it meant spending a bit more on accommodation. Picking up my race bib at Porte de Versailles on Friday was smooth, although the language barrier made things a bit tricky. Nevertheless, I enjoyed exploring the expo, or "The Run Experience Fair," which was well-organised and engaging.

The flag-off for this race felt a bit strange to me. We were all given colour coding, and I expected the flag-off time to be as stated. I arrived an hour early to check things out and found myself in the pen 10 minutes before the scheduled start. Little did I know, I waited 40 minutes before we began. And during that time, I had already loaded up on a pack of gel... 🙄🙄🙄

Anyway, I'm incredibly grateful to have made it to the finish line. My finished time was 5:07:46. There was a moment when I doubted I could. Mentally, I hit a wall around 23km, but thanks to the encouragement from my sisters, I found the strength to push through. The weather was okay, with a light drizzle towards the end, and running past Paris landmarks was truly enjoyable.

Source: https://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/information/route-and-profiles

The spectators' enthusiasm brought some challenges. The route wasn't fully barricaded, resulting in encounters with pedestrians, children, and even cyclists crossing the path. Despite these obstacles, the energy of the crowds, with cheering sections and musical bands, was uplifting.

Photo by: Marathon-Photos.com

Running on cobblestones proved to be physically demanding, and the elevation added another level of difficulty. By the time I reached 36km, my legs were protesting. Luckily, they did not completely give up, and I started walking.

At 40km, I started picking up speed until I crossed the finish line. The congestion of people around the timing mat made the final moments a bit chaotic.

Nevertheless, completing this race was a bucket list achievement for me. I want to extend my thank you to the organisers and all the volunteers for their efforts and dedication in making this event possible.

Done and dusted.

May x

BOSCH Charity Run 2023

Finally sharing my long overdue post! I completed my first half-marathon in ages. 😅 While I've tackled a few full marathons before, the full vs the half marathon is a whole new ball game. The strategy, energy levels, and the entire experience differed significantly.

Photo by: May

A huge shoutout to the BOSCH Charity Run 2023. Completing the BOSCH Charity Run 2023 in Sattahip, Thailand, on its 100th Anniversary became more than just a race—it was a celebration of health, sustainability, and personal achievement.

This event tested my running prowess and contributed to a noble cause. I was particularly impressed by BOSCH's commitment to health, environmental sustainability, and their ingenious use of recycled PET plastic bottles for our race shirts and medals.

Photo by: May

Admittedly, I didn't check the race route beforehand, and the unexpected elevation proved to be a formidable challenge. However, the breathtaking views along the way made the uphill battle entirely worthwhile. I tackled the hills like a champ and was rewarded with the privilege of running through the Ramayana Water Park for free—an unexpected treat!

Source from: BOSCH Charity Run 2023

I finished strong with a time of 2:13:58, surprising even myself, given the challenging elevation. Landing in the 9th place in the women's category was an unexpected bonus, though no podium moment. However, the cherry on top was securing one of the exclusive 100th-anniversary pillows—a quirky and cherished memento.

I was amazed to see so many food stalls on race day. Though I was too exhausted to indulge, I did manage to grab all the drinks while waiting for the crowd to thin out, making it easier to get a Grab home.

Photo by: May

A massive shoutout to the incredible photographers who tirelessly captured every moment of the race. Their enthusiasm and dedication to getting shots of all the runners made the event even more memorable for me. I'm grateful for every snap the photographers took—I loved every single one!

With this, I am looking forward to more runs in the coming year, preparing myself for the hope that each race will bring a new opportunity to do even better.

May x