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

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