Set yourself a goal for 2018 to take part in a marathon or run! There are a huge variety of marathons and runs in the Asian region – meaning participation is a great way to meet a fitness goal, as well as tick off a travel goal by getting a very unique perspective on your destination. There are heaps of different races to consider from themed fun runs and runs for kids, to full-fledged marathons and triathlons (even aquathlons!). Some registration dates are closing soon, so get your entry confirmed today!
January
What: NUS Bizad Charity Run 2018
Give back to society by taking part in this annual charity run, which this year will be raising funds for NUS Business School Study Bursaries and The Food Bank Singapore. You can opt to tackle the 5km or 10km route.
Where: NUS Business School
When: 13 January
More: Registration closes on 5 January; sign up now.
What: Garang Warrior Ultra 2018
Complete as many loops as you can within 12 hours and be awarded with a particular Warrior status: Garang, Very Garang or – for those running 100km or more – Extremely Garang. A male and female runner will be crowned event champion for most laps.
Where: MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore
When: 13 January
More: Registration closes on 3 January; sign up now.
What: Asia Justice Marathon
Chiang Mai’s Asia Justice Marathon returns, with the option to compete in a full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km or 5km race, or a 3km fun run (or walk/wheel) for families and children. The race aims to raise awareness for justice issues in the region and to raise funds for justice projects.
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: 20 January
More: Registration closes on 14 January, sign up now.
What: LBC Ladies Trail Race
This race with two route options – 12km and 20km – is an annual event aimed at increasing participation by women in trail running races.
Where: Mui Wo
When: 20 January
More: Registration is open until race day; sign up now.
February
What: Marina Run 2018
Choose from a 5km fun run, 10km race, 21km half marathon and a new race category covering 30km. The race will take you around Singapore’s beautiful Marina Bay area, past iconic landmarks such as Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay.
Where: Marina Bay, Singapore
When: 10 February
More: Sign up now!
What: Metasprint Series Aquathlon
This event comprises a swim in the calm waters off Palawan Beach and a scenic, shaded run along the beach. You can take part in either the Sprint (individual or relay), Discovery (individual), Youth (individual) or Kids (individual, team relay or beach dash) categories.
Where: Palawan Beach, Sentosa, Singapore
When: 11 February
More: Registration closes on 25 January; sign up now.
What: LBC14 Valentine’s Day Race
Do Valentine’s Day with a difference with an invigorating run. The 14km route is beginner friendly and follows trails around the Lantau Trail and Chi Ma Wan peninsula. You run as a team, two males, two females or mixed.
Where: Pui O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
When: 14 February
More: Registration closes 31 January; sign up now.
What: Ultra-Trail Koh Chang 2018
Experience different terrains, altitudes and weather conditions in this ultimate race in Thailand. One of the most renown trail races in Asia, it offers four routes, covering distances of 100km (The Jungle 100), 70km, 35km and 13km.
Where: Koh Chang, Thailand
When: 16 to 17 February
More: Sign up now.
March
What: International Run for Orangutan
The race hopes to raise awareness of the plight of critically endangered orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra. It has two run categories, 8km and 3km.
Where: Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
When: 24 March
More: Registration closes on 28 February; sign up now.
What: Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2018 Phuket
Tropical Thailand is the sitting for the Supersports 10 Mile International Run in March. Back for its 4th year, the event at Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort offers a 500m fun run for children, plus 4.8km, 8km and 16km races, held across two days.
Where: Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort, Phuket
When: 24 to 25 March
More: Registration closes on 17 March; sign up now.
What: Merrell Challenge
This features multiple events, including a 10km trail run. The other events feature coastering, swimming and orienteering. The 10km trail running event starts at Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island and features a mixture of roughly 50 percent concrete and 50 percent trail.
Where: Lamma Island, Hong Kong
When: 25 March
More: Registration is open until March 16; sign up now.
April
What: Standard Chartered KL Marathon
Individual runners can choose from four distances: 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. There is also a Kids Dash for children, a non-competitive event to encourage kids in running and sports. Two categories are available, 1km and 3km.
Where: Dataran Merdeka in KL, Malaysia
When: 7 and 8 April
More: Registration closes on 28 February or until sold out. Sign up now.
What: Iskandar Puteri Night Marathon
Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, this annual international marathon caters to athletes of all ages and abilities. There are four different distance races: 5km, 10km, 21km and 42 km categories.
Where: Dataran Mahkota, Johor
When: 14 April
More: Registration ends 31 January; get a spot now.
What: Stairmaster Twins
The Stairmaster series is the toughest short-course set of races around. Race two, the Twins, will take place over Violet Hill. This is an individual event.
Where: Violet Hill, Tai Tam, Hong Kong
When: 15 April
More: Registration is open until 6 April, sign up now.
What: Income Eco Run 2018
Championing environmental conservation, this run offers various categories, including a half marathon, 10km, 5km, 1.2km and a 800m kids’ dash.
Where: Marina Bay, Singapore
When: 29 April
More: Registration closes on 29 March; sign up now.
What: Monster Ultra 200
At this 200km Fun Run, participants have up to 48 hours to complete it. You must follow the designated route and provide evidence of the route you took.
Where: Around Singapore
When: 29 to 30 April
More: Get a spot now.
Want to get more active? Sports clubs and associations to join in Hong Kong
