Singapore may be best known as a city of skyscrapers rather than mountains, yet its growing community of trail runners is making waves with the Ultra Trail Singapore event. This year, over 1,300 participants tackled distances up to 165km, turning the island’s modest hills and trails into a platform for endurance and camaraderie.
- 165km ultramarathon draws 1,300+ runners from 30 countries
- Course maximizes elevation with repeated climbs and MRT transit
- Community spirit is key in conquering mental and physical challenges
What happened
In early June 2026, Singapore’s Ultra Trail Singapore (UTSG) ultramarathon attracted more than 1,300 runners, competing over distances from 20km to 165km. The event challenged runners to navigate the country’s rolling hills, urban trails, and humid climate across a three-day period. Despite Singapore’s limited natural height, the toughest race featured a cumulative elevation gain comparable to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Race organizers designed routes with repeated ascents, including multiple climbs of Lorong Sesuai at Bukit Batok Nature Park, and creatively incorporated public transport to maximize elevation change. The event saw a notable increase in participation compared to its 2023 debut with just 300 runners, reflecting the surge in local enthusiasm for trail running.
Why it feels good
The growth of trail running in Singapore speaks to the strong community spirit and mutual encouragement among participants. Runners like Ament Chia, who began trail running in 2023, highlight the importance of camaraderie to overcome the demanding mental and physical aspects of ultramarathons. Training groups have expanded significantly, turning running into a shared social and fitness pursuit.
Although Singapore's terrain may lack dramatic elevation, runners enjoy weaving through urban and natural pockets of greenery, creatively adapting their training to local conditions. The passage of the race across varied hills and trails, alongside the challenge of tropical heat, enhances the unique and rewarding nature of the event.
What to enjoy or watch next
With Ultra Trail Singapore’s rapid growth and energetic community, the event is poised to become a key fixture on the international trail running calendar. Future editions may explore options for expanded routes or new ways to engage with Singapore’s green spaces while balancing environmental protections, as permissions are currently required to hold large events in some nature reserves.
Trail running enthusiasts and outdoor lovers can follow local clubs like Mountain Goat Running Group, which grew from a dozen members to hundreds in a few years. Their story reflects an exciting trend of urban athletes embracing endurance sports, creating opportunities to connect with nature and each other through shared challenges.