Running could be considered a national pastime, judging from the number of running events mushrooming on the sporting calendar these days. And for good reason, too—you don’t need any fancy equipment, just yourself and a good ol’ pair of running shoes. Here, we round up 12 running routes around Singapore that are great for clocking some mileage.
Bedok Reservoir
The 88-hectare park features a 4.3km track that loops around the reservoir, offering joggers scenic views of the waterfront. For nature lovers, the area is home to over 14,000 wetland plants and the lucky few might even spot birds like swallows, little herons and kingfishers. What makes this a great place to run is the variety of dining options along the way, such as Bedok Food Centre and popular bistro Wawawa.
Changi Beach Park
This coastal park is just 3.3km long. However, you can choose to continue along Changi Coast Road, where you’ll get to see airplanes taking off and landing (it’s parallel to the airport’s landing strip). If you still have fuel left in your tank, you can even race down East Coast Park before calling it a day.
Coney Island
This leafy off-shore nature sanctuary has a rich ecosystem, with 80 species of birds such as the nationally critically endangered spotted wood owl, rare plants that were thought to be nationally extinct and a free-roaming Brahman bull. The 50-hectare park, located next to Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, has boardwalks that lead through the island’s forest, mangroves and to the beach.
East Coast Park
If you’re a seasoned marathon runner, you’ll probably be tired of pounding along this 15km track already (the park almost always features in marathon events here). That said, however, it’s still favored by many runners—you get to feast your eyes on gorgeous beach scenery, with the sea breeze in your hair.
Fort Canning Park
This historical park needs no introduction—popular with locals, expats, tourists and concert-goers alike, the many steps leading up to the hilltop reserve at Clemenceau Avenue are great for a pre work-out warm up. And for those who prefer a more challenging run, it’s also where you can find steep slopes and uneven paths, all set along a trail of heritage trees.
Kallang Riverside Park
Not many people are aware of this, but the footpaths along Kallang River make for great running routes—you’ll pass landmarks like the Singapore Flyer and the F1 Pit Building on one side of the river, and the Singapore Indoor Stadium and private estates of Tanjong Rhu on the other. Plus, you’ll get to see plenty of dragonboats and kayaks out on the water, especially on weekends.
Keppel Bay
Check out luxury yachts docked along this posh waterfront precinct. Starting from Labrador Park Reserve, this leisurely route brings you on a straighforward trail along the bay, through the Keppel Bay Bridge and Keppel Island on a track that measures about 3km.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Long a favorite with endurance athletes and weekend warriors alike, MacRitchie offers up to almost 11km of terrain. It’s easy to customize your own running route (just be sure not to get lost)—for instance, you can start off on the boardwalk, or head straight for the dirt tracks. Cardio bunnies should try the full 10.6km loop around the reservoir—the undulating trail is tricky and challenging, to say the least—but the immense sense of satisfaction you’ll get at the end of your run will be oh so worth it.
Marina Bay Waterfront
You’ll find lots of business folk running along the promenade after work. The (approx) 3.5km route is especially scenic, with landmarks like the Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion along the way. If you’re looking for extra mileage, you can even run around the nearby Kallang Riverside Park before heading back.
Punggol Waterway Park
Another leisurely trail for non-competitive joggers, this 12.25-hectare waterfront suburban park is popular with families and cyclists, too. The Punggol Promenade Riverside walk is an ideal spot for a nighttime run, as it has pretty fiber optic features that light up after dark and for early birds, the Sunrise Bridge is where you’ll want to be to catch the sunrise.
Sembawang Park
This neighborhood park is rather picturesque—there’s a tranquil, unspoiled beach that’s great for swimming. Plus, the Sembawang Park Connector runs along the 4km-long Sungei Sembawang, where you’ll get to see an assortment of water birds like kingfishers—it can break up the monotony of a run nicely.
The Southern Ridges
Take things up a notch with the 9km-long Southern Ridges trail, which covers Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Park. Expect lots of steep slopes that will make your calves and quads cry out for mercy—definitely not for the faint of heart. However, you’ll get to observe loads of flora and fauna along the way (plus some great views across to Sentosa), if that’s any consolation.
