Runcation this 2026 School Holidays

September is nearly over, which means we’re now into the last quarter of 2026! For parents, that means exam stress; for the kids, school holidays—Yay! And what better way to spend the holidays than on a “runcation”? After all, if you’re running 21km or 42km, you can eat all the good food you want without worrying too much about the extra weight!

Here are 4 races selected by us folks at Running Shots. They lead to destinations that are always popular with Singaporeans for their food and shopping. Best of all, race registrations are still open – at least last we checked, and you don’t need to pray to the ballot gods or submit speed-qualifying times to get a slot.

Angkor Wat Half Marathon 6 December 2026

https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/angkor-wat-international-half-marathon

First on our list—and a personal favourite of our team—is the Angkor Wat Half Marathon. Happening on the same weekend as our very own BYD Singapore Marathon, this iconic race takes runners right through the majestic ancient ruins and structures of the Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Apart from the stunning scenery, the route is mostly flat and spacious—perfect for setting a fast time. That is, of course, if you can resist the temptation to stop every 100 metres for selfies or high-fiving the local kids and monks lining the route!

The race also has a strong charitable history. It was established in 1996 with a focus on supporting people affected by landmines in Cambodia, including help with prosthetic limbs and social reintegration. For 2026, the organisers are also highlighting fundraising for Angkor Hospital for Children. So your race fees go into supporting these good causes as well.

Beyond the Angkor Wat temple complex, there is plenty to explore around Siem Reap (or you can take a quick hop over to Phnom Penh). Registration closes on 23 October 2026, so you have barely a month left to sign up!

Macau International Marathon 2026 6 December 2026

https://www.macaomarathon.com/en/

Thinking of dim sum and roast goose? Hong Kong isn’t the only place with elite-tier Cantonese comfort food. While scoring a slot for the Hong Kong Marathon is on many a Singaporean’s bucket list, the Macau International Marathon is arguably more unique and every bit as rewarding! Plus, if you still haven’t filled your dim sum quota in Macau, Hong Kong is just a quick ferry ride away.

The race flags off from the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Taipa, winding through iconic casino resorts and crossing the 2.5km-long Governador Nobre de Carvalho Bridge and finishing back at the stadium for a grand finish. 

The highlight? Spectacular entertainment along the way, including performers in full, dazzling costumes cheering you on along the course. How’s that for a race experience?

While the course is generally fast, keep an eye on the clock: cut-off times are 6 hours for the full marathon and 3 hours for the half marathon. They are strictly enforced, so don’t dilly-dally taking photos for too long!

2026 registration details were not yet clearly published on the organiser’s site when we checked, so do check the official site for the opening date before booking that flight.

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2026 13 December 2026

https://penangmarathon.gov.my/

Of course, no vacation list is complete without crossing the causeway to our close neighbour, Malaysia. And where better to go than the street-food capital of chendol, Penang laksa, and char kway teow?

The Penang Bridge International Marathon gives you the rare opportunity to run on the iconic bridge itself. Don’t let the flat elevation fool you, though—this is a test of grit thanks to the high humidity and massive crowds. Flag-off is at 1:30 AM for the full marathon and 3:00 AM for the half marathon, meaning you’ll be clocking most of your kilometres in the dark before sunrise.

Your ultimate reward at the finish line? A victory lap around the coffee shops scattered across George Town, serving delicious local spreads at very wallet-friendly prices.

For recovery, take a slow walk around George Town to check out the famed street art murals and heritage buildings, or ride the funicular railway up Penang Hill. (Unless, of course, you’re a true masochist and decide to hike up Penang Hill the day after running a marathon!)

Chiang Mai International Marathon 20 December 2026

https://www.chiangmaimarathon.com/th

Possibly the last race left in the month of December before school reopens – what better way to wrap up the year than in the Land of Smiles amidst the cool morning air of Chiang Mai?

The route takes you through the major highlights of Chiang Mai, with the mountain peak of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep towering in the backdrop. Despite Chiang Mai being a mountainous region, the race course itself is surprisingly flat, making it a prime candidate for a Personal Best (PB)!

As with most Thai races, the route support and local enthusiasm are top-tier—and did we mention the legendary post-race buffet spread waiting for you at the finish line?

After the race, kick back with a hot bowl of Tom Yum soup, soak in the northern breezes, or take a side trip out toward the Golden Triangle—all while enjoying world-class Thai hospitality.

So, which one?

Angkor Wat gives you temples and a bucket-list race; Macao gives you bridges, casinos and serious eating; Penang gives you the iconic bridge plus possibly the strongest post-race makan; and Chiang Mai gives you cooler weather, history and a slower holiday vibe. 

Whichever you pick, bring the family along for the runcation. The non-runners can cheer you on, then everyone can relax, eat and explore together.

One final Running Shots reminder: if you’re travelling a few days before race day, don’t turn your holiday into a 30km sightseeing workout. Save some legs for the race, stay hydrated, be sensible with unfamiliar street food. You want a fast race time, but not that kind of fast run!