3 Places to Practice Trail Running in Singapore
Read on!
Trail running is the best way to compile the benefits of running with the pleasure of being surrounded by nature and escape the crowded areas of Singapore.
However, trail running requires more preparation. It is key to have the right shoes, weather and route.
To help you practice in the best conditions, here are a few ideas of where to practice trail running in Singapore based on your level of practice!
1. Green Corridor
(for beginner to advanced runners)
This former railway line is now a walking path. The green corridor trail runs the entire length of Singapore and spans 26 km from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. This circuit is mostly made of grass, gravel and pavement.
You can join the trail at different points and therefore the Green Corridor is suitable for medium (5-15 kms) and long runs (more than 15 kms). Because it is relatively flat, it is appropriate for beginners.
However, it is not really suitable for night runs. Finally, as the trail goes through Singapore, you’ll find plenty of shops and vending machines along the way. There is no official starting and ending point in the Green Corridor.
Opening hours: Open 24/7
If you want you can choose to start from either one of these two extremities of the trail:
From Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Closest bus stops: 14069 (10, 30, 57, 80, 97, 97E, 100, 131, 145, 563) Closest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar and Outram Park MRT (1 km away)
From Bukit Timah Railway Station
Closest bus stops: 66, 67, 74, 77, 151, 154, 171, 174, 700, 700A, 851, 852, 960, 961, 961C, 970, 980 Closest MRT station: King Albert Park MRT
2. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (for beginner to advanced runners)
Bukit Timah Reserve is the oldest rainforest in Singapore. Therefore, it is a good spot to explore nature. It is also the tallest hill in Singapore (163 m), so watch out for the steep slopes as it can be challenging if it’s raining for example.
Otherwise the route (5-15 kms) is mostly flat and on grass surface.
If you want to run longer, Bukit Timah Nature reserve is connected to Dairy Farm Nature Park, where there are more nature trails.
Finally, there are toilets and vending machines along the way.
Opening hours: Open on weekends and bank holidays only from 7am to 6pm
Closest MRT station: Beauty World MRT
Closest bus stops: 42109 or 42091 (67, 75, 170, 171, 184, 852, 961) Carpark at the Visitor Centre
3. Macritchie Reservoir
(for intermediate to advanced runners)
This is one of the most popular running trail in Singapore. Easily accessible by MRT, bus or car, the circuit is made of trail, pavement and boardwalk. This is the perfect place to enjoy Singapore's biodiversity in a forest setting while still having access to facilities like showers, lockers and water coolers. This route is also suitable for night runs. MacRitchie trail is appropriate for medium (5-15 kms) and long runs (more than 15 kms).
Opening hours: Daily 7am - 7pm
Closest MRT station: Caldecott
Closest bus stops: 51071 (52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 162, 162M, 163, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855, 980)
Carpark located at the entrance of the reservoir, on Reservoir Road/ MacRitchie Viaduct.
We hope you found this article useful in discovering places to practice trail running in Singapore.
If you liked this article, check out other related trail running advice below!
Written by: Terence Cheah
Running Digital Sport Leader, Decathlon Singapore
Trail running is a challenging but highly rewarding sport!
