Runner tries to bypasss Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon S$25 bag deposit fee, plan backfires
A participant in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) has shared how his attempt to avoid a S$25 bag drop fee backfired, leaving him unable to recover his belongings after the race.
The runner said confusion on the ground, and the alleged removal of unattended bags by staff ultimately resulted in him losing his bag, even though the fee was later waived following complaints.
Runner shocked by S$25 bag deposit fee
On Saturday (6 Dec), entrepreneur and content creator Kiki Darling took part in the SCSM 5km race.
Together with his friend, he arrived at the F1 pit — the race’s starting point — at about 6.30am.
Speaking to MS News, he said he was “shocked” to learn that runners had to pay a S$25 deposit fee per bag.
When he suggested placing both bags under one deposit, a staff member allegedly told them that each runner would still need to pay S$25.
Unwilling to fork out the amount, the pair decided to leave their bags behind a nearby tree instead, a move he said many other runners were also making at the time.
His bag contained his IC, wallet, earphones, work uniform, extra clothes, toiletries, and a newly purchased book.
“[There’s] one way to find out if we still have our bags,” he joked nervously in his video.
Source: @iamkikidarling on TikTok
Post-race search turns chaotic
After completing the race at The Padang at about 9.20am, Kiki Darling and his friend walked back to the F1 pit to retrieve their belongings.
However, they were allegedly told that the area was under “lockdown”.
Nonetheless, a staff member reportedly mentioned a “small possibility” that unattended bags had been moved to The Padang, with loitering items transported to the finish area.
Source: @iamkikidarling on TikTok
When they made their way back, they were “distraught” to find staff members unable to confirm where the bags had gone or how to retrieve them.
Kiki Darling told MS News that staff gave them “very weird timelines” on when they might be allowed to collect their belongings.
Several other runners were also seen searching for missing bags.
“All because we don’t want to pay S$25,” he said. “S$25 is damn expensive!”
Source: @iamkikidarling on TikTok
While he admitted that leaving his bag unattended was partly his fault, he felt communication between SCSM staff and participants could have been much clearer.
He added that it was his first time running in the SCSM, though his friend — a past participant — was confident they could leave their bags at the F1 Pit Building and collect them later.
Bag deposit fee allegedly waived after complaints
Under his TikTok post, a commenter later claimed that the bag deposit fee was eventually waived after numerous runners complained about long queues.
In response, Kiki Darling uploaded a follow-up video, lamenting that he had lost his bag “for free”.
Source: @iamkikidarling on TikTok
Speaking to MS News, he described the revelation as “quite funny” but said it “added salt to the wound”.
He also confirmed that he has yet to receive any follow-up from SCSM organisers regarding his missing belongings.
Overall, he felt that the event organisers “messed up a lot” as race participants faced several issues.
He cited congested exits and staff members who were unable to answer basic questions, such as directions to the information counter.
Still, he acknowledged that large-scale events are “prone to mishaps”.
“I just hope I get my bag back,” he said.
A later by MS News show that Kiki Darling has since taken down both videos.
Unattended bag treated as ‘potential risk’
In response to queries by MS News, a spokesperson from the IRONMAN Group said that ahead of SCSM 2025, comprehensive event guidelines were shared with participants via social media and the Runner’s Information Guide.
These guidelines included reminders to travel light, the types of bags permitted, and the requirement to use the Gear Bag Deposit Service for items outside the approved list.
Participants were informed that any bags exceeding 5 litres in storage capacity had to be deposited.
“The Gear Bag Deposit Service was available to all runners who wished to store their personal belongings securely using the official gear bag provided.”
Additionally, for safety reasons, unattended bags were treated as “potential risk” and removed by security.
The spokesperson added that the event team reached out to the runner involved in the incident to arrange for the return of their belongings, as they had not used the Gear Bag Deposit Service and left their bag unattended during the event.
“We aim to support a smooth and enjoyable race experience for everyone, and we encourage participants to take care of their personal belongings throughout the event,” the spokesperson said.
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Featured image adapted from @iamkikidarling on TikTok.
