Hong Kong Marathon Back in Full Stride as 74,000 Runners Race Through City Streets
Hong Kong’s annual marathon made a triumphant return to its pre-pandemic glory as 74,000 runners filled the city streets once again, signaling a positive step towards normalcy. Amid cool weather and a vibrant atmosphere, participants reveled in the opportunity to race through the scenic city.
This year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which successfully reached its full participant capacity, included about 22,000 runners in the full marathon, 21,500 in the half-marathon, and 30,500 in the 10km race. The previous two editions of the event, held in February 2021 and October 2021, saw significantly smaller numbers of participants due to pandemic restrictions.
The marathon took runners on a journey across the city, starting on Nathan Road and stretching all the way to Tsing Yi before looping back to Hong Kong Island via the Western Harbour Tunnel, ultimately concluding in Victoria Park.
Excitement was palpable among the runners, who reveled in the good weather and increased participation compared to the previous year. A couple, Will Chan and Michelle Lo, who completed the 10km race together, described the event as full of energy and highlighted the enthusiastic support from the crowd.
Another participant, Alvin So Wai-chung, an investment banker, expressed his happiness at being a part of the city’s biggest event. So, who had stopped training due to the pandemic, found inspiration from his friends who participated in the previous year’s race. His dedication and preparation paid off with a personal best time of two hours and 57 minutes.
Amid the celebration and accomplishments, it is crucial to acknowledge the unfortunate incident that occurred during the marathon. 34 individuals were sent to the hospital, and one participant who fainted at Tin Hau station tragically passed away despite immediate medical attention.
The marathon was not only a platform for seasoned runners but also saw the participation of prominent figures. Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat managed to complete the half-marathon in just over two hours and 26 minutes, showcasing his dedication and endurance. Additionally, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po participated in the 2km Leader’s Cup, securing second place with a time of approximately 11 minutes.
Property and entertainment magnate Allan Zeman commented on the significance of the marathon’s return, stating that it signifies unity and freedom for Hong Kong. Zeman added that it was encouraging to witness the city attract elite runners and emphasized that sports would play a crucial role in Hong Kong’s future.
The successful return of the Hong Kong Marathon in full swing not only displayed the indomitable spirit of the city but also acted as a beacon of hope and progress. The event provided a glimpse into the resilience and determination of the participants and served as a reminder of the significance of shared experiences and togetherness in challenging times.
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Hong Kong’s highly anticipated annual marathon made a triumphant return to its pre-pandemic grandeur as 74,000 runners filled the city streets once again, marking a significant step towards normalcy. Despite lingering challenges posed by the global health crisis, participants reveled in the opportunity to race through the vibrant and picturesque city, accompanied by cool weather and an electric atmosphere.
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, a highly esteemed event in the city’s calendar, successfully reached its maximum participant capacity this year. Approximately 22,000 runners took part in the full marathon, 21,500 in the half-marathon, and 30,500 in the 10km race. This robust turnout demonstrated the eagerness and determination of both local residents and international participants to be a part of this iconic sporting event. Notably, the previous two editions of the marathon, held in February 2021 and October 2021, saw significantly smaller numbers of participants due to pandemic-related restrictions and challenges.
The marathon route spanned across the city, taking runners on a scenic journey starting from Nathan Road and extending all the way to Tsing Yi. The route then looped back to Hong Kong Island via the Western Harbour Tunnel, culminating in a triumphant finish in the beautiful Victoria Park.
Participants were filled with excitement and anticipation as they embarked on the challenging yet exhilarating race. One couple, Will Chan and Michelle Lo, completed the 10km race together and described the event as full of energy. They expressed their gratitude for the good weather and the significantly larger number of participants compared to the previous year’s race, citing the increased cheering and support from the crowd as motivation throughout the race.
Alvin So Wai-chung, a dedicated investment banker, shared his joy at being a part of Hong Kong’s largest sporting event. So, who had temporarily halted his training due to pandemic-related disruptions, found inspiration from witnessing his friends participate in the previous year’s marathon. Determined to reignite his passion for running, So trained rigorously over the past year, running an average of 10km daily. His perseverance paid off, as he achieved a personal best time of two hours and 57 minutes, a testament to his unwavering commitment and determination. So credited the favorable weather conditions during the race, which made the demanding route more manageable.
Amid the celebration of participants’ achievements and the overwhelming sense of camaraderie, it is essential to acknowledge a tragic incident that occurred during the marathon. Regrettably, 34 individuals required hospitalization for injuries sustained during the event, and despite immediate medical attention, one participant who fainted at Tin Hau station sadly lost their life. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and ensuring appropriate medical support throughout large-scale public gatherings.
While the marathon showcased the athletic prowess of professional runners, it also provided an opportunity for prominent figures to participate and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the event. Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat completed the demanding half-marathon in just over two hours and 26 minutes, a notable achievement considering the rigorous training and endurance required. Additionally, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po participated in the 2km Leader’s Cup, securing the second-place position with an impressive time of approximately 11 minutes. Business tycoon Peter Woo Kwong-ching claimed the top spot, while politician Bunny Chan Chung-bun secured third place in the race.
Property and entertainment magnate Allan Zeman emphasized the significance of the marathon’s return, emphasizing that it symbolizes unity and freedom for Hong Kong. Zeman further expressed his encouragement at witnessing the city attract elite runners, highlighting the growing allure of sports in Hong Kong. He revealed that the city has more exciting sporting events on the horizon, including an exhibition match featuring football legend Lionel Messi scheduled for the coming month.
The successful return of the Hong Kong Marathon in all its grandeur not only showcased the indomitable spirit of the city but also served as a beacon of hope and progress. The event provided a glimpse into the resilience and determination of the participants, inspiring many with their sheer dedication and endurance. Above all, the marathon brought individuals together, instilling a sense of togetherness and shared experiences crucial for overcoming challenging times. Hong Kong’s marathon was a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to the pursuit of sporting excellence.
