The annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is set to transform the city’s streets into a vibrant international running corridor, with 74,000 athletes from 101 countries and regions preparing to compete this Sunday.
Organizers are projecting a spectacular event that transcends mere athletic competition, promising a celebration of global athletic diversity and community spirit.
Dennis Ng, executive director of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, highlighted the event’s broader significance beyond the race itself. “This marathon is more than just a run—it’s a cultural exchange,” Ng said.
The four-day marathon expo, launching Wednesday at Kai Tak Sports Park, will feature over 40 interactive booths designed to immerse participants and spectators in the marathon’s rich atmosphere. The expo aims to attract more than 120,000 visitors, offering opportunities for runners to collect race packets and engage with sponsors and charity partners.
With 14 male and 10 female elite runners—predominantly from Africa—the competitive field promises intense athletic drama. The race will utilize multiple starting points, including Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Island Eastern Corridor, with all events culminating at Victoria Park.
Extensive road closures will accompany the marathon, with restrictions beginning Saturday night and expected to lift by Sunday afternoon. Authorities warn of potential traffic disruptions, particularly in the Yau Tsim Mong district and around the Cheung Tsing Highway.
As dawn breaks over Hong Kong, thousands of international runners will transform the city’s landscape into a global stage of athletic excellence and shared human determination.
