Hong Kong officials are actively exploring options to expand the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, potentially transforming it into a two-day event and elevating its status as a major international sporting fixture. The move comes after a record number of applications for the race, with over 120,000 runners vying for a limited number of spots.
The government confirmed its support for the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) in conducting a study to assess the feasibility of increasing the marathon’s scale. This includes examining the possibility of adding race days, creating new race categories, and incorporating the city’s harborfront locations into the course design. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, addressed the Legislative Council on , confirming the government’s willingness to discuss these options with the HKAAA.
Lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, vice-chairman of the government advisory body Major Sports Events Committee, highlighted the challenge of balancing local participation with the growing international interest in the marathon. Approximately 25% of the race participants were from outside Hong Kong, a figure Cheng described as “ideal,” but one that simultaneously reduced the number of available slots for local runners. He suggested that splitting the event over two days could be a viable solution to accommodate a larger number of participants.
The potential for a two-day format has been met with enthusiasm from other lawmakers. Discussions have also centered on optimizing race routes to minimize traffic disruptions, with suggestions to utilize less congested areas such as Kai Tak and the Northern Metropolis. This approach aims to improve the overall race experience for participants and reduce the impact on the city’s infrastructure.
The HKAAA has already pledged to establish a special task force to address the oversubscription problem and study the “future development” of the annual event. This task force will be responsible for evaluating the various proposals, including the expansion of race days and the redesign of the course. A plan is expected to be submitted to the government within the next month.
Beyond increasing capacity, there is also a desire to enhance the marathon’s economic impact. Lawmakers believe that expanding the event and attracting more international runners could significantly boost Hong Kong’s “mega-event economy.” There is also consideration of transforming the event into a more festival-like atmosphere, potentially incorporating food and other activities to enhance the experience for both runners and spectators.
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been awarded the “M” Mark status since and receives funding support, solidifying its position as the most sizable and representative long-distance running event in Hong Kong. The event is widely welcomed by both local and international running enthusiasts. The current discussions represent a proactive effort to build upon this success and further elevate the marathon’s profile on the global stage.
While no formal discussions have been announced regarding seeking recognition as one of the World Marathon Majors, the potential for such an ambition is clearly present. Attracting more overseas runners is a key component of the expansion strategy, and achieving World Marathon Major status would undoubtedly contribute to this goal. The HKAAA and the government are expected to collaborate closely in pursuing opportunities to enhance the marathon’s international appeal.
The current situation, with over 74,000 participants in the race and nearly 50,000 applications denied, underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the event’s organization and capacity. The government’s support for the HKAAA’s study signals a commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon continues to thrive as a premier sporting event.