Many of the 8,000 runners at the first-ever half marathon held at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge described it as a "most unique" and exciting experience that included strong winds affecting their performance.
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A Kenya runner won the race yesterday and renowned Hong Kong runner Gi Ka-man was the first local to cross the finish line.
Runners of the 21.1-kilometer event departed from the megabridge Hong Kong port and passed AsiaWorld-Expo, the airport, Scenic Hill Tunnel and Sha Lo Wan before returning to the finish line at the Hong Kong port on the bridge.
Kenya's Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba scooped the US$10,000 (HK$78,000) award for topping the race in one hour and one minute.
Sawrah Chelangat from Uganda also won US$10,000 for being the fastest female half-marathoner in one hour and eight minutes.
Gi, who finished in one hour and nine minutes, said it was a new experience to run on the bridge but added the organizer could have improved some arrangements - like setting up more toilets and water supply points.
He said runners had to register at AsiaWorld-Expo, take a shuttle and then walk to the starting point, which not only wasted their time but also their energy.
Another local, Chong See-yeung, said it was difficult to finish the race due to strong winds and slopes on the bridge.
Runner Tsang Hiu-tung said she tripped over a gutter on the road and hurt her knee.
Others were simply excited.
Runner Wu said: "I came from Macau to join the marathon. This is a pioneering arrangement as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is usually for cars, not people."
Movie star Chow Yun-fat, who finished the race in 2.5 hours, said he was satisfied with his performance and the arrangements.
"I'll participate in the half-marathon again next year," Chow said.
Others complained about the lack of toilets, food supply and time for warm-up.
Some 20 portable toilets were set up at the starting point for 8,000 runners. Nearly 100 people queued to use the toilets and some male runners had to pee on the roadside in broad daylight.
Organizing committee chairman Simon Yeung Sai-mo said they had expected runners to use the toilets at AsiaWorld-Expo before going to the race.
But he promised to improve the arrangements in the future.
"We had to return road access to authorities soon after the half-marathon was over. If there were many toilets along the road, it would delay the process," Yeung said.
He also said that of the 17 runners receiving emergency treatment during the race, three were sent to hospital for heat exhaustion or sprains but were in stable condition.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who announced the commencement of the half-marathon, said the event is the first running activity held on the megabridge and participants could appreciate the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com
