Hong Kong Marathon set for January 21 with runner quota increased to 74,000

The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will increase the total enrolments for next year’s race to 74,000 runners as the city’s annual showpiece is slated for January 21.

The biennial Asian Marathon Championships will also be held concurrently, according to the organizer.

The organizer said priority and guaranteed entry registration for the Hong Kong Marathon will open from tomorrow, while the public ballot registration will open from 10 am on September 21.

Meanwhile, the organizer has decided to retain the ‘Special Incentive Award for Marathon’ for the Marathon Challenge category, allowing permanent Hong Kong residents who cross the finish line under 3 hours for men or under 3 hours and 30 minutes for women, each take home a special incentive award of HK$10,000.

Kwan Kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates said the runner quota of 74,000 for next year’s race has already reached pre-pandemic levels, and that he expects the response will remain enthusiastic.

He also noted that the January race date will hopefully allow runners to compete in cool weather.