The next Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will take place on January 21, 2024, the organizer announced on Thursday.
The event’s hosting of the 19th Asian Marathon Championships will also see top runners from some 45 corresponding regions and countries invited to compete with local runners.
This will be the first time the biennial championships have been held in Hong Kong since the pandemic ended and the fifth time the SAR has been selected as the host.
“This affirms that Hong Kong’s continued significant role in both Marathon races and mega international sports events is recognized by the international sports community,” a statement read.
Kwan Kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates, said they are honored to be staging the Asian Marathon Championships again since 2015.
Kwan added they chose to hold the race in January to ensure there would be enough time to attract more international runners to participate in the competition. He also hoped that the cool weather at that time would allow runners to perform better and create a more enthusiastic atmosphere.
Hosting the Asian Marathon Championships simultaneously can also consolidate Hong Kong’s status as the center of international events, Kwan added.
Not only is the marathon one of the Gold Label Road Races recognized by the World Association of Athletics Federations, but it is also one of Hong Kong’s own “M” Mark Events.
The 25th Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon held on February 12 saw a total of 34,783 runners at the start, with the overall attendance rate achieving a record high of 94 percent.
