Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour Swim will return on November 22, 2025, with registration now open for 4,000 spots until September 2 midnight, the Hong Kong China Swimming Association announced on Thursday.
The 1km open-water race from Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui marks the event's 120th anniversary since its 1906 inception.
Learning from last year's typhoon cancellation, organizers have implemented a backup date - the race will postpone to November 29 if Typhoon Signal No. 1 or higher remains hoisted at 6am on race day.
For the first time, the leisure category "Companion Team" option expands to allow groups of up to four participants to register and be allocated the same time slot, enabling friends and families to share the experience.
Participants must be at least 14 years old for the “Racing Group” (born before December 31, 2011) or 12 for the “Leisure Group”(born before December 31, 2013). Those 65+ must submit a medical certification. Non-exempt entrants must pass qualifying water tests - completing 1,500m within 35 minutes (racing) or 45 minutes (leisure).
Applicants must pay a HK$200 water test fee during registration, with successful qualifiers paying HK$480 between October 21 to November 3.
On race day, the top five male and female finishers will receive HK$800 to HK$5,000 prizes, while all completers get commemorative medals.
(Marco Lam)
