Half-marathon on Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge confirmed for November, aimed at becoming annual event
- HKAAA launches race with 8,000 runners set to run on the Hong Kong section of the bridge linking the three cities
- ‘We are certain the appetite for participation will significantly climb beyond our initial 8,000 and eventually create a notable annual event,’ organiser says
The inaugural Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon has been confirmed for this November, with Hong Kong athletics officials predicting the “unique” event would grow into a major annual occasion.
Launched at sponsor Bank of China’s headquarters in the city on Wednesday, the race will be confined to the Hong Kong section of the bridge, but will allow competitors to enter normally forbidden territory when it is staged on November 19.
Runners will have their ID checked and be taken beyond the Hong Kong Port border checkpoint, where they will start and finish. They will turn for the stretch home when they reach the end of Hong Kong Link Road – which connects to the bridge’s main section – after around 10.5km (6.5 miles).
The event is expected to draw athletes from around the globe, providing local talent with premium competition on their own doorsteps, in addition to 5,500 amateur runners. The winners of the elite men’s and women’s races will each take home US$10,000.
Simon Yeung, chairman of the half-marathon’s organising committee, said on Wednesday: “We are anticipating large demand to participate in this unique event, which gives runners an opportunity to run on territory that is normally completely closed to the public on foot.
“It is a huge operational challenge and we are grateful for the complete cooperation of Hong Kong authorities in helping us bring our vision for a spectacular race closer to reality.
“The breathtaking nature of the course will attract runners from the city and overseas and when people see the first edition we are certain the appetite for participation will significantly climb beyond our initial 8,000 figure and eventually create a notable annual event.”
At 55km (34 miles), the bridge, which opened in 2018, is the world’s longest sea crossing.
The event, which will double up as the first East Asia Half Marathon Championships for competitors from that region, immediately received the backing of promising Hong Kong half-marathon runner Marcus Cheng.
Boasting a half-marathon personal best of one hour, 10 minutes and 21 seconds, Cheng said he saw the new race as a “great opportunity” for Hong Kong athletes to compete with some of the best in their field.
“Athletes need to find the best competition and normally Hong Kong runners have to travel abroad for this,” Cheng said. “The new race is a great opportunity to compete in our own city and enjoy local conditions.
“The HKAAA [Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates] is trying to host more international competition road races and inviting athletes from other countries.
“It is a chance for local runners to chase those elite foreign athletes and try to improve to lower personal bests.”
The half-marathon will feature 8,000 runners. A quota of 2,500 places is reserved for a “Challenge Group” – the elite contingent – divided into four age categories.
The remaining 5,500 spots are up for grabs. First, between Friday and August 6, those with a fast enough previous 10km or half-marathon time can apply for priority entry. The rest can try the public ballot, which opens its eight-day window on August 14.
Kwan Kee, chairman of the HKAAA, said: “Organising the race in this new venue brings lots of challenges for us, but like all athletes we love challenges.”
