The verdict is unanimous - the existing course of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is downright difficult. I have not run it, but those who have, and I have spoken to both local and overseas runners, are united in their views that the present stretch is far too hilly, too hard and too boring.
Last Sunday, we asked whether a marathon running through the heart of Hong Kong Island would be a pipedream. We called for a change of route. We have since received responses from readers - some of whose letters we print today - supporting our call for a true city marathon.
A marathon that begins on Nathan Road, combining the existing half-marathon course with a loop on Hong Kong Island - along the Island Eastern Corridor and back from Chai Wan along King's Road and Hennessy Road to Wanchai - would be one possible way to do it.
But such a route will come at a price - closing roads on Hong Kong Island for half of Sunday will disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Is it worth it? Yes, says our readers, those of whom got out of bed and took part in last Sunday's race.
Adrian Baker, who works for a shoe company that co-sponsors the race, is a devout advocate for a change of scenery.
'In its present format, the event has grown into one of the largest in Asia. However, to have a route running through the streets of Hong Kong with such a spectacular skyline would be great for runners and spectators alike,' said Baker, Asia Area Manager for New Balance Shoes (HK) Ltd.