Early morning noise concerns at starting point for 10km race
Organisers of Sunday's Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have called on runners in the 10km race to keep quiet, as the early morning starting point is near homes.
The 10km race, which attracted 33,000 entries this year, starts on the Island Eastern Corridor, near the City Garden residential estate in North Point, and the earliest group will start at 5.15am - meaning runners are expected to start gathering at about 4am on Sunday.
Eastern district councillor Hui Ching-on, who serves residents around City Garden, said some of them had raised concerns about noise problems.
Last year, district councillors serving areas along the race routes said they had received complaints from residents over early morning noise problems, and urged a later start to the race.
'Several residents said to me this year again that they worry the race will disturb their sleep,' Mr Hui said.
He called for the race to start later, at 8am, or for the start line to be moved away from residential areas.
William Ko Wai-lam, chairman of the organising committee, acknowledged the potential noise problems, and called on the runners to be considerate and keep quiet.
He said that the organiser had notified businesses and residents along the routes of the possible disturbance.
He also called on residents to be tolerant of the annual event. 'The noise should be temporary and it will be quiet after the race begins.'
Mr Ko added that the organisers would try to negotiate with the government for a later starting time, but said the police had raised concerns over traffic disruption.
Meanwhile, measures are in place to cope with the marathon and half marathon, which start in Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. All races will finish in Victoria Park.
A number of main roads will therefore be closed between midnight and 2pm on race day, the police said.
The Transport Department said 161 bus routes will be diverted, and the traffic flows of Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel and King's Road are expected to be busier.
The department called on motorists to avoid driving into the affected areas or using public transport.
MTR services will start gradually from 3.25am for the runners.
The main road closures
Western Harbour Tunnel, southbound lanes: 1am-2pm
West Kowloon Highway, southbound lanes: 1am-2pm
Tsing Kwai Highway, southbound lanes: 12am-2pm
Tsing Ma Bridge, Kowloon-bound lanes: 12am-11.30am
Connaught Rd West flyover, eastbound lanes: 3am-2pm
Island Eastern Corridor, westbound lanes between Victoria Park Rd-Tung Hei Rd sliproad: 2am-9.30am
SOURCE: HK AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
