'Coming into the finish I knew I was the leading Hong Kong runner, so I was thrilled to cross the line as the first local,' said the financial consultant, who was given an official time of two hours, 28 minutes and 12 seconds for the 42.2km distance.

'I came to Hong Kong on an investment visa nearly five years ago, so I don't know why I should have to wait seven years before I can call myself a Hongkonger.

'I'm a paid-up member of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, but seemingly that counts for nothing. I've been told I may have won a prize of US$1,500 as the first HKAAA-registered athlete home, but I don't care about the prize money; it's the principle that counts. I will give the prize money to charity.'

The leading local male and female in the full marathon receive HK$6,000 each. Passarello would have been entitled to this sum had he been a permanent resident, but that prize now goes to policeman Lai Hok-yan, who finished as the second local in 2:32:06.

'This was quite an emotional race for me because I went home to Italy for Christmas and trained in the snow and freezing temperatures,' added Passarello.

'I hit the wall at 23km, and my legs just wouldn't respond. I slowed down for about 2km or so, and after that I got a second wind, so I raced as hard as I could. I was really flying on the final 5km and I was actually crying because I felt so good.'

As if he hadn't suffered enough, the Italian stopped his watch at 2:27:56 as he crossed the line but was given an official time of 2:28:12.

'This is the biggest disappointment, as I could have got an elite entry to the Fukuoka Marathon with a sub-2:28 time,' he said.