Editorial | Hong Kong up and running again with marathon
- City on the road to pre-Covid normality with the return of sporting showpiece, along with 37,000 runners, and other popular events
Long-distance runners perhaps best understand how the phrase “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” reflects the endurance and persistence needed to overcome challenges. But even the least athletic must feel encouraged by the latest signs that Hong Kong is returning to pre-pandemic normality.
Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have announced that an additional 12,000 people will be allowed to run in the showpiece event’s 25th edition in February. The quota now stands at 37,000, lower than the 74,000 welcomed before the pandemic, but more than the initial plans had allowed.
Covid-19 restrictions forced cancellations of the annual marathon in 2020 and again this year. The last edition was in October 2021, with a 75 per cent smaller field and no overseas competitors.
The coming race will welcome twice as many runners as last year.
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15,650 runners take part in first Hong Kong Marathon since Covid-19 pandemic
One of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events on the local calendar, the marathon draws thousands of people of varying ages and abilities. Some race for fun in costumes while others are world-class athletes focused on winning.