Coronavirus: Hong Kong showpiece marathon called off and Trailwalker event denied permission as Covid-19 continues to hit major events
- Organisers of Standard Chartered Hong Hong Marathon call off race, saying they have had to wait too long for permission from government
- News followed by Oxfam Hong Kong announcement that Trailwalker event was refused permission
The organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have abruptly scrapped the race even as the sports commissioner has expressed confidence the financial hub will restore its reputation as a skilled host for international tournaments once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Hours after the cancellation was announced on Friday, Oxfam Hong Kong revealed the government had denied it permission to hold the Trailwalker because of virus transmission risks, despite an offer to scale back the long-distance race to a quarter of its usual size.
The two events were among the most anticipated ones on the city’s sports calendar, but the marathon’s organisers said they were still waiting for government approval to hold the race on November 20, and with time running out, they had no choice but to cancel.
“The decision is made based on the fact that with only two months remaining before the event day, there is insufficient time for runners and relevant stakeholders to adequately prepare for the race,” the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates said.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung responded by saying his colleagues had reached out to the organisers to “see what we can do”.