Hong Kong marathon, first event of its kind since pandemic hit, marred by injuries, allegations of censorship

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was also the first event of its kind since implementation of national security law

Several runners have complained they were told to cover up tattoos, logos and slogans or be banned from the race

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Participants run through Admiralty during Sunday’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: May Tse

Published: 4:08pm, 24 Oct 2021Updated: 11:53pm, 24 Oct 2021

Mass-participation sporting events returned to Hong Kong after a hiatus of more than 18 months with the running of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday, though the race was marred by injuries and accusations of censorship of political slogans.

The event was not only the first of its kind since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also the first since the implementation last year of a Beijing-decreed national security law, which has seen some previously tolerated forms of expression effectively criminalised.

Several entrants on Sunday complained they had been told to cover up tattoos, logos or slogans on their clothing or be banned from the race after organisers warned they would reject runners who broke Hong Kong laws or the event’s rules.

According to the organisers, more than 400 people were also injured during the event, including at least 20 who needed to be hospitalised, with one in critical condition. Some of those who required medical care were suffering from high body temperatures and sprains.

In 2019, the last time the race was run, just 15 people were sent to hospital from a pool of runners that was nearly 3½ times the size of Sunday’s crowd.

Some 18,500 elite and amateur athletes took to the streets of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island to compete in Sunday’s event, with eyes on the finish line at Victoria Park amid new hurdles on a new route and extra health requirements.

Before they could line up, participants had to provide a negative Covid-19 test and proof of vaccination, with anti-pandemic measures forcing organisers to curb the number of entrants.