Hong Kong Marathon organisers urge runners not to ‘risk their lives’ in race to snap up HK$10,000 prize

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon organisers have urged runners not to risk their health in the race to snap up individual HK$10,000 (US$1,275) bonuses, with at least HK$3 million expected to be given out under the new initiative.

Male runners who complete the full marathon on February 12 in less than three hours, or three-and-a-half hours for women, will be eligible for the cash award, which is an increase of 10 times from previous meetings.

“We estimate there may be around 300 to 350 runners that can reach the standard,” Simon Yeung Sai-mo, senior vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates, said.

“Of course, we hope this can encourage participants to do better in a marathon race but do not want to see runners risk their lives for the cash award. After all, a distance race may pose a danger to runners who have hidden heart problems or diseases.

“All we want to see is the runners enjoy a good race as pandemic restrictions continue to ease in Hong Kong, and do it with good preparation in accordance with their ability and body conditioning, but not over training.”

There will be 500 runners in the challenge group for this year’s showpiece, which was postponed from November 2022 because of pandemic restrictions.

In 2018, 1.16 per cent of runners – or 147 participants – finished below three hours in the men’s category, with another 254 finishing between three hours and three and a quarter hours.

In the women’s category, there were 52 runners that finished below 3 and a half hours and another 62 between 3 and a half hours and three hours and 45 minutes.

“This group of runners may be able to reach the standard provided they can have more proper training,” Yeung said.

Yeung represented Hong Kong at the Commonwealth Games as a middle distance runner, and has been the city’s head physiotherapist at various major events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Your marathon pace should be around 10 to 15 per cent slower than your best 10 kilometres finishing time,” he said. “If you can master that pacing in your training, this should be your marathon pace and you can work out how much time you need to finish the entire race.

“Many runners hit the ‘wall’ in the later stages of the race because they fail to control their pace in the early part, or simply lack endurance stamina.

“The association provides clinics and training courses for marathon runners and they can join us if they want to obtain more knowledges on this.”

With Covid-19 restrictions easing in Hong Kong, the 2023 Marathon will accommodate 37,000 entries – up from an initial 25,000 – comprising 20,000 for the 10-kilometre race, 11,500 for the half marathon, and 5,500 for the marathon.

Yeung also warned participants not to put on weight before the race, especially amid the Lunar New Year festivities.

“It will give you an extra burden to finish the race if you put on weight,” he said. “People will be tempted to eat more during the festive season but if a long distance race is ahead of you, you better control your appetite.”