https://www.scmp.com/rss/518642/feed More than 800 marathons and countless other half marathons take place around the world every year, but only six are classed as world title events - Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ada Li Ada Li The Bank of China Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Half Marathon has been designated a platinum event by World Athletics, making it the highest rated race in Hong Kong. According to the global governing body’s calendar for this season, the event has been upgraded from gold for November’s edition. Platinum is the highest tier of race certification and gives the bridge run a higher grading than the more prestigious Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which is in the gold tier. This year’s race is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349931/hong-kong-bridge-half-marathon-gets-platinum-status-now-citys-top-ranked-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349931/hong-kong-bridge-half-marathon-gets-platinum-status-now-citys-top-ranked-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:03:08 +0000 Ada Li,Reuters Ada Li,Reuters The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is considering making major changes, including moving the finish line to Kai Tak Sports Park and expanding the event over two days, but not everyone is a fan. With organisers expected to make recommendations to the government this month, Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Rosanna Law Shuk-pui has questioned whether the roads around the venue could support races that drew almost 74,000 runners this year. A new route would also be likely to include the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349291/law-urges-caution-over-proposals-hong-kong-marathon-route-change-switch-2-day-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349291/law-urges-caution-over-proposals-hong-kong-marathon-route-change-switch-2-day-event?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Organisers of the Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon have confirmed that the second edition of the event featuring humanoid robots will be held next month, with human runners sharing the course with their mechanised counterparts once again. As described by the organisers, “human athletes and robots will compete on the same course”, with the two groups starting the race together on April 19 in Beijing E-Town, with the finish line set in Nanhaizi Park. On the robots’ side, more than 300 humanoid... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348023/humans-robots-run-together-again-beijing-yizhuang-half-marathon-organisers-confirm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348023/humans-robots-run-together-again-beijing-yizhuang-half-marathon-organisers-confirm?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:37:33 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Two runners at the 2026 Chengdu World Heritage Marathon have been penalised after behaviour on the course that sparked widespread criticism on Chinese social media. In one incident, viral videos show one woman stopping suddenly during the race to perform a full split on the running path, apparently posing for photographers on the sidelines. Her move caused runners behind her to almost trip over her and forced them to jump aside in a scramble. In the other, a clip showed a man carrying a large... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347897/chengdu-marathon-organisers-ban-woman-who-did-splits-mid-race-man-who-hoarded-energy-gel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347897/chengdu-marathon-organisers-ban-woman-who-did-splits-mid-race-man-who-hoarded-energy-gel?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:00:17 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Former nurse Zhang Shuihua secured her first title as a full-time marathon runner – and in a record time – at the 2026 Lishui Marathon, three months after announcing her resignation from her “iron rice bowl” position. Once known as China’s “fastest female nurse”, Zhang sparked widespread debate last year after winning the Harbin Marathon as an amateur, after which she tearfully pleaded for her “leaders to support her time-off requests to run marathons”. Six months later, and after resigning from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347620/former-fastest-female-nurse-wins-first-marathon-professional-earning-40000-yuan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3347620/former-fastest-female-nurse-wins-first-marathon-professional-earning-40000-yuan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:10 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang The winner of the 2026 Chongqing Wanzhou Marathon was stopped and diverted just before the finish line, an incident organisers blamed on an official’s rain-soaked glasses. Yunnan runner Sheng Xueli was leading by a fair distance on Sunday, but when he approached the finish line, a confused official mistook him for a half-marathon participant and blocked his path. Sheng was then directed into the half-marathon finishers’ chute. Following the confusion, officials eventually guided him back to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3346866/chinese-race-official-handed-1-year-ban-after-mistakenly-pushing-winner-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3346866/chinese-race-official-handed-1-year-ban-after-mistakenly-pushing-winner-course?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li For Claire Cormier Thielke, running used to be about fractions of a second. Now it is about using it to know Hong Kong better, both on a personal and professional basis – a way to make connections, in every sense. The former Stanford University track and field captain, who specialised in the 400m and 800m, went on to compete for USA Track and Field as a member of the national team. Her life revolved around training schedules, stopwatch splits and performance targets. “Running 800m is a painful,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345704/how-hong-kong-helped-american-sprinter-meet-new-challenges-and-learn-run-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345704/how-hong-kong-helped-american-sprinter-meet-new-challenges-and-learn-run-again?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Social media is filled with influencers rating electrolyte supplements or even telling followers how to make their own. But experts say many of the claims about the health benefits of these drinks need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Electrolytes are electrically charged substances that help regulate chemical reactions in the body. In the context of hydration, they balance fluid levels inside and outside cells, says Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic in the US state... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3345208/why-electrolyte-drinks-gatorade-and-pocari-sweat-arent-always-beneficial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3345208/why-electrolyte-drinks-gatorade-and-pocari-sweat-arent-always-beneficial?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:15:08 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Feng Peiyou knocked nearly a minute off the Chinese record at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, and threw down a huge challenge to Japan’s best ahead of this year’s Asian Games. The 24-year-old was the first Asian athlete across the line, coming 11th in a time of two hours, five minutes and 58 seconds, crushing the previous best of 2:06:57 set by He Jie at the Wuxi Marathon in 2024. Feng, who became the first Chinese runner to dip below two hours and six minutes, ran much of the race alongside... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345017/japanese-rivals-spur-feng-peiyou-break-he-jies-chinese-record-tokyo-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3345017/japanese-rivals-spur-feng-peiyou-break-he-jies-chinese-record-tokyo-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:07:28 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on February 13, 2006. By Andy Cheng and Alvin Sallay Pollution takes its toll on marathon Twenty-two people were sent to hospital yesterday, two remaining in critical condition last night (February 12, 2006), after taking part in Hong Kong’s biggest marathon amid the worst air pollution since September. Many of the record 40,000 runners complained the “choking air affected their performance in the 10th annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, half-marathon... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343159/1-runner-resuscitated-more-hospitalised-during-2006-marathon-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343159/1-runner-resuscitated-more-hospitalised-during-2006-marathon-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:00:12 +0000 Sasha Gonzales Sasha Gonzales Hong Kong actors Chow Yun-fat, 70, Kent Cheng, 74, Lau Kong, 79, and Paw Hee-ching, 76, made headlines in January for being among the oldest participants in the 10km event at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026. In 2025, the then 69-year-old Chow ran the half-marathon at the event, completing the 13.1-mile (21km) race in two hours, 24 minutes and 33 seconds. Recently, a growing number of people in their sixties, seventies, eighties and older have been in the news for taking part in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3342586/how-people-70-year-old-chow-yun-fat-keep-pushing-their-endurance-limits-they-age?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3342586/how-people-70-year-old-chow-yun-fat-keep-pushing-their-endurance-limits-they-age?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 04:45:07 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Olympic gold medallist and tourism lawmaker Vivian Kong Man-wai has suggested turning the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon into a broader cultural experience, mirroring France’s Marathon du Médoc or London’s Ciderthon. Local officials said after January’s race, when almost 120,000 people applied for the 74,000 places across the three events – the marathon, half-marathon and 10km – that they would discuss what changes might be made. And ideas have ranged from changing some of the routes to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3342539/tourism-carnival-or-elite-level-race-what-next-hong-kongs-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3342539/tourism-carnival-or-elite-level-race-what-next-hong-kongs-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:02:27 +0000 Lily Canter Lily Canter While planning to run an ultra-marathon along the historic Silk Road, Ria Xi was alarmed when AI warned her about taking NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – while ultra-running. She jumped onto Instagram to tell her 38,000 followers “do not take NSAIDs” when running long distances because of the impact they can have on blood flow to the kidneys. Beijing-born Xi was prompted to make the “public service announcement” after she had previously been told, while seeking treatment for knee... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3341642/why-nsaids-ibuprofen-and-naproxen-might-be-bad-news-long-distance-runners?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3341642/why-nsaids-ibuprofen-and-naproxen-might-be-bad-news-long-distance-runners?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:15:07 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities have signalled openness to expanding the city’s annual marathon, suggesting future routes could bring runners closer to the public, allowing residents to cheer them on with “egg waffles and milk tea” along the way. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui told lawmakers that the government maintained a “positive and open” attitude towards expanding the capacity of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon or even turning it into a two-day event, an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341458/hong-kong-eyes-bigger-marathon-egg-waffles-and-milk-tea-cheer-runners?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341458/hong-kong-eyes-bigger-marathon-egg-waffles-and-milk-tea-cheer-runners?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:27:32 +0000 Olga Wong,Ambrose Li Olga Wong,Ambrose Li Hong Kong police are investigating a report of child abuse after a runner took part in a marathon while carrying his baby. The investigation was launched after a viral video showing the baby strapped to the runner’s chest during the race sparked public concern. Police said they received a report on Monday accusing the mainland Chinese man of child abuse. No arrests have been made so far. “The investigator in charge has already reached out to the runner and is arranging a time for him to return... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340628/police-probe-child-abuse-report-after-man-runs-baby-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340628/police-probe-child-abuse-report-after-man-runs-baby-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:03:03 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which saw 74,000 runners of different abilities race through the heart of the city, has long been recognised as a signature event. But the importance of the competition, first staged in 1997, has grown in recent years as Hong Kong’s bid to become a leading host of elite international events gathers momentum, along with efforts to develop sport at all levels. The races, including the flagship marathon, half-marathon, 10km contest and wheelchair trial,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340543/time-hong-kong-marathon-pick-pace-and-evolve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340543/time-hong-kong-marathon-pick-pace-and-evolve?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:15:15 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will set up a special task force to look into the “future development” of the event, after thousands of visitors flocked to take part in Sunday’s races and almost 50,000 runners were denied a spot. More than 90 per cent of the 74,000 who were awarded a place turned up, but officials previously said 120,000 people applied and athletes have asked before why Hong Kong does not follow in Singapore’s footsteps in spreading out events over 48... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3340335/hong-kong-marathon-organisers-look-turning-event-2-day-affair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3340335/hong-kong-marathon-organisers-look-turning-event-2-day-affair?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Melaku Belachew claimed his second Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon title on Sunday, reigniting a love affair with the city that began when he won for the first time way back in 2017. And just as he did nine years ago, the charismatic Ethiopian performed a gleeful dance moments after completing a windy, undulating 26.2-mile course that was the enemy of speed in two hours, nine minutes and 39 seconds. Belachew had almost completed his crowd-pleasing routine by the time Kenyans Silas Too and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340299/hong-kong-marathon-winner-melaku-belachew-reignites-city-love-affair-vows-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340299/hong-kong-marathon-winner-melaku-belachew-reignites-city-love-affair-vows-be-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 06:30:11 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang While more than 70,000 runners took to the streets for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday, a small group held their own “invitational” at the Happy Valley Racecourse. Unable to get places in the 10km race or half-marathon, fitness coach Michael Sik made sure the months of training did not go to waste for himself and a group of committed friends. The “Sik-Fit Invitational Run” was created as a “reason to keep training”. “Without this event as a goal, the effort from the past few... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340294/runners-who-missed-out-hong-kong-marathon-complete-invitational-race-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340294/runners-who-missed-out-hong-kong-marathon-complete-invitational-race-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:00:20 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Melaku Belachew claimed his second men’s title, Shitaye Eshete won the women’s race and came close to the course record, and Hong Kong triathlete Wong Tsz-to ensured there was home gold on Sunday. On a day when conditions were not conducive to fast times, some 74,000 runners still took to the streets for the city’s biggest race day of the year. And while... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340287/2026-standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-10km-leaders-near-finish-line-runners-hit-road?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340287/2026-standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-10km-leaders-near-finish-line-runners-hit-road?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:59:58 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on December 15, 1969 Drama in HK’s first international marathon by Neil Perera Unheralded Kim Cha Hwan of South Korea yesterday (December 14, 1969) pulverised an international field of long distance runners to win the first Tin Tin international marathon in the New Territories. Kim, a 21-year-old electrician, overcame a determined challenge from Australia’s John Farrington to cover the gruelling 26 miles course in two hours 20 minutes 39 seconds. He immediately... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339688/drama-hong-kongs-first-international-marathon-1969-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339688/drama-hong-kongs-first-international-marathon-1969-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 07:30:08 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Reigning Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon champion Bethwell Kipkemboi is back in the city and determined not only to successfully defend his title on Sunday but also to break the course record. Kipkemboi, who claimed last year’s men’s marathon crown in two hours, 11 minutes and 13 seconds, has set his sights on surpassing the 2:09:20 mark set by fellow Kenyan Barnabas Kiptum in 2019. Even so, the 32-year-old said he did not feel any pressure and was “just focused” on his goal. “I want to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3340217/standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-defending-champ-kipkemboi-eyes-course-record-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3340217/standard-chartered-hong-kong-marathon-defending-champ-kipkemboi-eyes-course-record-title?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:12:38 +0000 Miguel Enriquez Miguel Enriquez The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the world every year but the sporting event had humble beginnings in the city. When Hong Kong held its first international marathon in 1969, there were only 28 participants. In this collection of pictures, we look at how the annual running event has grown throughout the years. https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339990/hong-kong-marathons-throughout-years-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339990/hong-kong-marathons-throughout-years-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:30:05 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times South Korea’s streets, parks and travel itineraries are being redrawn as a nationwide running trend shows no sign of slowing. Once the preserve of a small group of enthusiasts, running has evolved into a mass hobby, with some 10 million South Koreans now identifying themselves as runners, according to industry and tourism data. That is roughly double the figure from 2015. Marathons and road races are multiplying across the country, and “run trips” that combine travel and races are emerging as a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3339692/whats-fuelling-south-koreas-running-boom-inside-countrys-growing-fitness-obsession?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3339692/whats-fuelling-south-koreas-running-boom-inside-countrys-growing-fitness-obsession?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:05:08 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hong Kong distance runner Virginia Lo Ying-chiu has targeted another personal best at Sunday’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (SCHKM), carrying on from breaking her best times on several occasions last year. “Both my training progress and physical condition feel good, and I hope to run faster than last year’s Hong Kong Marathon and also break the PB set at the National Games – if the weather and other conditions are favourable,” Lo said. Lo won the local women’s full marathon title last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339771/hong-kongs-virginia-lo-resume-quest-another-personal-best-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3339771/hong-kongs-virginia-lo-resume-quest-another-personal-best-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:00:17 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen About a quarter of the runners for the coming Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon are from outside the city, a record for the annual race, the organiser has said. Authorities also warned that road closures for Sunday’s marathon will affect services along 269 bus and 40 minibus routes, and called on residents to plan their trips in advance. The Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, which organises the event, said on Monday that among the 74,000 people set to take part this year,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339619/record-setting-marathon-attracts-1-4-runners-outside-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339619/record-setting-marathon-attracts-1-4-runners-outside-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:53:38 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li From Paris, Miami, Washington and all places in between, they came, ready to celebrate a friend’s landmark marathon in Hong Kong and continue a partnership 25 years in the making. The “Running Babes” reunited at the Road Scholars China Coast Marathon (CCM) on Sunday, taking to the roads around High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung as they have countless times before. With member Ming Chen competing in her 88th race over the distance, the 12-strong group also decided to sponsor the city’s oldest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3339513/marathon-marks-another-mile-lifelong-friendship-hong-kongs-running-babes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3339513/marathon-marks-another-mile-lifelong-friendship-hong-kongs-running-babes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jan 2026 23:00:16 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s “fastest female nurse” resigned from her “iron rice bowl”, or job for life, after being disciplined by her hospital for taking outside paid work without approval and lying about why she needed to swap shifts. Zhang Shuihua, a nurse at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, earned her unofficial title after running a personal best of two hours, 35 minutes and 27 seconds at the 2025 Harbin Marathon in August, finishing as the top Chinese woman. The 34-year-old amateur... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3338801/chinas-fastest-female-nurse-quits-hospital-job-amid-sponsor-shift-controversy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3338801/chinas-fastest-female-nurse-quits-hospital-job-amid-sponsor-shift-controversy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:00:46 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li When Ming Chen lines up for the Road Scholars China Coast Marathon (CCM) this weekend, it will mark her 88th full marathon – an auspicious number in Chinese culture that once seemed like the finish line. It was a number the 55-year-old had targeted when she spoke to the Post seven years ago on the eve of her 65th race; now she has another figure in mind. “I am going for 100, and then I am stopping,” Chen said. “I still enjoy running … after a hundred, maybe I’ll move on to half-marathons and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3338654/hongkongers-milestone-marathon-now-just-marker-road-reaching-magic-number?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3338654/hongkongers-milestone-marathon-now-just-marker-road-reaching-magic-number?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:16 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The Road Scholars China Coast Marathon, Hong Kong’s longest-established race over that distance, promises runners a daunting but spectacular challenge when its 45th anniversary edition takes place next month. It falls on January 11, just a week before the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the city’s largest running event, and offers an alternative to its 74,000-runner counterpart in more ways than one. Expected to draw about 1,000 runners in total for its marathon and half-marathon, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3337232/china-coast-marathon-spectacular-alternative-standard-chartered-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3337232/china-coast-marathon-spectacular-alternative-standard-chartered-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:15:10 +0000 Chloe Loung Chloe Loung Runners taking part in various marathon events over the coming months – including the Road Scholars China Coast Marathon on January 11 and the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on January 18 – have been out in full force on the streets of Hong Kong lately. A marathon is not an endeavour one typically approaches lightly. For most, running a 42km (26-mile) race is the culmination of months or years of preparation that has conditioned both physique and resolve for the gruelling distance. For... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3335560/how-hong-kong-marathon-star-went-reluctant-runner-smashing-6-big-races?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3335560/how-hong-kong-marathon-star-went-reluctant-runner-smashing-6-big-races?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:00:09 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Runners completed laps of the track at Stanley Ho Sports Centre in Hong Kong’s Sandy Bay on Saturday to help raise funds for victims of the Tai Po fire tragedy. Those jogging to chalk up the laps were drawn from various construction companies and were taking part in the 10th anniversary edition of the Lap Dog Challenge. The challenge typically focuses on supporting those connected with the construction industry who are victims of accidents and ill health. This year, money was raised for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3335492/hong-kong-runners-hit-track-raise-funds-tai-po-victims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3335492/hong-kong-runners-hit-track-raise-funds-tai-po-victims?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 02:58:56 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Officials behind the Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon have located all bags missing after Sunday’s event and are aiming to regain the trust of the city’s runners, the chief organiser has said. Bag collection descended into chaos following the race, with some items initially being lost, as exhausted participants waited hours to retrieve their belongings in what one called a “post-run treasure hunt”. There were also complaints for a third year running about the course. Andes Leung Pak-hang, CEO and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3334260/hong-kong-streetathon-runners-lost-bags-are-found-organiser-vows-improve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3334260/hong-kong-streetathon-runners-lost-bags-are-found-organiser-vows-improve?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:30:17 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Seven runners’ personal belongings are still missing after a chaotic baggage collection process at the Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon, which the organiser blamed on a Wi-fi system failure. Andes Leung Pak-hang, CEO and co-founder of event organiser RunOurCity, apologised on Monday for the chaos, which left runners scavenging through thousands of bags for hours after the race to find their belongings. Leung said the team had wanted to “race against time” and decided to use a new technology this year... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333887/7-hong-kong-streetathon-runners-still-missing-bags-wi-fi-failure-blamed-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3333887/7-hong-kong-streetathon-runners-still-missing-bags-wi-fi-failure-blamed-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:46:38 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon returned on Sunday with a new route, old problems and, not for the first time, officials having to apologise as poor organisation once again blighted the race. A breakdown in baggage collection, where runners’ bags were left strewn on the floor beyond the finish line, prompted organisers to promise a review on a day when there were also complaints about the closing stages of the marathon and half-marathon. While a new route took in an unopened section of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3333847/tough-finishing-stretch-post-race-bag-collection-mess-blight-kerry-hong-kong-streetathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3333847/tough-finishing-stretch-post-race-bag-collection-mess-blight-kerry-hong-kong-streetathon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:06:10 +0000 Charmaine Mok Charmaine Mok I have recently taken up running again, which, of course, means that the whole world will now need to hear about it. It all started with being peer-pressured into doing a 10k race next month at Hong Kong Disneyland. The last time I ran such a distance was nearly a decade ago. Ah, to be young and not know what sural neuritis is. Begrudgingly, I realised I probably needed to get my cardiovascular system up to scratch to survive the ordeal. And strangely enough, the most peculiar thing happened:... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3329058/runners-hong-kong-what-kind-carbs-are-you-eating-newbie-wants-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3329058/runners-hong-kong-what-kind-carbs-are-you-eating-newbie-wants-know?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:15:08 +0000 dpa,Reuters,Agence France-Presse dpa,Reuters,Agence France-Presse Armand “Mondo” Duplantis successfully defended his pole vault title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, before celebrating in style by breaking his own world record. In another totally dominant display, Sweden’s Duplantis was the sole athlete to clear 6.15 metres while Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took silver with a best of 6.00m and Australian Kurtis Marschall claimed bronze with 5.95m on countback from American Sam Kendricks. Duplantis was not finished there, and cleared... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3325634/german-beaten-amazing-marathon-photo-finish-tokyo-dedicates-silver-mum-ethiopia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3325634/german-beaten-amazing-marathon-photo-finish-tokyo-dedicates-silver-mum-ethiopia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:04:53 +0000 Erika Na Erika Na Hong Kong runner Dennis Lui insists he is ordinary and even calls himself a “lazy person”. “My favourite hobby is sleeping and I get up at the last minute to go to work,” the 42-year-old, who works in marketing, says with a laugh. But his collection of running medals suggests he is anything but lazy – or ordinary. Lui is an exceptional runner. He is the first person from Hong Kong to have run all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors – the world’s most prestigious marathons, in Tokyo, Boston,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323928/how-hong-kongs-lazy-marathon-star-made-history-and-what-hes-aiming-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323928/how-hong-kongs-lazy-marathon-star-made-history-and-what-hes-aiming-next?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:00:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Untouchable Olympic champion Sifan Hassan shattered the course record to surge home first in a historic Sydney Marathon on Sunday, with Hailemaryam Kiros matching her feat in the men’s race. Run for the first time as one of the elite World Marathon Majors, Hassan was utterly dominant, clocking a blistering two hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds ahead of Kenya’s former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, who finished in 2:18:56. Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa Gurmesa, who was third, won the race last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3323796/olympic-champion-hassan-and-kiros-smash-course-records-win-sydney-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3323796/olympic-champion-hassan-and-kiros-smash-course-records-win-sydney-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Aug 2025 02:30:09 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg One of the world’s most iconic bridges will swap cars for tens of thousands of pounding feet on Sunday morning, as Sydney joins the elite ranks of the World Marathon Majors. About 35,000 people are expected to toe the start line in Australia’s biggest marathon to date, including the fastest man to run the distance, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. The 26.2 mile course crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and loops through downtown and Centennial Park before ending at the famous Opera House steps. Growing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3323458/worlds-fastest-marathon-man-kipchoge-lead-runners-sydney-race-joins-elite-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3323458/worlds-fastest-marathon-man-kipchoge-lead-runners-sydney-race-joins-elite-group?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:15 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have unveiled details of the 2026 edition, and said they would aim to prevent a repeat of this year’s bib-swapping controversies by reminding runners to check their race numbers. The event will also be given a stronger overseas marketing push in an attempt to attract visiting runners, the organisers said. This year’s event in February ended with the disqualifications of the winner and runner-up of the half-marathon, as well as the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3323221/hong-kong-marathons-plan-stop-bib-swap-controversies-ask-runners-check?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3323221/hong-kong-marathons-plan-stop-bib-swap-controversies-ask-runners-check?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:55:17 +0000 Tara Loader Wilkinson Tara Loader Wilkinson Jeff Galloway tends to be pretty low-key about birthdays, but on July 12 this year, things were decidedly different: the inspirational American Olympian runner turned 80. “I guess this year, because it had a zero on the end, I got a lot of nice messages – a few thousand actually,” he laughs from his home in Florida, where he lives with his wife of 50 years, Barb, who shares his passion for running. To say Galloway has had a positive impact on the take-up of competitive running would be an... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3319387/how-olympian-jeff-galloway-still-running-marathons-80-he-trains-his-237th?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3319387/how-olympian-jeff-galloway-still-running-marathons-80-he-trains-his-237th?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Jul 2025 09:15:07 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk A British-Indian man aged 114 and widely considered the oldest marathon runner ever has died after being hit by a car while crossing a road in India. Fauja Singh died in Punjab, according to local reports, which stated that he suffered fatal injuries in the accident at his birth village of Beas Pind. His death was confirmed by Khushwant Singh, Punjab’s former state information commissioner, who wrote the runner’s biography, The Turbaned Tornado. “My Turbaned Tornado is no more,” he posted on... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3318249/turbaned-tornado-marathon-runner-fauja-singh-dies-114-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3318249/turbaned-tornado-marathon-runner-fauja-singh-dies-114-india?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:08:25 +0000 Andrew Cesare Richardson Andrew Cesare Richardson When you picture the North Pole, you may think of Christmas or camping under the Northern Lights. Hong Kong resident David Dudek, however, imagines running 26 miles (42km) in sub-zero temperatures. The 57-year-old hopes to finally take on the North Pole Marathon on Monday after six previous attempts were thwarted. “In 2019, I went in a Ukrainian plane, which the Russian airspace would not allow to land on its runway,” Dudek said. “The next three years were cancelled because of Covid, the runway... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3317372/after-everest-and-great-wall-marathon-loving-hongkonger-tackles-north-pole?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3317372/after-everest-and-great-wall-marathon-loving-hongkonger-tackles-north-pole?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:00:08 +0000 Cathy Hilborn Feng Cathy Hilborn Feng When journalists Lily Canter, a contributor to the South China Morning Post, and Emma Wilkinson started running together in ultra races – ones that take six hours or more to finish – in 2020, they noticed that there were few women. Those women that did take part, though, did remarkably well. When the pair started to look into it, they realised this was true for other endurance sports, too. In their new book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport, they delve into the science of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3316460/how-women-can-conquer-endurance-sports-female-specific-training?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3316460/how-women-can-conquer-endurance-sports-female-specific-training?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Cat Nelson Cat Nelson This week’s main feature is a lesson in how almost every quotidian – might I say, boring – detail actually holds a fascinating story. You’ve been to many a cha chaan teng, but how often have you given any thought to the mismatched tiles plastering the walls? For artist Adrian Wong Ho-yin, Hong Kong’s off-kilter tiles became the inspiration for his current show at Oil Street Art Space in North Point. He describes how these ceramic pieces evoked the feeling of “looking through a wormhole into the... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3314280/week-postmag-art-tiles-getting-lost-translation-and-marathon-star?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3314280/week-postmag-art-tiles-getting-lost-translation-and-marathon-star?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jun 2025 22:15:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ten thousand local and overseas runners will get their chance to be among the first to try out a new route when they compete in the Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon in November, organisers said on Thursday. The 10th anniversary of the Streetathon, which features a marathon and a half-marathon, will be held on November 23, with participants starting at the Island Eastern Corridor near East Coast Park. Contestants will run on the the yet-to-open Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei section), heading into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3314186/contestants-kerry-hong-kong-streetathon-will-get-chance-run-central-kowloon-bypass?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3314186/contestants-kerry-hong-kong-streetathon-will-get-chance-run-central-kowloon-bypass?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:23:37 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service To prepare for her first half marathon, Kandi Schmitz signed up for a 5km run. Six friends and family members decided to join her. The race in Melbourne, in the US state of Florida, was a two-hour drive from Schmitz’s home near West Palm Beach. So she decided to make a beach getaway out of it. By the time hotel reservations were made, the entourage had swollen to more than 20, including Schmitz’s husband and their two young sons. On race day in 2015, Schmitz, then 31, and her fellow runners woke... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3313943/how-young-stroke-survivor-beat-panic-and-anxiety-and-got-her-life-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3313943/how-young-stroke-survivor-beat-panic-and-anxiety-and-got-her-life-back?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:15:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse More than 1.1 million people have signed up for next year’s London Marathon, after a record breaking edition of the race took place last weekend, organisers said on Saturday. The number of applications for the 2026 race’s ballot shattered last year’s world record of 840,300 entries for the 2025 London Marathon. Hugh Brasher, CEO of organisers London Marathon Events, called it an “absolutely staggering total which reaffirms London as by far the most popular marathon on the planet”. Applications... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308965/more-1-million-people-sign-2026-london-marathon-shatter-world-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308965/more-1-million-people-sign-2026-london-marathon-shatter-world-record?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2025 10:58:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s hosting of elite sports events has accelerated with the opening of the new Kai Tak Sports Park last month. Fans are enjoying new opportunities to cheer on their heroes. But these star-studded events should also inspire the community to participate in sport. The city must make the most of events open to competitors at all levels. The Hong Kong marathon, which saw 74,000 runners run through the city’s streets in February, is the biggest and best-known of such occasions. Planning for... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3308115/fresh-ideas-can-better-marathon-experience-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3308115/fresh-ideas-can-better-marathon-experience-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Apr 2025 22:30:10 +0000