Wang Kun outshines comeback kid Gi Ka-man, but it’s smiles all round at Hong Kong half marathon
Macau-based Chinese runner claims win over 21.0975 kilometres by over a minute, with former Hong Kong poster boy happy just to finish after injury struggles
Hong Kong’s Gi Ka-man crossed the finishing line some 10 minutes behind men’s half marathon winner Wang Kun from China, but it was a victory of sorts for the former poster boy of local road running.
The Hong Kong half marathon record holder won the event in 2012, but then missed the next two editions due to persistent knee and leg injuries.
Gi’s time of one hour, 18 minutes and three seconds on Sunday was just over 11 and a half minutes outside of his Hong Kong record for the 21.0975 kilometres, but it is another step in the right direction for the 33-year-old.
“I felt a bit of tightness in my calf last week when I did a half marathon in Japan and it was very cold, so maybe that was why,” said Gi.
“It’s been a frustrating time with injuries, but I still think I can get back to my best. I did the first 10k in about 32 minutes before my calves tightened.
“Definitely not unhappy. I have a marathon in Japan next month and that is the main target, but I love this race, I’ve been coming for nearly 20 years since 99 - even though I can never get the record because it’s too hard.”