Bridge too far – Hong Kong Marathon likely to lose Tsing Ma Bridge forever
Organisers say complaints by road users about congestion means an iconic part of the route is unlikely to ever return
One of the most iconic and popular sections of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon – the Tsing Ma Bridge – is unlikely to ever return as part of the route, organisers said on Tuesday.
The bridge, which had become one of the beloved traditions of the Hong Kong race, is once again excluded from this year’s 42.195km marathon route because of complaints by road users.
“The chance is very slim [of using the Tsing Ma Bridge in future],” said Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association chairman Kwan Kee. “We have to strike a balance for the runners and road users as we understand the bridge is pivotal to airport traffic and residents of Tung Chung New Town.
“Because we do have a route without using the bridge, why not?”
The Tsing Ma Bridge has been used for the marathon for over a decade until it was excluded from last year’s route. However, even when the bridge was part of the route, organisers could use only half of the structure because three Hong Kong airport-bound lanes were kept open for traffic.