Hong Kong Marathon cancelled in wake of coronavirus outbreak – most social media users say it’s a ‘wise’ and ‘right’ decision
- Organisers will fully refund entry fees for 70,000 participants
- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam declares highest level of emergency in response to the outbreak
The 2020 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Public health is our top priority. To support the government’s epidemic prevention efforts, the organiser has decided to cancel the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon originally scheduled for 8 and 9 February,” an organisers’ statement read.
Entry fees will be fully refunded for around 70,000 participants who were set to take part in the annual race, with details to be announced soon, the statement added.
The Post reached out to HKAAA Chairman Kwan Kee but he had yet to respond. Most people supported the decision to cancel the race on social media, including some who had planned to travel from as far away as Europe just for the race.
Many were disappointed at missing out on the Year of the Rat medal that was due to be given to all runners who finished their respective categories within a certain time.