Hong Kong Marathon to slash entry numbers by 75 per cent for postponed October races
- The postponed full, half marathon and 10km events will only allow 18,500 participants, compared to 74,000 previously, because of Covid-19 precautions
- Organisers give themselves August deadline to receive approval from senior government and medical experts
Organisers confirmed the 75 per cent drop from 74,000 participants at a press event on Friday, calling for the government to make a decision by August to ensure sufficient time to prepare for the event.
The half and full marathons will accommodate 6,500 and 4,000 runners, respectively, with the route largely unchanged from previous years. The roll-out-style starting times remain the same despite the reduced field, with runners going off in batches of 200 to minimise contact.
All participants must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the race. Runners must arrive with their masks on before the race but can remove them once at the start line.
However, the 10km category, which will allow 8,000 runners, will start at the Western Tunnel Toll Plaza as opposed to the Island Eastern Corridor previously. This is to ensure all three races share the same route to minimise the chance of Covid-19 infections.