Hong Kong Marathon introduces virtual edition for local and overseas runners who missed out on registration or fear mass gatherings

Virtual runners to set distance and location via official app and will receive e-certificate and medal upon completion

‘This is another way to further promote our event overseas,’ says HKAAA executive director Ng

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Winner Barnabus Kiptum of Kenya (right) and second-place Dawit Wolde of Ethiopia on the podium after breaking the Hong Kong Marathon men’s course record at Victoria Park in 2019. Photo: Edmond So

Published: 2:08pm, 23 Oct 2021Updated: 3:22pm, 23 Oct 2021

With the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon making its long-awaited comeback this Sunday, those lucky enough to win the ballot for the reduced 18,500 entry quota will be collecting their runners’ packs and submitting mandatory 72-hour Covid-19 tests.

Those who missed out on a spot, be it because of quota or health concerns, may have signed up for the next best thing. Organisers have introduced its first virtual iteration – the Hong Kong Marathon 2021 Virtual Run, overseen by the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) – commencing October 25 until November 14.

Be it the full (42.195km), half-marathon (21.0975km) or 10km races, registered local and overseas ‘virtual’ runners are to complete their chosen distance anywhere they select and have five attempts to complete the task and shave their times down. There is inevitably a social media snap-and-share element.

Times must simply be recorded and verified via the official app – to be rolled out imminently – before which e-certificates, medals and T-shirts will be mailed their way.

“This is an alternative because of the scaled-down of the event,” said HKAAA executive director Dennis Ng Yu-ho.