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Jonathan White

Runners returned to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon for the first time since 2019 and it was Wong Tsz-to who was first to cross the line before the sun had risen over Victoria Park.
Wong won the men’s 10k contest in a brisk 31 minutes and 27 seconds ahead of Oscar Coggins in 31:38 as the city’s triathletes dominated over their speciality distance.
They made good time considering the new route for the 10km, which began on the Kowloon side of the Western Harbour Tunnel.
Overall winner Wong said that he liked the new route.




“I feel this year’s route is easier than last time’s. Yes, the weather helped. I do think organisers did well overall because there were a lot of obstacles to getting everyone here. They told us to wear masks after so I think that was sensible,” he said after the race.
It was little wonder Wong liked the new route as he ran a personal best.
Uplifting marathon reflects the true spirit of Hong Kong
“Yes, my time improved, this is my PB, my last one was 31:50-something,” the 23-year-old said.
Coggins, who finished 33rd in the triathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, was delighted to see elite sport return to the city.
“It’s really good that Hong Kong is hosting events like these again. Through the pandemic and with anti-pandemic measures it has been really hard to host competitions.
Hong Kong Marathon offers virtual race amid quota cuts and Covid fears
“It’s a new course. It’s the first time the 10km has gone through the tunnel. It’s a new experience for everyone, especially a new experience for me because I haven’t raced it before.”
Coggins said that they had been fortunate with support from the Hong Kong Sports Institute during the pandemic.
“It’s really helped minimise the impact that the pandemic has had on our training but the difficulty has been races.
Distance star Christy Yiu eyes first Hong Kong Marathon win
“It’s been very difficult to travel,” he said, adding that races are what take athletes to the next level.
“It’s really good that we are hosting events again and I hope next year we can have more events like this and also travel more freely.”
Wong was also happy that the race was back.
Race walker Ching tells fellow runners to ‘treasure’ marathon’s return
“We haven’t competed in a long time and our events for the year have finished so it’s good. Being a triathlete does help with these long-distance runs because training in swimming and cycling,” he said.
The top junior was Yip Tak-long of Diocesan Boys School, running his first time at the city’s blue riband distance run.
“This is my first time participating because last year I was only just able to reach the age to apply and Covid-19 stopped it. This is my first 10km race, my main aim was to finish in 37 minutes, I managed to do it in 32-something.”
Yip finished in 32:39.
“I’m very satisfied, I surprised myself. I had my DSE (Diploma of Secondary Education) so was hoping that before them I would be able to do a big event but didn’t get the chance. To finally finish one, I’m really happy.”


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Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon

Hong Kong Marathon: Wong Tsz-to credits ‘easier’ route for personal best in 10k race

Hong Kong triathlete Wong Tsz-to crosses the line at Victoria Park after winning the men's 10km at the 2021 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Jonathan White

Uplifting marathon reflects the true spirit of Hong Kong

Participants run through Nathan Road in Mong Kok during the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in 2019 which began from Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Dickson Lee

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2021 runner’s pack collection at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, ahead of the race tomorrow. Participants are required to verify their vaccination and Covid-19 testing records, and can deposit their baggage. 23OCT21 SCMP / Nora Tam

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

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

Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) chairman Kwan Kee, organising committee chairman William Ko Wai-lam, and chief executive Dennis Ng Yu-ho announcing measures for the postponed 2021 Hong Kong Marathon later this year. 09JUL21 Photo: SCMP / Chan Kin-wa

Hong Kong Marathon: Christy Yiu Kit-ching eyeing first win in front of home fans

Christy Yiu Kit-ching celebrates at the finish line at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay after winning the half marathon at the 2019 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Nora Tam

(From Left to Right) Jessica Ching Siu-nga; Ngai Kang and Christy Yiu Kit-ching pose to the media ahead of the Hong Kong Marathon at Hong Kong Olympic House in Causeway Bay. 21OCT21 SCMP / Winson Wong

Hong Kong's marathon runners Christy Yiu Kit-ching and teammate Wong Wan-chun before the start of the marathon at the National Games in Xian. Photo:HKAAA

Hong Kong Marathon: Olympic race walker  Jessica Ching Siu-nga tells fellow runners to ‘treasure the opportunity’ as mass event returns

Hong Kong leading race walker Ching Siu-nga trains at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, in Fo Tan, in November 2019. Photo: Nora Tam

The four best track and field athletes for 2019 by The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA): (from left) Tse Chun-yin, Cade Wright, Chan Chung-wang , and Ching Siu-nga. 29DEC20 Photo: SCMP / Chan Kin-wa

Race walker Jessica Ching Siu-nga (left) to enjoy her half marathon race on Sunday, along with Ngai Kang and Christy Yiu Kit-ching. They speak to the media ahead of the 2021 Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Winson Wong

Sport

Hong Kong

Other Sport


Hong Kong Sports Institute athlete first over the line at showpiece as he finishes in 31:27
Olympic triathlete Oscar Coggins welcomes return of race to the city – ‘I hope next year we can have more events like this’



Olympic triathlete Oscar Coggins welcomes return of race to the city – ‘I hope next year we can have more events like this’.


Hong Kong Sports Institute