Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon could be held February 12, city’s leader voices support
- Race was initially cancelled last week by organisers, who said the government had not given them enough time to plan it
- Chief Executive John Lee says it is ‘in the organisers’ interest and Hong Kong government’s interest and the community’s interest for these things to happen’
After last week announcing the cancellation of the 25th edition of the race – scheduled for November 20 – because officials had not given approval in time, the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates said on Tuesday they hoped to hold it on February 12.
In a statement, organisers said they had held “constructive discussion with relevant parties” over the past few days about how to ensure the event went ahead.
Lee said his government would be “doing our best” to ensure the event, and others like it, went ahead because of the economic boost it gave the city.
“Our position is very clear,” he said. “We are very supportive, and we want both sides to work towards the goal of making it happen.
“So, we will have to openly and directly talk to each other, so as to try [to find] a good solution for Hong Kong, because it is in the organisers’ interest and Hong Kong government’s interest and the community’s interest for these things to happen.”
While organisers have a date to aim for, the number of runners allowed to take part is still up for discussion.