Hong Kong Marathon: the best tips and tricks from local runners to crush your race
- Local runners share their advice on how to run your best this coming February 9
As February 9 fast approaches for some 70,000 local and international runners, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will be a race like no other in 2020.
With ongoing unrest and a coronavirus outbreak spreading from China, the actual race itself is likely to be a question mark right up until the day itself. Regardless, runners can still prepare properly for the 42.195-kilometre trek in hopes it will go on as planned.
The course, which starts at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, then heads northwest across the Stonecutters Bridge then loops around the Tsing Long Highway. It hits the halfway mark and comes back down southeast along the West Kowloon Highway, through the Western Harbour Tunnel and finishes in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.
There is also a half marathon, a 10km, 10km wheelchair race, a 3km wheelchair race, a 2.2km youth dash and kick-off family run which is around 800 metres. Runners will start anywhere from 6.10am to 10.15am.
So what’s the best way to prepare for your first marathon? What tips are there for veterans looking to fine-tune their running preparations and recovery?
Some of Hong Kong’s top local runners and coaches took the time to chat to the Post on how they plan, prepare and recover from the gruelling endeavour.