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Marathon Details - Hong Kong Marathon

International Marathons > China > Hong Kong > Hong Kong Marathon

Hong Kong Marathon

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Hong Kong, China

February 9, 2025

http://www.hkmarathon.com

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Address:	Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association Marathon Secretariat P.O. Box No. 79494 Mongkok Post Office Kowloon Hong Kong
Phone Number:	(852) 2577 0800
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (33)

Course 3.4

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.0

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Number of comments: 33 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Tim Passey from Dubai (1/23/2018) "Fantastic challenge" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a spectacular, scenic course in a spectacular city. First, the special trains, the baggage drops were perfect. Better than any other marathon I have ever entered. The course is tough but the opportunity to cross (usually no pedestrian access) Stonecutters and Ting Kau bridges is not to be missed. Views were magnificent even though it was cloudy. There was a big variety of weather conditions - from humid but generally breezy to cold and gusty on the exposed bridges. The tunnels transport you to new vistas. This is one of the world's most spectacular marathon courses. With 18,500 runners the course was almost too crowded... esp with the merge of the half marathoners before the Harbour Tunnel. Water and food stations were many and plentiful and well managed - the best I have experienced. There seems to be some confusion over provision of results, with placings still not available 2 days post-race. This needs fixing. Baggage and medal collection was seamless.
J. N. from United States (2/26/2017) "Difficult Course yet rewarding" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 For 2017 - Weather was nearly perfect (wind was up a bit, but temps were racer friendly). I was an overseas participant, and unfortunately the race does not treat the overseas runners the same as local (there is no expo or 'carnival' for the overseas runners....so no chance to purchase any race related items/logos). Race day was very organized, and easy to navigate. Course is only scenic at the very beginning, and after coming out of the Harbor Tunnel....the rest of the course is on a freeway with challenging bridges/tunnels. There are also Half Marathon participants (and a 10K on the Island side...but they were done well before the Marathon runners started to cross the finish line). Of note, Half-Marathon participants do not receive a medal (only a plastic coin). I participated in this race, due to not getting into Tokyo.....I would recommend that other overseas runners look for another Asian race (if you can't get into Tokyo).
L. S. from Singapore (2/15/2017) "Well organised, motorway marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Runners of this year's SCHKM were blessed w excellent weather in HK. Temperature was 12-19°C & humidity was 75%. The flag off was along Nathan Rd, Kowloon near Tsim Sha Tsui MTR towards Mongkok. Clear instructions were given to runners on how to reach the start point. Special transportation arrangements were made for early MTR & bus services to bring runners to the start area. The race started promptly & on schedule in the early hours of Sunday. Distance markers were clear & placed every kilometer on the left side of the route. The course which was mostly on motorways, took runners over several beautiful bridges, three vehicular tunnels & a few long highways. The terrain had several inclines due to multiple flyovers & tunnels. The last one, the Cross Harbour Tunnel hit 25m below sea level, then up again to Hong Kong Island. Hydration stations were well stocked w water & isotonic drinks, & stood apart fr other races by being neat, long (50m) & well-staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. Along the last banana station at 37km, I thot I had missed the fruit, but bananas reappeared at the tail end of the station. First Aid stations offering medicated creams were situated every 3km, one of the most frequent in my recollection. I also noticed regularly placed portable toilets along the route. At the 39km mark, a group of cheerful volunteers offered me red wine & chocolates which were highly appreciated. We ended our run at the Finish Point in Victoria Park, Hong Kong Island. We were guided by marshals to collect our medals & goody bags. There was no celebration or carnival here but human traffic was business-like, smooth & efficiently controlled. We had clear directions to leave the finish area ASAP to avoid overcrowding & accidents at the end point, which was 150m from nearest MTR Tin Hau. Overall the SCHKM was a well-organized & enjoyable event, except for the lack of a Marathon Expo or Carnival which was held the previous weekend & didn't benefit overseas runners. Weather can be capricious. It was cold & windy when I arrived for Race Pack Collection but thankfully sunny on the race day.
Steve Ruelle from Shanghai, China (1/19/2016) "Very Tough Course" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first full marathon, and a lifelong dream to attempt one, so I was very happy to have had the chance to do this. The organization was fantastic, specifically with the baggage arrangements, drink stations, kilometer markers, emergency services, and pre-race package pickup. As many people have already commented, the race was on motorways so there weren't too many fans but it was nice to get support at key points like inside the tunnels and the various turning points. The course itself was newly designed this year, but still very brutal. I was doing great for the first 30km, but the last section with the cross-harbor tunnel incline really did me in as others have commented. The fans at the end were a nice way to encourage me to finish the race. I didn't mind too much the lack of spectators mid-course as there was plenty of good scenery along the way and it was a peaceful run. What really made this the most challenging was the freak rainy weather, and at one point there was even talk of canceling the race. Thankfully it all went ahead as planned.
C. C. from Hong Kong (2/15/2014) "Well organised, boring course" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a well organised event but the course is nearly all on motorways so not very exciting or scenic and hardly any spectators. Also at around 32km it merges with the Half Marathon making the route very crowded with lots of slower runners which is less than ideal
s. p. from singapore (1/23/2014) "tough route and sometimes bad weather" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 For those who not familiar with Hongkong, the official course map is a mess. I made one in routebuilder, you can download from ios app store, and the route code is 8890x
M. S. from Lafayette, CA, USA (4/7/2013) "Good Marathon to do for fun, not for PR" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my 7 marathon, first overseas. Also I was running a marathon on wheat-free diet for the first time. I guess the marathon was what I was expecting! A lot a runners but it was neat experience to run 3 bridges and 3 tunnels (Western-Harbor tunnel under the bay) on one day. The weather was good with a nice breeze most the way. The only problems I had was the banking of the freeways, the lack of porta-potties on the start of the race and the crowded finishing area. I ended on a modest 4:52 and a nice finishers medal. Not my best but not my worst. Overall I was happy and probable will do it again but not so soon.
T. T. from Singapore (2/20/2011) "one of my toughest race" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Definitely one of the toughest races in Asia. Lots of slopes, which really put a test to your training. Race organization was great, with plenty of drinks station. Perhaps I am a slow runner, but I didn't see any chocolate station to replenish my energy - just some raw banana stations. Overall, I had a PW result due to my own injury, plus my unpreparedness for the slopes.
J. C. from Hong Kong (3/28/2010) "Nice organization; rather quiet course" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 3 Hong Kong Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run this quickly growing race 3 times now; however, I have not run any others, so I cannot compare as a runner (although I have supported other marathon runners in other races around the world). I enjoyed the marathon; it was very well organized, well marshaled, and there are no problems with going off track or getting sports drinks, sponges or water - all nicely supplied. This year it was very hot when we got started but fortunately the sun ducked behind a cloud after the 7:30 a.m. start, but it did re-emerge later to bake the tired runners on the home straight. Nothing we can do about the weather but the marathon in previous years was run one or 2 weeks earlier and in HK that makes a difference (however previous marathons have been lashed by rain and winds, so they can't really win). One thing, though: this year there were no water sprays to cool runners - they weren't needed in the past, but this year everyone was crying out for a cooling spray of water mist! For a city run, the course is quite hard and hilly, going over 2 very nice and scenic bridges and through 2 tunnels; but to be honest, it was a bit boring for the middle half of it, as it stretches along remote highways with very little support beyond the lovely cheering staff provided by the sponsors. They did really well - thanks, guys! The end of the course is a killer - down a tunnel under the harbor and up a long incline and curving up a flyover, which undulates mercilessly before squirting you into the welcome shade (by then it was quite hot) of the streets of HK Island. It's only here, in literally the last 2 KM, that you get any of the public cheering you on (apart from the opening 2 KM). It was very welcome, but in past years I have had supporters unable to cheer for me, as I didn't get this far due to injury. This is not yet a very well supported marathon due to the course. There was decent medical support along the course, which seems to be improving after one or two tragic fatalities in the previous years. Each year I have run, though, there has always been someone collapsed at around the 2 KM mark - chest pains, someone flat on their face, etc. - every year without fail. I suggest putting medics there because the most urgent medical cases I have witnessed in my runs seem to be here at the beginning! As for toilets, there was often a queue, and though there seemed to be a reasonably regular intervals (apart from the bridges, where I was looking around for awhile), there was always a queue and I, like other men, jumped off and watered various saplings at conveniently positioned places. It is really crowded at the beginning. In past years, I have crossed the start line between three and seven minutes after the gun; and the first few KM can drop you to walking pace on occasion. It's not too bad, but every year they take on more and more runners, and I really hope they don't grow much larger unless they stagger the start of something. The medal was a nice, solid, bronze gong and there is fruit, sports drinks and chocs for finishers, but no pasta party. I think this might partially be since the Chinese aren't really big on pasta, but I didn't mind that. Overall, a good marathon, very well organized, with a rather average course for scenery, but quite challenging (and tough for slower runners like me) on runners. It had a good atmosphere, and as I live here, I would happily run it again and recommend it to others looking for a decent run in Asia.
Kelvin Moy from Chicago, USA (5/8/2008) "Raw Banana- don't eat it!" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon race, so I don't have any past experience to compare to. But being born in HK, it is nice to go back there to race my first one. The weather was very nice: a little bit overcast, 13°C start time temperature. Maybe a bit too cold for local HK people as many of them wear long-sleeved shirts, but since I trained indoors all winter in Chicago, it was nice for me. My target time was 4:45 minutes and so initially I tried to just wait in the back. But a few minutes before the start of the race, people still did not want to line up in the starting line. Maybe people just wanted to lay back and then pass people from the beginning. (As a result, I may have been passed by 2000 people in the first 10km. I also ran a very slow 1 hour 13 minutes first 10 km). It may seem strange that a lot of people had to pee just 2-3 miles into the race (especially male racers, in the brushes). Perhaps people were so afraid of dehydration that they drank a lot of water. There was really no crowd at all, no spectators. One definitely needed an MP3 player to entertain oneself. There was not much conversation among runners either. As a result, many of the volunteers, especially those not alone looked really bored. Being in the slow group, there was no banana or chocolate past the half-way point as promised- That was bad. Only after I got back to West Kowloon highway I finally can get a very raw banana (totally green and I hard to peel) and it tasted so bitter that I could only finish half of it even though I was starving. And it was only about 5 km later before I finally got a chocolate bar. The sad thing was that they saved many good bananas and chocolate bars in the post-race gift bags. I hoped that they would have more bananas and chocolates in the race, and didn't distribute raw bananas. After that, I learnt through my own experience that raw banana is very bad for your stomach, and I continued to have a stomach ache the day after the race. The many inclines close to the end of the race definitely were a challenge. But if you save enough energy before, and belong to a slow group, it is very cool to pass people on all the inclines near the end of the race. Maybe I was slow, but there was not much of a post-race party at all. But being in a city like HK, you can easily find your own entertainment. And still, I think the race was totally worth the very cheap entery fee (~44 USD) compared to other races (such as 110 USD for the Chicago marathon in 2008).

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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Tim Passey from Dubai (1/23/2018) "Fantastic challenge" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a spectacular, scenic course in a spectacular city. First, the special trains, the baggage drops were perfect. Better than any other marathon I have ever entered. The course is tough but the opportunity to cross (usually no pedestrian access) Stonecutters and Ting Kau bridges is not to be missed. Views were magnificent even though it was cloudy. There was a big variety of weather conditions - from humid but generally breezy to cold and gusty on the exposed bridges. The tunnels transport you to new vistas. This is one of the world's most spectacular marathon courses. With 18,500 runners the course was almost too crowded... esp with the merge of the half marathoners before the Harbour Tunnel. Water and food stations were many and plentiful and well managed - the best I have experienced. There seems to be some confusion over provision of results, with placings still not available 2 days post-race. This needs fixing. Baggage and medal collection was seamless.
J. N. from United States (2/26/2017) "Difficult Course yet rewarding" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 For 2017 - Weather was nearly perfect (wind was up a bit, but temps were racer friendly). I was an overseas participant, and unfortunately the race does not treat the overseas runners the same as local (there is no expo or 'carnival' for the overseas runners....so no chance to purchase any race related items/logos). Race day was very organized, and easy to navigate. Course is only scenic at the very beginning, and after coming out of the Harbor Tunnel....the rest of the course is on a freeway with challenging bridges/tunnels. There are also Half Marathon participants (and a 10K on the Island side...but they were done well before the Marathon runners started to cross the finish line). Of note, Half-Marathon participants do not receive a medal (only a plastic coin). I participated in this race, due to not getting into Tokyo.....I would recommend that other overseas runners look for another Asian race (if you can't get into Tokyo).
L. S. from Singapore (2/15/2017) "Well organised, motorway marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Runners of this year's SCHKM were blessed w excellent weather in HK. Temperature was 12-19°C & humidity was 75%. The flag off was along Nathan Rd, Kowloon near Tsim Sha Tsui MTR towards Mongkok. Clear instructions were given to runners on how to reach the start point. Special transportation arrangements were made for early MTR & bus services to bring runners to the start area. The race started promptly & on schedule in the early hours of Sunday. Distance markers were clear & placed every kilometer on the left side of the route. The course which was mostly on motorways, took runners over several beautiful bridges, three vehicular tunnels & a few long highways. The terrain had several inclines due to multiple flyovers & tunnels. The last one, the Cross Harbour Tunnel hit 25m below sea level, then up again to Hong Kong Island. Hydration stations were well stocked w water & isotonic drinks, & stood apart fr other races by being neat, long (50m) & well-staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. Along the last banana station at 37km, I thot I had missed the fruit, but bananas reappeared at the tail end of the station. First Aid stations offering medicated creams were situated every 3km, one of the most frequent in my recollection. I also noticed regularly placed portable toilets along the route. At the 39km mark, a group of cheerful volunteers offered me red wine & chocolates which were highly appreciated. We ended our run at the Finish Point in Victoria Park, Hong Kong Island. We were guided by marshals to collect our medals & goody bags. There was no celebration or carnival here but human traffic was business-like, smooth & efficiently controlled. We had clear directions to leave the finish area ASAP to avoid overcrowding & accidents at the end point, which was 150m from nearest MTR Tin Hau. Overall the SCHKM was a well-organized & enjoyable event, except for the lack of a Marathon Expo or Carnival which was held the previous weekend & didn't benefit overseas runners. Weather can be capricious. It was cold & windy when I arrived for Race Pack Collection but thankfully sunny on the race day.
Steve Ruelle from Shanghai, China (1/19/2016) "Very Tough Course" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first full marathon, and a lifelong dream to attempt one, so I was very happy to have had the chance to do this. The organization was fantastic, specifically with the baggage arrangements, drink stations, kilometer markers, emergency services, and pre-race package pickup. As many people have already commented, the race was on motorways so there weren't too many fans but it was nice to get support at key points like inside the tunnels and the various turning points. The course itself was newly designed this year, but still very brutal. I was doing great for the first 30km, but the last section with the cross-harbor tunnel incline really did me in as others have commented. The fans at the end were a nice way to encourage me to finish the race. I didn't mind too much the lack of spectators mid-course as there was plenty of good scenery along the way and it was a peaceful run. What really made this the most challenging was the freak rainy weather, and at one point there was even talk of canceling the race. Thankfully it all went ahead as planned.
C. C. from Hong Kong (2/15/2014) "Well organised, boring course" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a well organised event but the course is nearly all on motorways so not very exciting or scenic and hardly any spectators. Also at around 32km it merges with the Half Marathon making the route very crowded with lots of slower runners which is less than ideal
s. p. from singapore (1/23/2014) "tough route and sometimes bad weather" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Hong Kong Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 For those who not familiar with Hongkong, the official course map is a mess. I made one in routebuilder, you can download from ios app store, and the route code is 8890x
M. S. from Lafayette, CA, USA (4/7/2013) "Good Marathon to do for fun, not for PR" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my 7 marathon, first overseas. Also I was running a marathon on wheat-free diet for the first time. I guess the marathon was what I was expecting! A lot a runners but it was neat experience to run 3 bridges and 3 tunnels (Western-Harbor tunnel under the bay) on one day. The weather was good with a nice breeze most the way. The only problems I had was the banking of the freeways, the lack of porta-potties on the start of the race and the crowded finishing area. I ended on a modest 4:52 and a nice finishers medal. Not my best but not my worst. Overall I was happy and probable will do it again but not so soon.
T. T. from Singapore (2/20/2011) "one of my toughest race" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Definitely one of the toughest races in Asia. Lots of slopes, which really put a test to your training. Race organization was great, with plenty of drinks station. Perhaps I am a slow runner, but I didn't see any chocolate station to replenish my energy - just some raw banana stations. Overall, I had a PW result due to my own injury, plus my unpreparedness for the slopes.
J. C. from Hong Kong (3/28/2010) "Nice organization; rather quiet course" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 3 Hong Kong Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run this quickly growing race 3 times now; however, I have not run any others, so I cannot compare as a runner (although I have supported other marathon runners in other races around the world). I enjoyed the marathon; it was very well organized, well marshaled, and there are no problems with going off track or getting sports drinks, sponges or water - all nicely supplied. This year it was very hot when we got started but fortunately the sun ducked behind a cloud after the 7:30 a.m. start, but it did re-emerge later to bake the tired runners on the home straight. Nothing we can do about the weather but the marathon in previous years was run one or 2 weeks earlier and in HK that makes a difference (however previous marathons have been lashed by rain and winds, so they can't really win). One thing, though: this year there were no water sprays to cool runners - they weren't needed in the past, but this year everyone was crying out for a cooling spray of water mist! For a city run, the course is quite hard and hilly, going over 2 very nice and scenic bridges and through 2 tunnels; but to be honest, it was a bit boring for the middle half of it, as it stretches along remote highways with very little support beyond the lovely cheering staff provided by the sponsors. They did really well - thanks, guys! The end of the course is a killer - down a tunnel under the harbor and up a long incline and curving up a flyover, which undulates mercilessly before squirting you into the welcome shade (by then it was quite hot) of the streets of HK Island. It's only here, in literally the last 2 KM, that you get any of the public cheering you on (apart from the opening 2 KM). It was very welcome, but in past years I have had supporters unable to cheer for me, as I didn't get this far due to injury. This is not yet a very well supported marathon due to the course. There was decent medical support along the course, which seems to be improving after one or two tragic fatalities in the previous years. Each year I have run, though, there has always been someone collapsed at around the 2 KM mark - chest pains, someone flat on their face, etc. - every year without fail. I suggest putting medics there because the most urgent medical cases I have witnessed in my runs seem to be here at the beginning! As for toilets, there was often a queue, and though there seemed to be a reasonably regular intervals (apart from the bridges, where I was looking around for awhile), there was always a queue and I, like other men, jumped off and watered various saplings at conveniently positioned places. It is really crowded at the beginning. In past years, I have crossed the start line between three and seven minutes after the gun; and the first few KM can drop you to walking pace on occasion. It's not too bad, but every year they take on more and more runners, and I really hope they don't grow much larger unless they stagger the start of something. The medal was a nice, solid, bronze gong and there is fruit, sports drinks and chocs for finishers, but no pasta party. I think this might partially be since the Chinese aren't really big on pasta, but I didn't mind that. Overall, a good marathon, very well organized, with a rather average course for scenery, but quite challenging (and tough for slower runners like me) on runners. It had a good atmosphere, and as I live here, I would happily run it again and recommend it to others looking for a decent run in Asia.
Kelvin Moy from Chicago, USA (5/8/2008) "Raw Banana- don't eat it!" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon race, so I don't have any past experience to compare to. But being born in HK, it is nice to go back there to race my first one. The weather was very nice: a little bit overcast, 13°C start time temperature. Maybe a bit too cold for local HK people as many of them wear long-sleeved shirts, but since I trained indoors all winter in Chicago, it was nice for me. My target time was 4:45 minutes and so initially I tried to just wait in the back. But a few minutes before the start of the race, people still did not want to line up in the starting line. Maybe people just wanted to lay back and then pass people from the beginning. (As a result, I may have been passed by 2000 people in the first 10km. I also ran a very slow 1 hour 13 minutes first 10 km). It may seem strange that a lot of people had to pee just 2-3 miles into the race (especially male racers, in the brushes). Perhaps people were so afraid of dehydration that they drank a lot of water. There was really no crowd at all, no spectators. One definitely needed an MP3 player to entertain oneself. There was not much conversation among runners either. As a result, many of the volunteers, especially those not alone looked really bored. Being in the slow group, there was no banana or chocolate past the half-way point as promised- That was bad. Only after I got back to West Kowloon highway I finally can get a very raw banana (totally green and I hard to peel) and it tasted so bitter that I could only finish half of it even though I was starving. And it was only about 5 km later before I finally got a chocolate bar. The sad thing was that they saved many good bananas and chocolate bars in the post-race gift bags. I hoped that they would have more bananas and chocolates in the race, and didn't distribute raw bananas. After that, I learnt through my own experience that raw banana is very bad for your stomach, and I continued to have a stomach ache the day after the race. The many inclines close to the end of the race definitely were a challenge. But if you save enough energy before, and belong to a slow group, it is very cool to pass people on all the inclines near the end of the race. Maybe I was slow, but there was not much of a post-race party at all. But being in a city like HK, you can easily find your own entertainment. And still, I think the race was totally worth the very cheap entery fee (~44 USD) compared to other races (such as 110 USD for the Chicago marathon in 2008).

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Marathon Details - Hong Kong Marathon