My Take | Bib controversy has put the Hong Kong Marathon’s reputation at stake
It is important that the event retains its status as one of the city’s most prestigious. Anyone cutting corners is only cheating themselves
Running in the Hong Kong Marathon is one of the most rewarding activities on offer in the city. Almost 74,000 competitors with highly sought after places in the races battled their way through the streets last Sunday, striving for personal goals and taking in spectacular views.
With Hong Kong staging multiple “mega-events” of varying appeal, the marathon is one of the best, allowing elite athletes and budding amateurs to achieve targets while showcasing the city. The integrity of the event is of the utmost importance.
An otherwise successful marathon was, sadly, marred by the disqualification of four runners for not wearing the right bibs. Two of them had finished first and second in the half-marathon. The other two ran in a 10km event, one finishing second.
An investigation found, thankfully, that this was not intentional. It revealed all four shared the same manager, who had distributed the bibs incorrectly.
But the high-profile disqualification of top-placed runners cast a shadow over the event. It is a reminder that competitors have the responsibility to check they are wearing the right bib, in accordance with the rules.
The bibs carry each runner’s name. It should not be difficult to check.