Hong Kong Marathon organisers to axe November race, plan to move it to February 2024
- Officials had originally planned 2 events this year, with the winter race doubling up as the Asian Marathon Championships
- November is turning into a packed month for sport in the city, with Cross Harbour Swim, Cyclothon and Gay Games all taking place
There will not be a second Hong Kong Marathon this year, after organisers decided to axe November’s race in favour of moving it to a “more desirable” date.
With a host of high-profile events already scheduled for that month, including the Gay Games, the Cross Harbour Swim, and the World Rallycross Championship, the race is likely to be moved to next February.
Officials said the weather had also played a part in the decision, with conditions at the end of the year not as conducive to distance running as at the start.
“We have many considerations for running a big event like the marathon and always try to find the best possible date to accommodate the interest of the runners,” Kwan Kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates, said. “There has been plans to have one later this year but now it looks likely we will change the date to next year.
“We are still negotiating with all parties involved and hopefully we can announce more details for the next marathon very soon.”
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the city’s flagship athletics event, has traditionally been held at the beginning of the year. February’s race was the first since October 2021, with the year before falling foul of the coronavirus pandemic.
