Hong Kong Streetathon organisers sorry for post-race bag collection chaos, promise review
While costumed runners, ‘leaders’ race’ add to merriment, long uphill finish questioned by competitors
The Kerry Hong Kong Streetathon returned on Sunday with a new route, old problems and, not for the first time, officials having to apologise as poor organisation once again blighted the race.
A breakdown in baggage collection, where runners’ bags were left strewn on the floor beyond the finish line, prompted organisers to promise a review on a day when there were also complaints about the closing stages of the marathon and half-marathon.
While a new route took in an unopened section of the Central Kowloon Bypass, runners estimated they spent the final 2km going uphill to the finish line at the Yau Ma Tei Interchange.
And while the issues surrounding poor route marking – which left some competitors running an additional 9km last year – had been resolved, both signature events finishing at the same time meant the moment Alex Yu won the marathon was missed, forcing officials to bring him back for a staged photograph.
“A car led us for most of the way and the signs were much clearer than last year,” said Yu, who finished in two hours, 41 minutes and 19 seconds.
“Being the first was tough but worth it, and the finish time meets my expectations because there were lots of slopes. Aside from the finishing slope, the uphill in the Eastern Harbour Crossing was difficult too.”