Half-marathon on Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge confirmed for November, aimed at becoming annual event
- HKAAA launches race with 8,000 runners set to run on the Hong Kong section of the bridge linking the three cities
- ‘We are certain the appetite for participation will significantly climb beyond our initial 8,000 and eventually create a notable annual event,’ organiser says
The inaugural Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon has been confirmed for this November, with Hong Kong athletics officials predicting the “unique” event would grow into a major annual occasion.
Launched at sponsor Bank of China’s headquarters in the city on Wednesday, the race will be confined to the Hong Kong section of the bridge, but will allow competitors to enter normally forbidden territory when it is staged on November 19.
Runners will have their ID checked and be taken beyond the Hong Kong Port border checkpoint, where they will start and finish. They will turn for the stretch home when they reach the end of Hong Kong Link Road – which connects to the bridge’s main section – after around 10.5km (6.5 miles).
The event is expected to draw athletes from around the globe, providing local talent with premium competition on their own doorsteps, in addition to 5,500 amateur runners. The winners of the elite men’s and women’s races will each take home US$10,000.
Simon Yeung, chairman of the half-marathon’s organising committee, said on Wednesday: “We are anticipating large demand to participate in this unique event, which gives runners an opportunity to run on territory that is normally completely closed to the public on foot.
“It is a huge operational challenge and we are grateful for the complete cooperation of Hong Kong authorities in helping us bring our vision for a spectacular race closer to reality.
