Only vaccinated runners allowed at HK Marathon

Organisers of the Hong Kong Marathon said on Wednesday the event will be held on October 24, and it’ll open only to those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The number of runners allowed will be down from about 74,000 in 2019 to 18,500 this year – with a quota of 4,000 for the full marathon, 6,500 for the half marathon and 8,000 for the 10km race.

At least half of the quotas are reserved for those who signed up for last year’s races that were cancelled because of the pandemic. They can start registering from August 23.

Others can begin to sign up from September 2.

Organisers said the routes for the full and half marathon will remain the same as in 2020, while the 10km race will start at the Western Harbour Crossing toll plaza in Kowloon.

“As required by the HKSAR government and with reference to other international races, all runners in the physical run are required to have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine… before October 10,” the organisers said in a statement.

They added that runners will need to present a negative Covid test result conducted 72 hours before the races. The tests will be free of charge.