Scheduled for January 17, the main race day will feature a record total quota of 78,000 participants, driven largely by a 16 percent increase in the half marathon allocation.
This category alone will see its quota rise by 4,000 to a total of 29,000 runners.
With the addition of a brand-new “5km Harbourfront Run” at Kai Tak Sports Park – open to all ages and abilities – and an expanded youth run for 10 to 15-year-olds on the preceding Saturday, the two-day festival is expected to welcome 84,000 participants, smashing all previous attendance records.
Organisers attribute this significant growth to overwhelming public demand, following last year’s registration surge of 120,000 applicants. They also noted the half marathon’s increasing popularity as a crucial stepping stone for runners eyeing the full marathon distance.
To ensure the influx of runners does not lead to overcrowding, officials have implemented a refined start strategy, with Dennis Ng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, saying that a staggered approach will keep the course safe and manageable.
“This year, our approach is to keep the earliest race at 5.30am as the Challenge group. The number of participants for this group will be increased to around 2,500,” he said.
“As for the subsequent non-challenge races, we will increase them from three to four … this is why there will be more participants. The government has allowed us to extend the section on Nathan Road all the way to Cherry Street in Mong Kok.
“They have also extended the road closure time, allowing us to have an additional starting wave for the half-marathon start. As a result, the number of participants per wave has been reduced, but the total number has increased because we have added one extra wave.”
Beyond the competitive action, the Marathon Expo at Kai Tak Arena – which has drawn over 100,000 visitors annually for two years running – will once again serve as a bustling hub for participants and the public.
The full marathon, half marathon, 10km race, and wheelchair event will all take place on January 17, with age-group categories remaining unchanged from previous years. Entries for athletes with disabilities will continue to be accepted.
The public ballot registration – the main draw for general entrants – will open at 2pm on September 11.
Registration dates for the new 5km Harbourfront Run and the youth run will be announced on a later date.