Hong Kong Marathon likely to be held in October, but only some 10,000 fully vaccinated runners can join

Hong Kong Marathon is tentatively scheduled for October 24 after being suspended last year because of the pandemic, Commissioner of Sports Yeung Tak-keung said, but the number of participants will be reduced to some 10,000, while all must complete Covid-19 vaccination.

Yeung said that the race has been discussed by the Associations of Athletics Affiliates and was believed to be likely to come true. The association is expected to announce a decision within this week.

"If the marathon is held successfully, the route will be changed and the number of participants is expected to limit to some 10,000, with the requirements of completing two doses of vaccines," he said.

Speaking in a radio program today, Yeung said that some local television stations are negotiating with mainland authorities to purchase the broadcasting rights of the National Games of China to be held next month and that Hongkongers "will definitely be able to watch the games on TV."

But he said it is unknown how many stations can broadcast the games.

On the Tokyo Olympics which closed on August 8,Yeung said the record high six medals were out of expectation, which was very surprising.

He pointed out that the government has significantly pumped up resources allocated to sports over the past five years, from about HK$400 million in 2015 and 2016 to nearly HK$800 million this year.

Apart from increasing the number of athletes, the government has also put more resources in professional support, strengthening psychological and physiotherapy services, as well as hiring more physical trainers.

posted Tuesday August 17th