The proposed route change will see the Nathan Road section extended to Argyle Street and Cherry Street. The race will start in Nathan Road and end in Victoria Park as usual. Photos: Facebook, Google Map
Route changes to next year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon are being planned to allow runners to compete in better conditions.
These include less overcrowding, with increased road space in the Tsim Sha Tsui section, according to Ming Pao Daily.
Race organizer Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association said the proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council on Sept. 4.
The new route will see the Nathan Road section extended to Argyle Street and Cherry Street before turning southbound to the West Kowloon Highway via Lin Cheung Road.
Parts of Argyle Street will be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on race day.
As usual, both the full marathon and half-marathon races will start in Nathan Road and end in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.
The event is scheduled for Jan 17.
Yau Tsim Mong district councilor Edmond Chung said the proposed changes will have little impact on businesses and residential areas on the marathon route as the race takes place on a Sunday and shops usually open after 10 a.m. on that day
However, Chung said the public should be told in advance about transport arrangements.
Half-marathon record holder Gi Ka-man said organizers should post a video of the new route on social media to help prospective participants prepare for the race.
Long-distance runner Chan Ka-ho said the new route, which traverses some of Hong Kong’s historic commercial areas, will make the race more interesting.
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