F) Start, Course and Finish

1. Do I need to report to any official for check-in on the arrival on race day?

   No, after depositing of your bag (if you require this service from the Organizer), you should proceed to the waiting zone. You will be guided to the starting zone by officials 10 (Half/Full Marathon) / 30 (10km) minutes before the start time of your race. Only the runners with Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2012 race number cloth will be allowed to enter the starting zone by officials.

2. Will cut off times be set for the races?

   Yes. In order to provide an orderly organized competition to participants, cut off time will be set 10 minutes after each start. A net will be placed across the starting line to block off late runners.

3. Will there be kilometer markings along the course and how often?

   Yes. According to the international standard for road races, markings will be provided in every 1 km in all races.

4. Is the Marathon course very hilly?

   The elevation of this Marathon course is 100 meters, ranging from 30 m below sea level at the lowest point of the Western Harbour Tunnel to 80 m above sea level on Tsing Ma Bridge.

5. Where are the Water / Sponge stations?

   For the Full and Half Marathon from 5 km onwards, water and sponge stations will be located approximately every 2.5 km. For 10 km race, water and sponges station will be located around the 4 km point and 7.5km point.

6. What kinds of fluids will be provided on the course?

   Distilled water and sports drinks will be provided at the water stations along the course and at the finish area.

7. Where are the First Aid stations?

   First Aid Service will be provided by Auxiliary Medical Service.

   First Aid stations will be located at the start area, all water stations along the marathon route and at the finish area.

8. Will energy food be provided along the course?

   Bananas and chocolates will be provided to the Full Marathon and Half Marathon participants who ask for them along the route. However, participants are advised to make sure the bananas skins must be disposed of properly in plastic rubbish bags provided at each water station to avoid any hazard to other participants.

9. What about Toilet Facilities?

   Portable toilets will be available at the starting area, water points and at the finishing area.

10. Are walkers allowed on the course?

    Only officially registered participants are allowed on the course.

11. What do I do if I cannot complete the race?

    Official buses traveling along the marathon route at regular intervals will pick you up along the course and take you to the finishing area. Your race number will be marked by officials when boarding the bus. You will be given water and bananas on board the bus.

12. What happens if I need to pull out of the event?

    Wait at the water or sponge station, declare your intention to pull out of the race to the officials there and wait for the official bus to take you to the Finishing Area.

13. Where do I go after I cross the Finish Line?

    Due to limited space at the finishing area, participants upon crossing the finish line are required to leave Victoria Park as quickly as possible in order to avoid overcrowding at the finish area. Be courteous and make room for other athletes at the finishing line.

    Meeting point in Causeway Bay Sports Ground have been designated for the convenience of those participants who would like to meet their relatives and friends after the race.

14. How can I leave Victoria Park after the race?

    After the race, you are advised to leave Victoria Park via Hing Fat Street to MTR Tin Hau Station and / or via Causeway Road / Gate 10 to Causeway Bay MTR direction.