Change for a reason
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2012 will be held on 5th February
2012. Runners, are you ready for the challenge? The official slogan this year is “Run for a reason”. We believe that every single participant has their own reason and story behind them to share the fun of the game.
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon evolves to its perfect “shape” step by step after years of improvements on organization, schedule and route setting, etc. This year, the organizer will bring some more changes to starts, routes and timing chips just to create a more enjoyable event for participants.
Mr. William Ko, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, has witnessed the growth of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Mr. Ko explained that numerous changes have led to success year after year, such as the introduction of 10 km races and Half-Marathon years ago which attracted thousands of runners and created a record-high figure of 65,000 participants last year. The committee has put in more resources to raise the quota to 70,000 in the coming 2012 event. Mr. Ko mentioned that an extra start time of the 10km race will be introduced to ensure the number of participant will be able to fit in the capacity of the Eastern Corridor.
Two wheelchair races, a Full Marathon and a 3 km, will be introduced for the first time. Mr. Ko emphasized “safety is our top priority, so we have planned to deploy around 80 extra officials, put in additional safety measures at corners and cover the water drainages manholes in the tunnels.” Besides, a new route in Central will divert runners of Full Marathon and Half Marathon from Connaught Road West Flyover to Man Po Street, via Man Kwong Street and Man Yiu Street, left turn to Lung Wo Road in Central, a runners-friendly section of flat surface with magnificent views and less traffic emissions. New disposable white timing chips, which are widely used world wide, will be introduced this year. Participants no longer need to pay deposit and no return procedure is needed after the race. The unique chips can be kept as souvenirs.
“The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a great event which draws many fellow Hong Kong citizens together but we would like to see a more supportive attitude from the government and the public at large.” says Mr. William Ko, who is expecting a brighter future ahead in view of the continuous success.
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