The organiser for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2009, Hong Kong’s premiere sporting event for athletes of all levels, today unveiled a number of new features to the competition. They also announced that a number of race categories have already been closed due to high demand in what is quickly becoming one of the most popular sporting events in Hong Kong history.

To add further excitement, the organiser has added a number of new categories, including the District Councils Challenge Cup, Best Costume Award, and most notably the Leaders Cup - a race featuring senior executives, community leaders and celebrities competing on some 2km course. The new features aim to promote running and healthy living in a fun way while simultaneously showcasing the dynamic strength and spirit of Hong Kong and its people.

It was also announced that over 50,000 people have registered to participate in the Marathon’s various races, and all spaces in the 10km Run 1 (Start Time: 5:35am), 10km Run 2 (Start Time: 6:00am), 10km Run 3 (Start Time: 6:30am), Half Marathon Challenge (Start Time: 6:50am) and Half Marathon Run 1 (Start Time: 7:10am) have already been closed due to high demand.

The announcement came during a colourful media event featuring senior business executives, senior government officials and additional guests of honour. The highlight came when Rita Liu, Head of Corporate Affairs, Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Janet Wong, Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs (Recreation and Sport), Alex Moh, President of Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, So Sai Chi, Chairman of the North District Council, Chung Kong Mo, Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Wai Kwok Hung, Chairman of the Sha Tin District Council, Chau Chuen Heung, Vice-chairman of the Islands District Council, Yeung Wai Sing, Member of the Eastern District Council, Chan Kam Lam, Member of the Tsuen Wan District Council, Ling Man Hoi, Member of the Sai Kung District Council and members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation for Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games participated in a demonstration of the Leaders Cup.

At the media event, Ms. Liu said, “The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon embodies the spirit of Hong Kong and its ever-growing commitment to embrace healthy living through sports. The overwhelming response we have seen thus far is a clear sign of not only how iconic the Standard Chartered Marathon has become as a community showcase, but also how serious people are about improving their quality of life through a focus on training and competition, regardless of their skill level.

“No matter whether people are running in the race, cheering on their friends or family, or supporting the charity, the Marathon is something that everyone can be part of and have a great time every step along the way.””

Janet Wong, Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs (Recreation and Sport) and District Council representatives were present today in a show of support for the “Sports Development” and “Sports for All” themes presented during the Chief Executive’s recent policy address.

“We believe in encouraging sports and wellness for a better, healthier Hong Kong, and the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is the perfect way to communicate this message to the community as a whole,” said Ms. Wong, after participating in the event. “For this reason, we have all pledged to support the Standard Chartered Marathon by collaborating with the organiser.”

Alex Moh, President of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, added, “Such a positive response by the community signals to us the importance that Hong Kong people place on health, well-being and challenging themselves to be the best they can be. Based on how quickly some categories have already been filled, we urge everyone to sign up now to ensure that they have a place at the starting line.”

More than racing for yourself --- racing for others

Representatives at today’s media event also encouraged members of the community to support the Marathon Charity Programme by donating to Standard Chartered’s fundraising initiative “Seeing is Believing” as well as the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, emphasising that those who wished to participate by making donations in lieu of running in the Marathon’s various events would be able to do so.

Registration

Runners interested in participating in the 2009 race can fill out entry forms at the HKAAA office (Room 2015, Olympic House, 1 Stadium Path, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong) and all Standard Chartered Bank branches in Hong Kong. Applicants can also register online at the official website at www.hkmarathon.com. The entry fee for those entering between now and 31 December 2008 is HK$320 for local runner and HK$340 for overseas runner.

Themed as “The Race that Unites Hong Kong”, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2009 - title sponsored by Standard Chartered Hong Kong, organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA) is considered the largest participatory sporting event in Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit the official website or call the official hotline on 2577 0800.

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Released on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited by GolinHarris.