Northern Metropolis Marathon Draws 15,000 Runners on Sunday Morning
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon, organized by the New Territories Rural Council, drew approximately 15,000 participants on Sunday morning, marking a significant sporting milestone for Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis development zone. The full marathon commenced at 6:30 AM from the New Territories Rural Council Building in Shek Mun, Sha Tin, with officials including Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarice Mae and NT Rural Council Chairman Lau Yip-keung firing the starting gun. The route featured challenging segments including the newly opened Dragon Mountain Tunnel, with runners expressing both excitement about the scenic new course and concerns about the uphill sections in the latter half of the race.
Key Points
- Approximately 15,000 runners participated across four race categories: full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 1600m
- Full marathon started at 6:30 AM from Shek Mun, with Secretary Clarice Mae and Chairman Lau Yip-keung as ceremonial starters
- Route passed through Dragon Mountain Tunnel with finish line at Fanling Bypass, a first for running events
- Half marathon ran from Hong Kong Science Park to Fanling Bypass; 10km and 1600m events held at respective venues
- Traffic closures affected roads near Shek Mun and Fanling from 2 AM, with 7 bus and 2 minibus routes diverted
- Some runners noted higher temperatures and humidity, adjusting their pace expectations accordingly
Why It Matters
The event showcases Hong Kong's commitment to developing the Northern Metropolis while promoting community engagement through athletics, with the Dragon Mountain Tunnel and Fanling Bypass debuting as race venues highlighting infrastructure integration with public life .
The event showcases Hong Kong's commitment to developing the Northern Metropolis while promoting community engagement through athletics, with the Dragon Mountain Tunnel and Fanling Bypass debuting as race venues highlighting infrastructure integration with public life .