2027 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to welcome record 78,000 runners after half-marathon quota increase

The 2027 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will welcome a record 78,000 runners after significantly increasing its half-marathon quota in a quest to “further promote long-distance running, elevate race standards and increase the scale of the event”.

A new 5km harbourfront run and expanded youth run, both set to be staged 24 hours before the main races happen on Sunday January 17, will swell overall competitor numbers to 84,000.

Explaining the decision to raise their half-marathon numbers from 25,000 to 29,000, the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) said they had “recognised the strong demand” for the 13.1-mile (21.1km) event and its “role as a crucial stepping stone to the marathon”.

First staged in 1997, the SCHKM will next year celebrate its 30th birthday.

Kwan Kee, chairman of HKAAA, said his governing body had “always been committed to developing the SCHKM into one of the highest-standard long-distance running events in the region”.

“Completing a half marathon is a vital milestone for runners who are progressing towards the marathon, so our historic decision to increase the half-marathon quota will broaden the pathway for more experienced runners and mark a new chapter in the SCHKM’s development,” Kee added.