About the race
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is the city's big annual road race, with a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10 km run. Wikipedia says around 70,000 runners take part across all events each year, and that humidity and a demanding course make finishing times slower than at other large marathons. It holds a World Athletics Gold Label.
History
Wikipedia traces the race to 1981, when it started as four laps around Sek Kong Camp. It later became the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Marathon and was not held for several stretches because of funding problems. Standard Chartered Bank became title sponsor in 1997. In 1998 the course ran from Tsing Ma Bridge to the new airport on Chek Lap Kok, and in 1999 it moved into the urban area for the first time. A half marathon was added in 2000. The Asian Marathon Championship has been held within the race five times, in 2002, 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2024.
The course
In an early-2000s version, runners went from Nathan Road to West Kowloon, over the West Kowloon Highway, through the Cheung Tsing Tunnel, across the Tsing Ma and Ting Kau bridges and back through the Western Harbour Crossing, finishing at Golden Bauhinia Plaza. The current route may differ, so use the organiser's route map.
The 2027 race and entry
The organiser reports a record main-race quota of 78,000 for the 2027 race and said on 15 October 2026 that main-race registration had passed 140,000 entries. A brand-new 5 km Harbourfront Run has a public ballot from 20 to 26 October 2026, and a Youth Run is open until 27 November 2026. Disability entry and a 10 km wheelchair race are open until 30 October 2026. The home page does not show the 2027 race date. The 2026 edition finished with news dated 18 January 2026.
Where to watch
The organiser's expo moved to Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025, and it runs a campaign encouraging people to support small businesses and cheer on the city. No official spectator map appears on the home page.
Weather
Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate, with long, hot, humid summers. Wikipedia notes that high humidity affects finishing times at the marathon. This is general background, not a forecast.
SourcesHong Kong Marathon home · Wikipedia: Hong Kong Marathon · Wikipedia: Hong Kong (climate)