Another big stride towards post-pandemic normality was made at the weekend with the success of the inaugural Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon.
It was a unique event on normally forbidden territory – the Hong Kong leg of the world’s longest bridge and sea tunnel crossing. The 55km (34 mile) span that crosses the Pearl River Estuary opened in 2018.
Organising an event that required the approvals of three different jurisdictions was never going to be easy. The first proposed foot race was announced last August while most sporting schedules were still in Covid-19 hibernation.
The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates initially worked with Manulife but could not get necessary approvals, before the current sponsor Bank of China (Hong Kong) changed the route to keep it within the city’s jurisdiction to get the event up and running.
Thousands of runners including elite athletes from eight countries hit the road early on Sunday. Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich won the 21km men’s race and Sarah Chelangat of Uganda took the women’s crown.
The city’s fastest male runner was 39-year-old Gi Ka-man and Christy Yiu Kit-ching was the fastest local female runner. Crowds cheered as 67-year-old Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat finished his first half marathon.
Organisers admitted there were issues related to toilets and some athletes reportedly had trouble finding water. Starting and finishing points were in an airport restricted zone, meaning supporters were not on hand to encourage runners.
However, it was a strong showing despite the restrictions and was oversold, reflecting strong interest among runners locally and overseas.
8,000 run ‘perfect’ inaugural Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon
The organisers should be encouraged to explore expanding the event into an annual race along the entire length of the bridge.
It would be a timely goal. Next year will be five years since China’s central government announced a blueprint for the Greater Bay Area, Beijing’s plan to link Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai and eight other cities into an integrated economic and business hub.
This year’s success shows that bigger dreams are worth chasing as the city bounces back.
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