3rd November 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong’s first Northern Metropolis Marathon unfolded on Sunday with roughly 15,000 runners across the full, half, 10‑kilometre and 1,600‑metre races, but the debut was marred by reports of inadequate hydration points, traffic interruptions and a long post‑race trek to retrieve baggage. The full marathon set off at 6.30am from the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories Building in Shek Mun, Sha Tin, with the starting gun fired by Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei‑kuen and Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau Ip‑keung.
Runners navigated a route through Sha Tin and Tai Po via the Science Park promenade, Tolo Highway and the Lam Tsuen River, before passing through the Lung Shan Tunnel and finishing on the newly opened Fanling Bypass — the first time the bypass has hosted a running event. Humid, warmer‑than‑ideal conditions left many managing expectations and pacing, with some citing the course’s late‑race gradients and headwinds as additional challenges.
Post‑race accounts from participants highlighted severe shortcomings in on‑course support, including sections where water was unavailable or cups were insufficient, and an arrival experience that required an estimated 20‑minute, roughly 1.5‑kilometre walk to collect bags, with limited refreshments en route. Some runners also complained of being halted by traffic signals. These issues prompted criticism on social media and calls for organisers to reassess logistics for any future edition.
The organiser, Heung Yee Kuk, has positioned the marathon as a showcase for the Northern Metropolis, and indicated interest in extending future routes towards San Tin, the Lok Ma Chau Loop and even into Shenzhen once construction constraints ease. Officials have also suggested exploring cooler months for subsequent races to improve conditions.
