Hong Kong runners hit out at conditions for inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon

The inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon in Hong Kong faced significant criticism from participants after its first-ever run. Water shortages, challenging course conditions, and a lengthy post-race baggage collection process marred the event, leading to calls for organizers to reconsider their plans if the marathon were to return.

The Heung Yee Kuk, which organized the event to celebrate its centenary, drew approximately 15,000 runners across four race categories. However, the hilly and uneven roads, lack of water stations, and an exhausting post-race walk to retrieve bags raised concerns about the event's execution.

Runners highlighted the lack of water at the Tong Hang petrol station water station, noting that it took a long time to reach the next one. Along the Fanling Bypass, there was no water supply for the entire 8km stretch in both directions. Returners also complained about having to walk an additional 2km to collect their belongings after finishing the marathon and then another 15 minutes to reach the MTR station.

Complaints about the course route included crossing more than one bridge with stairs and a 8km stretch through the Lung Shan Tunnel, which runners described as "stuffy and windless." One participant even shared a video of police stopping more than a dozen runners at a crossing near Tin Ping Estate in Sheung Shui, ordering them to stand by the roadside and wait for about 40 seconds before being allowed to continue.

Experts have warned that the issues with the marathon go beyond simple teething problems and emphasized the need for organizers to ensure they have the professional expertise required to host similar events in the future. Lai Ho-ki, a long-distance runner and coach, suggested postponing the race by two weeks to allow for cooler weather, as the full marathon started at 6.30am and would face hotter conditions if runners took more than three hours to complete.

Veteran runner Chan Ka-ho, who finished fourth in the full marathon, found the final 10+ kilometers particularly challenging, as they were not on the road but on pedestrian footpaths with protruding tree roots that made running difficult. He also criticized the lengthy walk to collect his bags, suggesting it would be better if it were closer to the finish line.

Health experts have warned that heat-related illnesses pose the biggest health threat to marathon runners, even in cooler seasons. November, though typically autumnal, has seen rising temperatures in recent years, making heat a major risk factor. Dehydration exacerbates the risk, making runners tire more quickly and increasing the likelihood of heatstroke.

Chung Ho-yin, a specialist in emergency medicine, emphasized the importance of providing enough space for crowd management near the finish line, allowing runners to rest and retrieve their belongings more conveniently. He also criticized the unusual practice of runners being stopped at traffic lights to let vehicles pass. Health and physical education expert Lobo Louie Hung-tak pointed out that the New Territories' winding and narrow roads, coupled with the marathon's carnival-style approach, made it more suitable for less competitive events, not professional races.

Louie urged organizers to clearly distinguish between competitive and carnival-style events and emphasized that safety and thorough race management should be top priorities.