{
  "id": 17566974,
  "title": "Runners unfazed by heat in first-ever NM marathon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/runners-unfazed-by-heat-in-first-ever-nm-marathon-17566974",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-01T08:06:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1876136-20261101.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon took place on Sunday morning, with around 15,000 participants completing the 42.1km course. Organized by the Heung Yee Kuk, the marathon started in Shek Mun and ran along routes such as the Science Park, Tolo Highway, Lam Tsuen River, and Lung Shan Tunnel before ending at the Fanling Bypass.\n\nMost runners found the event smooth, although some had to stop briefly at traffic lights to let cars pass. Running in the 28°C heat proved challenging for some, with one participant lamenting his time of three hours and 11 minutes. Participants and organizers agreed that the route lacked adequate water stations, with half-marathon runners hoping for more.\n\nFormer SAR representative Chan Ka-ho finished fourth overall in the men's marathon. He noted that while there aren't many full marathon courses in Hong Kong, the new route offers a unique experience. Some recreational runners praised the route for its appeal, but others felt it was not fast enough.\n\nOrganizers expressed surprise at the high turnout and hoped the route would allow participants to experience the charm of the New Territories. Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau thanked authorities for their support and admitted that 25°C was less than ideal for running. He hoped to hold future races in cooler months, ideally in December.",
  "summary": "Around 15,000 people took part in the inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon on Sunday morning, with the organiser saying it will try to hold future races in cooler months and extend the route to Shenzhen. At the sound of the horn, eager runners began their 42.1km journey at 6:30am in Shek Mun, where the Heung Yee Kuk – which organised the event – is headquartered. Full marathoners then headed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}