Marathon puts HK on world map

A surreal Sunday scene emerges around this time every year, with the city's highways and tunnels carpeted with tens of thousands of people in colourful sporty outfits. With a turnout of more than 70,000 participants this year, some coming from as far as North Korea and Africa, the Hong Kong Marathon is no doubt one of the city's few signature events. But for those who do not sign up to run, the marathon remains little more than arresting images on their TV screen or newspaper.

That the community is seemingly disconnected with one of its most successful sporting events owes much to the pressure on the organisers to keep traffic disruption to a minimum. That means even when the run is scheduled on a quiet Sunday morning, usually in January or February, participants have to make their way to the starting line as early as 3am. By the time the city wakes, the race is largely over. Most people won't even notice it has taken place, let alone be part of it.

It is good that more efforts were made to engage the public this year, with the full and half marathons finishing along a busy road in Causeway Bay. The atmosphere was noticeably better than before, according to some runners. However, there were still some complaints about the inconvenience caused. For those whose routine or business were affected, the frustration is understandable. But given the event takes place only once a year, the community should be more accommodating.

It is unfortunate that a 24-year-old collapsed and died while running the 10km race. The sad news, while clouding what would otherwise have been considered a successful marathon, is a reminder of the health risks involved in sports that are particularly strenuous.

Starting from a modest participation of just 1,000 in 1997, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is now one of the city's Brand Hong Kong events. Next year marks its 20th anniversary. It will be a good opportunity to turn it into a more inclusive community event.