Youngsters get ready to make dash for Hong Kong Marathon

Youngsters who in the past could only watch the Hong Kong Marathon and associated races on television can now get ready for a piece of the action.

Organisers plan to launch a shortened version of the race next year for contestants aged 12 to 15. The 2.2-kilometre Youth Dash will take place on January 25, the day of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.

"Many young running enthusiasts have expressed their wish to take part in the marathon over the years," Kwan Kee, chairman of race co-organiser the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, said in announcing the new race yesterday.

"The Youth Dash will not only further develop their interest in long-distance running but also give them the opportunity to show the marathon spirit together with other athletes from around the world."

The race will be divided into two categories - one for those aged 12 to 13 and the other for those aged 14 to 15.

They will start at 11.50am and noon, respectively, at the Wan Chai Sports Ground and end at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Kwan said he hoped the participants would join the 10km or half-marathon races when they turned 16, the minimum age for entry. Only those aged 20 and above can run the full marathon.