Hong Kong marathon returns to pre-pandemic size, 30-year-old runner dies after taking part
- Authorities say 30-year-old participant who collapsed after race died despite immediate first aid and resuscitation efforts
- Event marks return to pre-pandemic quota of 74,000 participants, with politicians and celebrities also taking part in races
Hong Kong’s biggest annual marathon returned to its maximum number of participants since the Covid-19 pandemic, as 74,000 runners, including politicians and celebrities, raced through the city’s streets.
A 30-year-old man who took part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday died following the race after he collapsed at Tin Hau MTR station, despite first aid and resuscitation efforts at Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, according to authorities.
As of 4pm, 39 out of 841 injured runners were sent to hospital. A man was in a critical condition, while five others were in a serious condition.
The event marked a return to its pre-pandemic quota of 74,000 participants, of which about 22,000 took part in the full marathon, 21,500 in the half-marathon and 30,500 in the 10km (6.2 mile) race.
The two previous editions of the race, held in February last year and October 2021, drew 37,000 and 18,500 runners, respectively.
Wearing number “852”, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, 68, also took part in the marathon, securing second place in a 2km Legends Cup race, which also involved about 40 other politicians and business leaders. The short race was held for the first time in five years.