Occupy protests may force plan B for Hong Kong Marathon
Organisers of one of Hong Kong's biggest events are keeping an eye on the protest movement
Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon are keeping a wary eye on the Occupy protests, worried they may have to introduce a "plan B" route.
The marathon and half-marathon races, scheduled for January 25, will go through Central along Lung Wo Road, close to the campaigners who now occupy part of Connaught Road and Harcourt Road. The approach to the finish along Great George Street in Causeway Bay is also near the protest site on Yee Wo Street.
"At the moment, the occupation will not affect the marathon route although they are very close in some areas," said organising committee chairman William Ko Wai-lam yesterday.
"Both Lung Wo Road and Great George Street are still accessible by public traffic and look fine. But we are closely monitoring the situation and will only consider an alternative route if it is necessary.
"We know there will be a lot of people coming out on the streets to cheer for the runners on the day and it worries us a bit as there are also Occupy sites nearby."
The 10km race, which accommodates the most number of runners - 35,000 have registered - will not be affected because it is held mainly on the Island Eastern Corridor before the finish in Victoria Park.
Ko said they would make a decision early next month on whether to change the route.
