Cross Harbour swimming race earns government approval for December return, with smaller field and new route
- Entries slashed by more than 60 per cent to 1,500 from 4,000 because of Covid-19 pandemic
- Swimmers are required to be fully vaccinated and return a negative nucleic acid test 48 hours before event day
The popular Cross Harbour swimming race is the second mass-participation sporting event in Hong Kong to be given the green light by the government amid Covid-19 fears, although entries have been slashed by more than 60 per cent.
Organisers said on Wednesday that 1,500 enthusiasts will be able to take the plunge on the morning of December 12, embarking on a new route that starts at Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier and finishes at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The last event in 2018 featured 4,000 swimmers.
Registration for the 2021 New World Harbour Race has already opened and entries will close on Monday.
Last month, the flagship Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon returned to the city streets after it was cancelled in early 2020 when the Covid-19 virus began to spread around the world. However, entries were limited to 18,500 who were already in Hong Kong compared to previous years when 74,000 runners, including quality overseas athletes, took part.
It is believed Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor stepped in and referred the harbour race to a steering committee consisting of representatives from various departments, including the Centre for Health Protection. The chief secretary for administration approved it on Tuesday, allowing the iconic race to return to the harbour after two years.
