Hong Kong Marathon

Location: Hong Kong
Country: Hong Kong
Website: https://www.hkmarathon.com
2025 Marathon Date: 09/02/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 18/01/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:11:12
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 10k–20k

The Hong Kong Marathon is one of Asia’s largest and most established city marathons, held each January or February on the streets of Hong Kong. The race provides a full tour of the territory’s dense urban core, harbour views, and elevated expressways, offering runners a distinctly metropolitan marathon experience with a global profile.

The course begins on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and proceeds through the city’s busy road network, crossing key infrastructure including Stonecutters Bridge and the Western Harbour Crossing tunnel. While the city is known for its verticality, the race avoids the steepest sections, instead featuring long inclines, flyovers and tunnel ramps that demand strategic pacing. The second half of the race in particular includes multiple undulating sections that can catch out runners who start too fast.

Weather in Hong Kong during winter is variable but generally suitable for marathon running, with temperatures typically ranging from 12–17°C at the start. Conditions are often humid and overcast, and wind exposure can be a factor on bridge sections.

The race is professionally organised, with staggered starts, wide road closures, and full city infrastructure support. However, given the size of the field, runners should expect busy start pens and significant congestion in the opening kilometres. The atmosphere is energised, particularly in central areas, with enthusiastic spectators and cheer zones adding to the urban spectacle.

For sub-3 marathoners, the Hong Kong Marathon is a challenging but high-prestige option. The route is not especially fast, but it offers an honest test of fitness and focus. Many runners use the event as a benchmark early in the year, with the scale, visibility and logistical rigour of a major international marathon.

With a unique blend of urban infrastructure, tropical climate and global attention, the Hong Kong Marathon delivers a distinct big-city race experience in one of Asia’s most iconic locations.