Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2010

Hi all, I'd like to join the people who fight for eating shark's fin. I saw them promote the msg in Marathon last year. Do you know how to contact them? Pls advise. thanks.

FOR eating shark's fin?

Against it. Do u know how to contact them? Thanks.

The email address is caseforsharks@hotmail.com

and if I recall, sharks who ran were Janet and Steve

Many thanks. I'll contact them.

Thanks for your message, PSC. We would be delighted if you would join us running in sharksuits at the SCM this year. We've responded to your email to caseforsharks@hotmail.com .

If any other marathon runners would like to run as sharks this year to raise awareness of the environmental impact of finning (and to bring a bit of colour to the event), please email us at caseforsharks@hotmail.com .

Best wishes

Hi Bilbo, love to join, but.......
Do you just have a shark hat?
I may faint in your suit...
a shark hat may be just perfect!

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/dmc7779

better get more hill practice . I drove the new bridge . It is a long uphill road !

hey, i read on the official website and it says this:

Please be informed that all quotas for both local and overseas runner for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2010 are now full. The Organizer will NOT accept any further registrations on 26 & 27 February, 2010. We thank you for your support of this international event and look forward to seeing you at future Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathons.

looks like there's no chance for late overseas runners to register.... :(

any of you couldn't make it on the actual race day? i'd like to buy the race pack and run on your behalf. =).
preferably the half-marathon.

Hi Edward

No, a senior official with the organizers told me recently that they have additional and separate quotas reserved for overseas visitors. If you are a visitor you can still register at the Expo.

hmm... thats good news! thanks keith!
btw, where is this Expo? hahaha.

Hi Edward84

Sorry, it's Not at the Expo (which was also held a week before the race), but on Feb 26 and 27 at Victory Park. See following from the official website:

Late entry (only available for Overseas Runners) will only be accepted in person on 26 to 27 February 2010 at the Marathon Secretariat in Victoria Park with proof of passport. Enrollment is based on first come first served basis. The entry fee will be HK$440 / USD$57 per head.

Hi Keith.

I don't seem to find that part in the website... i can only find the one stating no further registrations will be accepted. could you show me the direct link?

thanks.

I copied it from this thread above, and also could not find it on their website now. The official told me in early Nov. If you are in doubt, please call the organizer at: (852)2577-0800.

ok i'll check with the organizers. thanks keith.

meanwhile anyone unable to make it for the actual race day and would like to sell off your race pack? let me know.

thanks!

I was just checking if everyone else had received a letter from the organisers of the SCM? Some friends told me they got their letter of acceptance only two days ago.
I tried the online status check on their website but it just says "processing...check back later".

Is anyone else still waiting? I submitted my application on 21st October so I don't think it would have been full by then...or am I wrong in assuming that?

Received the mailing with the "Acceptance Letter" informing me of the time and place to collect numbers and chips and souvenirs already.

Received my acceptance letter already.

blurmax

Got my acceptance letter 2 days ago by mail

received too

Go hard to go home!

Received it during the holidays.

Not received mine either, but have checked their web site for status and I have been registered & assigned a race number. I would definitely check again, just need to enter your HKID & DOB.

I've been trying that 'status check' every couple of days but it always says the same thing...'processing, check back later'.
My wife called them up and they said my application should be okay but because I opted for credit card payment it was taking longer to process.

Dear All,

My friend told me that he rang the organiser and was told this year they will not accept late entry even if they come from oversea. Any confirmation on that ?

PM

I think the webpage states that . If you check the hong kong marathon web page its says even overseas not accepted as late entry .

Thanks Mike, seemed that they have changed the rules.

PM

Yes, the organiser states at the the official website that they will not accept registration on 26 and 27 February 2010.

Does anyone know if there are people with race numbers that can't run and are willing to sell their race spot?

~Olivia

I've foolishly misplaced my acceptance letter (after keeping it so carefully secure over Xmas). I've looked on the website and found my Race # and Ref #. Will I just be able to show up on Feb 20 or 21 with my ID card to get my runner's pack? I would hate to be turned away after traveling all the way to Causeway Bay from Yuen Long, not to mention the disappointment of not being able to run!

Also, does anyone know exactly where the start line is for the 10km runs? I'm sure I will see thousands of people heading in the same direction that morning anyway, but I would just like to know...

Anyone one willing to trade full for a half?

Hong

The website still says 'processing' and I haven't received a letter yet but my credit card has just been deducted the funds so I think that's a good sign.

Hi Patick

Have you called their "hotline" in case something went wrong? They should be able to confirm whether your name is there, at least, I suppose.

Hi Keith,
My wife called them and they said 'It should be okay', but it didn't sound 100%, and they couldn't tell me what my race number was. My credit card was deducted the entry fee on the 8th January, my application was delivered by hand to one of their branches on 21st October. If they've deducted the money I should be in although I can remember once being charged for an unrelated race but not entered.
We'll see, I'd like to run it although I'm not expecting a good time this year due to work.

I called the hotline several times in last 2 months as my application has shown "unsuccessful" on the online checking web page. And every time I call them, they said that the application is still pending for the confirmation of fund transfer. But today (Jan-12), I checked that my application has become "successful" on the on-line page and have my bib shown. So, see you all in the race day.

Cheers.
Alex.

Hi If anyone is injured and can't do the marathon I would love to buy their entry
I have been advised that I will be visiting your beautiful city this week as part of work from Australia and I woulk kill to dothe race
please pm me if anyone cannow not compete
thanks kev

.

What next? auction in eBay?

I noticed a few days ago somebody said at the website that he would like to buy a place. I suggest the request/ proposal of swapping, using the others' quota should be removed from the site.

The 'status update' page of HK Marathon has alloted me a number...so I guess I am in! Better late than never.

Why?
Let me explain myself as I am assuming you are referring to me
i put out an offer to runners who cannot compete due to injury and therefore could not get a refund on their entry
obviously the money I would pay them would be for the amount of their entry - nothing more or nothing less
to pay them more would be unfair on my fellow runners as I would see that as queue jumping. But to pay them the entry fee only would of been (what I see at least) a fair and equitable arrangement. Plus would keep the race quota as per the current level.
Cheers

Motp

No.1 in Official Rules is :

'Entry and Timing Chip are non-transferable' and whatever justification, you are enticing people to break rule (even paying same amount they paid).

I also did not succeed in applying,and wish to run. But not breaking Official Rule.

http://www.hkmarathon.com/marathon/eng/event/notice/default.jsp

Due to injury/sickness or just work/other personal reason, I have to give up one to three races every year. I do not get the refund. I will not transfer the bib to other runners, with or without recovery of the fees I paid.

First it is unfair to the organiser. If there were any accident to the replacement runner during the race, the liability of the organiser could not be known and may not be covered by the insurance.

Second, it is unfair to other runners who also cannot enroll into the race. If replacement is allowed, it should be handled by the organiser who should then keep a waiting list with priority (e.g. the Oxfam Trailwalker). To swap or arrange replacement among runners themselves deprive the right of others.

Third, though it is believed that most runners intend to "pay" the original fee only for replacement, it cannot be controlled after the floodgate is lifted. No one can guarantee that there will not be reselling or auction at higher prices, in particularly the very popular races. (It may attract the non-runners to do so.)

Ok guys
point taken
Cheers

Hi Motp

I think it's reasonable to demand the organizers to set up some sort of official mechanism for entry swap or even refund, but as long as they don't provide one we need to play by the rules and can not encourage or provide a platform for such activities. I hope you can understand.

Well explained, LOK, especially the third point.
Motp, when will you arrive in HK? There're places reserved for oversea runners. Check the details on the Marathon Website. Cheers.

Thanks guys
but the website is quite explicit that for this year they will not be allowing for entries from overseas immediately prior to the event unlike previous years. My prob though - it was more a shot in the dark. Hope you guys all do well in what I am sure will be a great event in your beautiful city
Cheers
MOTP

Hi Motp! It is true that the organiser does not accept entry of overseas runners in the last two days before the event this year. It is a pity that you cannot run with us. However, you are welcomed to HK and you may tour around the terrirtory. You may also come to the finish point to share the fun with us on 28 February 2010. The finish point is located at Victoria Park of Causeway Bay and is easily accessible by MTR (at the Causeway Bay Station and you can see the direction sign to Victoria Park).

Thanks for the offer I will try and do my best to get down there
if not all the very best on the day
motp

Hi everybody,
I could get only registerd for the half marathon and not for the full marathon challenge.
Anybody want to swap or sell your marathon number?
Thx to contact me:

Swap or transfer of bib/running place is not allowed, not to say buying or selling. Please do not make such a request at this website.

May I suggest the above message be removed?

Lok - As the request of transferring of bibs is not offensive in nature, it stays.

Vincent - note however that selling or transferring of the bib is not encouraged on this website. Therefore, your contact method is removed.

Many runners complained about acts of cheating in Xiamen Marathon 2010. Using another runner's bib to get the result or souvenirs is also considered and may affect the final results.

You may think that the position may be be affected by one only. However, if everyone does the same thing, the consequence is multiplied.

HKAAA's stand on this is that if they catch you running with someone else' bib, you would be disqualified and would possibly be banned from all future HKAAA races.

I signed up for the HM. This will be my first HM ever. I have done some 10km races. And I have been training and have ran 16km already.

Can someone describe what the HM is going to be like. I understand that you have to go down and up the western tunnel (with bad air?) and up and down some flyovers towards the end. Which would be the most challenging part?

Thanks.

The first 14-15km on the highway are mostly flat with modest ups and downs. The really bad part is the tunnel, and then coming out of it with an immediate climb up to the central flyover. This is something like 40m up with usually a gusty wind on the outside. Then mostly flat to CB, and then 2-4km before the finish a few nasty flyovers. These are not nearly as bad as the tunnel, but they are at the end of the race and will hurt, since you haven't done more than 16km in training. Good luck.

hi everyone,

just wondering if the hydration stations are really 5 kilometers apart?

thanks! =D

Hi Jodamach

There is no need to worry; the exact locations will be marked on the booklet they distribute together with the race number today and tomorrow.

Hi Guys,

As the weather in Hong Kong quite cold on run day, I wish to know what kind of sport wear is recommended? Is singlet with short sport pants OK for the run?

This is my first time running marathon in a cold weather country, so I'm trying to avoid any mishaps. Thanks.

Welcome to Hong Kong for the race.

Weather Forecast at 18 - 22C degrees, not cold really. Humidity forecast at 80-95%. Singlet and shorts would be fine IMHO.

The latest forecast on 228 is:18-22C, 80-95% humidity. A few rain and mist patches.
Don't be scared by the recent cold weather...

Hi there,1st time M runner. As I read some of the postings, I am getting really nervous abt the bridges and tunnel xing! Any advice from you veteran runners for a first time runner. My goal is to just finish under 5 hrs and hope not to be picked up by the bus. Thanks!!

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/dmc7779

as a veteran slow runner.... My advice is dont worry . Start slow . Pick up to a steady pace . Dont rush . If really need to walk about 25k then do sio but keep walk short . I find shuffling feels better than walking . Stretch about 34k before enter western tunnel then just keep going . Make sure u eat and drink otherwise by 30k will be run on empty

Whatever u do run your own race dont follow friends , pretty girls or anyone else .... They are usually all fitter and faster .

But most of all enjoy and suddenly u will be racing into the finish.

Have a good run

One way to prevent muscle cramp during the race is to bring a deep-heat rub with you to the race and apply it to the legs before and during the run. It would be a bit too late to get assistance from St John's if the muscle has already cramped up. I did that last year and it worked.

When I was doing a marathon in Spain a week ago, I noticed quite a number of people carried deep-heat sprays during the run and sprayed their legs at times. While this is quite disturbing to runners around, especially if the sprays get into your eyes, I suspect it might help because so many people do it. Another observation is that leg warmers are so popular, probably something to do with the temperature or because it did help.

using deep heat cream seems crazy popular in singapore marathon where I have seen runners putting the cream on so thick it actually gives them white legs !

I think runners should be aware of any over use is not good . I do remmeber a runner died in USA a while back from over use of 'deep heat' creams .

Use what you need when you need it but I dont think its a good idea just to cover your legs in cream in the hope it will stop cramps ...... just my comment

Rumours have it that one reason the FM quota was filled so quickly this year is some 'runners' just want to go on the bridge to take photos of themselves, after which they may just slow down or hop on the pickup buses. This may not affect the first few runner packs but serious but slower runners better watch out. The percentage of finishers after the event can confirm whether these rumours are true or not.

I would like to better plan for my own running pace during the FM. Can anyone provide a brief distance marker of the key passing points, e.g., from xx K to XX K would be Stonecutters bridge/ Ting Kau Bridge / Western Harbour Tunnel, etc.

Many thanks!

I went to the stalls at the Victoria Park while my wife went to collect her race bag & number. No surprises there, pretty average and no real variety.

My biggest gripe is having to place an order for a bottle water, walk to different queue to pay and then queue up again to collect the water. Waste of time and a waste of paper. This is meant to be one of Hong Kong's biggest events in terms of running.

Where is Powerbar, Nike, Adidas, Asics, K-Swiss, Reebok, Mizuno etc???????????? I see more stalls at the local school fete!!!

Where are local club stands to attract new members???

I agree, it was a bit of a non event. As far as I am aware the local clubs are not invited to have stalls at the event , at least they werent when I was leading a club. Its a good idea though.

This is a reply to winnie's query:

The info is available in the elevation chart of the Runners' booklet included in the kit.

Today, SCM is a big commercial event rather than a pure sport event. Unlike CCM - runners for runners marathon, SCM is a marketing show time for sponsors. That may be the reason why stalls of local clubs are missing.

Another place you can find the related is the cut-off time able where you can find the cut-off time, the place and the distance.

Thanks Sakinijino. Got it from the cut-off time table.

thanks for the reply keith. actually i'm arriving at hong kong on friday. so i'll be able to pickup my race kit on saturday. just to be on the safe side, i'll just bring my hydration belt with me =D

Can somebody help and tell me the distance between the starting point at TST and the western harbour tunnel?

Thanks very much.

How about you map it yourself?

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

From TST to Western Harbour tunnel is 33.6Km
The cutting time will be at 11:40am, which gives you 4hr 25min to be there, otherwise get on bus ga la !
Good luck to all Marathon runners !

to overseas runners: has anyone also not received their acceptance letter? can i still go and collect my runner pack this weekend?

thanks.

Hi! Kwok,
there is a map in HKRunners A-Z, HKRunners A-Z. under "Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and Half Marathon".
This is not very accurate measurement, due to the route is clamping on the earth surface (i.e does not take into account the bridges; tunnels and the hill.
It can serve as estimation tools only.

Enjoy the run! I have the same worry few year back, so I hope it can help the Newbie of this route.

The KML file is also attached.

I'm also an overseas runner and have not received my acceptance letter. They gave me different answers each time I contacted them by email. But I believe that you can just show up this weekend with your passport and collect the runner's pack. Please make sure to check your status online first. Good luck with the marathon.

Do you know any female runner planning to drop out of the full marathon race? I am looking for a bib and chip for a friend who is a first time runner.

Hi lemontea, I'm afraid this is not the right place for your request, and by the way do you mean your friend is a first time runner who wants to do a full marathon?!

would it be difficult to find the runner's pack booth within victoria park? which is the most convenient way to get there?

thanks.

I assume the only way to get from HK Island (mid-levels) to TST for the 6am start of the HM is by taxi. Any public transport starting early on the day?

No, there will be special early trains. According to MTR web-site first Tsuen Wan Line from Central will leave at 4.22am so you can take a taxi to Central or Admiralty from Mid-Levels.

No, there will be special early trains. According to MTR web-site first Tsuen Wan Line from Central will leave at 4.22am so you can take a taxi to Central or Admiralty from Mid-Levels.

Excellent, thanks for that info.

@edward84: the packet collection area will be easy to find as they will set-up tents, signs, and volunteers to guide runners. you can easily reach the park via mtr.

I Just finished the FM with time under five hours. I really enjoyed the whole process.

I enjoyed the new course even though the weather and lack of training punished me :-)

But there were plenty of water stops and supporters and of course the finishers medal is nice :-) I can see the organisers listened to many of the runners suggestions from last year .

Yes Mike, while I was not running today, I was impressed by the expanded elite zone, the finishers medal (many taking photos holding their medal in hand) and the rest area near the finish. I hope runners would be a little happier, although certainly there are always grounds to improve.

finished my first FM today under 4 hours surprisingly as the humidity and hills were a killer. Enjoyed it anyway. Want to say a big Thank you to all the volunteers at the water stations and cheering support along they way it really helps Thank you

Very happy (and a little jealous) to see the Full Marathon folks getting thier medals. Running any marathon deserves that recognition and certainly yesterday under the conditions eveyone that completed the race deserves it even more. A good effort from HKRunners to get this changed and well done everyone who got through it.

Seeing more folks in the Elite starting zone,based on the new criteria was also pleasing and a good step forward.

Echo to PeterH. The first time in the finished zone with runners wearing the medal made the atmosphere completely different. It gave also give others stimulus to train harder next year.
Just marginally got into the elite starting zone under the new criteria. Though I stood at the rear, it just took a few seconds to cross the starting line and no need to struggle for minutes to one's own pace. Hope all could self-disciplined and the real elites won't mind the extended criteria.
Sadly, I just fell off next years' starting zone by 4 minutes and need to train harder next year :(

Time and again it has proven late February is not suitable for marathon in HK. HKAAA should be flexible with the date of the SCM and not be so hung up with holding it 2 weeks after Chinese New Year. CNY ranges from mid January to mid February (In 2007 the SCM was held in March 4 with fatalities). I suggest when CNY is in February, SCM should be held 2 weeks prior (somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd week of January). It is not so close to Christmas or New Year as HKAAA alleges. The chance of getting cool/dry weather is much higher.

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/dmc7779

i think you will find that the main reason the marathon takes place two weeks after cny is because at this time there are still less vehicles on the roads as factories are still closed . Also there are too many functions at xmas and new year to be held before then . Its not the marathon organisers decision.

However, the representative of transport/logistics just claimed that there's no difference to hold the marathon in any month (as long as it's on Sunday)...Who has made this decision then?

Hi Keith,
What was the SC expanded elite zone?
Yeah the finisher medal was good and I was happy to receive it though my finish time was 20 minutes off my PB.

Hi MadDog, The elite zone (previously included only prize winners of the previous race plus those in top 10 ranking) was expanded to include also those who run within 3:30 in last year's race. This was actually an alternative proposal during our meetings/discussions with SCM management late last year as the earlier suggestion of different starting zones based on their recent performance (which should be a better way) was turned down due to the lack of manpower. The expanded elite zone is thought to be easier to carry out and to be accepted because it is built on a pre-existing arrangement. As most of those who did within 3:30 would be more regular and likely more disciplined runners, it was assumed that they would not cause too much inconvenience to invited runners and our top local runners, and the start would be in better order (eg no crazy guys who tried to outrun the invited runners in the 50 meters). Apart from the finishers medal, they also adopted our proposal of setting up a rest area for full marathon runners near the finish (instead of asking them to leave the venue as soon as possible as in the past).

Thanks. The hard effort and contribution of hkrunners community were noticeable as the race showed signs of improvement this year. Really hope that hkrunners can further liaise with the race organizer and drive them to make further improvement. The event scheduling is notoriously known now. In fact, some of my running friends and I have vowed not to do the race anymore if it is continued to be set for February. Apparently the race organizer have a lot of excuses/ reasons to defend their arrangement. They now probably just prefer race popularity to creating the best possible environment to serious runners, those who had undergone weeks and months of tough marathon programme. Finally, thanks for your reply again.

Go hard to go home!

Yes big improvement. I was most impressed with everything (except the heat and humidity). I really enjoyed the race announcers at the end as they relayed support for those people battling towards the finish of the full. Reminded me a lot of the San Francisco marathon. Noted that a lot of this was done in English which satisfied me of course but wondered if many supporters understood all that was said.

Thought the half start was smooth. Water stops were good and the marshalls seemed more attentive to runners who were struggling this year on the course. Post race was also good. Last year I had no place to change while supporters lounged on available space. This year there was a nice area allocated for us to stretch out. The medals are brilliant. I just love seeing proud runners strut around with them after a race. Makes me contemplate running the full here again.

A January date would be ideal for HK weather-wise but then it would overlap on the China Coast Marathon which has a longer tradition.

Standard Chartered also sponsor other marathons: Singapore Dec 6, 09; Mumbai Jan 17, 10; Dubai Jan 22, 10. I suspect the main reason for HKAAA's reluctance to hold the HK one in January is to avoid the clash with other cities to maximise media coverage? May be Standard Chartered Bank is the culprit.

I would like to join others for hearty thanks to HKRunners who have made valuable suggestions to the organizers.
Yes, the medal at the finish carries so much meaning that cannot be replaced :)

I found something strange in the result of 10km run 4, the number one runner, Sekiya Takanori, completed the race in ..... 30'36", and 29'01" in net time !!!
Either there is a mistake, either this is a world class runner who made the run 4 race to avoid waking up at a crazy hour on sunday morning !

There were quite a few strange items. For the half marathon the 'half way' times must be at the 7km mark.

Also, I know many people who put down HK on the country, yet United Kingdom (and other countries) were stated on the results sheet. Only been here 17 years, what constitutes HK as being my home?

Also, for the full marathon 5,471 people finished it in under 5hrs 30mins, whereas 8,000 people enrolled for the race. Therefore 2,529 people (32%) either did not turn up or failed to finish within the alloted time.

This seems quite high?

that ratio is ok for me, there is allways people who never turn up, especially on a hot day like sunday.

But the time of that runner in run 4 is something huge, he would even beat the "winner" of the 10k challenge by over 4 minutes !!

Does someone know this runner ?

just joining the chorus of appreciation for the hkrunners community for the efforts working with the organizers, and especially the finisher's medal! really rather awesome.

my gf's first attempt, so i ran with her, and would like to share some interesting things that most ppl on this site may not have encountered, since we were on the verge of not making the checkpoints every time. (we just barely made it - 5:28!)

- they have these green nets that they pull across the road to prevent ppl from continuing if they don't make it to the various check points along the way. and the time they count for these checkpoints is clock time, not net time. i wonder if ppl ever try to hurdle over, but presumably not..
- i think if u miss the 5:30 by even a second there's no medal
- there are really many returning buses, packed with runners.
- there was one funny volunteer who exhorted "stop walking! u can't walk! or u won't make the checkpoint!"
- the older ppl seem to be quite merrily jogging along, but the younger guys look totally defeated, learning about pacing the hard way
- the water and sports drink did not run out (didn't see too many bananas), i've seen that happen at other races so this was v. good

and lastly, the view from stonecutter bridge was stunning, and the sun rays were piercing the clouds that moment. added some difficulty but think its worth it.

cheers!

Thanks for the effort and contribution from the members of hkrunners. I love my first FM finisher medal very much.
I want to discuss the numbers of FM finishers. The organiser announced that there are about 7,000 runners joining the race (I think it means 7,000 cross the starting line), Now 5,471 people finished it in under 5hrs 30mins. Therefore about 1,529 runners failed to finish within the required time (about 78% runners finished it within the required time.) That means most of the runners joining the FM were making great efforts and aiming to finish the race within the required time.

go3

What really surprised me was the amount of buses taking the unfinished runners back to the finish, some buses were full up with people and they were waving at us still battling it out on the road.
I hear that many novices and non runners enter this marathon just for the fun of it not even intending to finish but to get the t-shirt, take photos along the way and yes get the bus back to the finish when they are to tired.

whatever about the other strange times. Arnaud's question is very pertinent. what is this time of 29 mins? Im sorry, but already I feel that this SC 10k race is a joke what with the start time etc. yeah, lets all run in the dark. not sure why runners do this event but anyway. can understand the other 2 races but everything connected with them is wrong when compared to other cities. so lets hear it. is this the real winning time? well done Arnaud, obvoiusly we cant rely on the organizers to do their job so well done mate. c u at Perksindoll, Mark.

Many comments about the weather and time of year it is held but why not just take it as part of the challenge and particular nature of the run. If you want good time, there are many other choices. The important part is for the organizer to appropriately support the race to ensure safety of the runners. The water and sports drinks seemed to be unlimited. I had a poor time due to lack of training so was experiencing knee pains but in terms of hydration and overall condition, felt quite good throughout with the water, etc.

Runningfamily, what is your point? are you saying that it is a big achievement to finish a marathon under 5hours30mins??? maybe you should take up another sport.

Finishing a marathon is a big achievement for everyone no matter the finish time . Well done to all finishers

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/dmc7779

fully agree with kwh . If every marathon was flat and run through the city it would become boring . The different temp different routes are all part of the challenge whether it is sub zero or over 35 . There are many good marathons that dont have cheering crowds along the route .

Following on Arnaud's comment about 10km Run #4, the first FEMALE crossed the line in 34:35, which made her 3rd place in the race. Not too sure we have a sub 35min female 10km runner in Hong Kong???

Go hard to go home!

Yes indeed Mike. Well done to all those who toe the line and see it through to the finish. My only bugbear with this HK experience of the Marathon is that they ignored serious athletes at the enter stage(I still can't believe Darren Benson wasn't invited to enter but then I also heard that the defending champ's manager had to initiate an invite for him to come back!)then let too many enter it, who then run it under-trained. Stretching the resources of the many wonderful volunteers to the limit. I suppose that it being so popular people register in October and then 'forget' to train for it and then battle through. But IMHO the proper training for a goal marathon time be that 2 hours.03,sub-3hours or 5.30 is all part of it.

Some interesting results over the weekend. Well hopefully Hong Kong has an emerging talent in the ladies, 34min for 10km. Great result!!!

Lets be honest majority of the runners doing the SCM are out for a bit fun and be part Standard Chartered's great marketing strategy. At the end of the day it is the real runners that will be the only ones that will truly appreciate and recognise the extreme challenges and health risks of completing, and training for a full marathon.

Personally I think this race gormless and lacks the spirit you get when you race at some the overseas races. If runners don't like it, don't race it. I would much rather see the UNICEF Disney's race become HK's main race. Greater support, better scenary and much cooler.

Every year we see recommendations go off for SCM, well it is now time we accept it or as an alternative the clubs need to pull together and organise their own marathon that covers our interests, not some sponsors marketing strategy.

Arnaud, not only the racing time of the Run 4 winner is surprising. The first runner-up is 33:26 (chip time 31:42) and the second runner-up is 34:56 (31:25). The first runner-up could beat the champion of 10K challenge in both official and chip time and the second runner could also beat the champion by chip time.

The most interesting point is that the time of the third runner-up in this group is 45:37 (42:08).

At the racing day, the time of the winner of Women's 10K Master 2 (TFM2) shown on the announcement board is some 41 min, but it has been adjusted to some 44 min when the results were posted to the website. I think the organiser just verified the time of prize winners and leaves it to other runners to ask for clarification within 72 hours after the results were posted.

Mike, you are very right that it is not necessary for every marathon to be flat. But, I suggest HKAAA can try to think about how to make the HK Marathon more "Green". 60,000 big plastic bags have been used, hundreds of thousands paper cups used and tens of thousands bags of sports drinks consumed .... Again, thank you so much for the efforts from you, Keith & Roberto in last year bringing our suggestions here to the organiser.

My biggest beef with racing in HK, especially Stanchart, remains the absence of starting grids. How standard are starting grids (&control entry) to any major race? There is nothing wrong with having slower runners or even walkers, in a marathon, which is globally encouraged to boost income and visibility of the sport. But the slower runners should line up behind, in order not to create congestion/time-loss and allow for proper warmup for everyone (instead of mad scramble for the line). The elite start solved this only partly for people who had good results in last year's race...

I do agree that some quota should be reserved for top runners, as good results really boost the (international) profile of a marathon... but then results don't seem a priority for SCM, and indeed better alternatives are there in the region and even HK. I run SCM only because it is my 'local' race.

The low finish rate of FM could be partly attributed to the photo ops available on Stoncutters Bridge as I voiced earlier.

Another beef I have with SCM, being a geezer at age 62, is while other international marathons recognize older runners by setting 5-year age categories SCM just lumps everyone older than 45(?) into one large group. This can discourage many 50+ but competent runners from entering the event.

I run the SCM-HK mainly because it's my local race (and I could collect one more FM cert).

Just curious to know the situation of Tokyo Marathon 2010 (also held on 28-Feb). Last year I tried this flat course as my 10th marathon...though it's not as easy as expected because of the wind chill & cold rain (recall that a Fedex plane crashed at Narita after the race date due to wind sheer).

Comparing that to our local race:

Tokyo is a "true" marathon event as there're 25,000 runners, >80%, taking 42K (& 5,000 taking 10K); but here only 13% runners do the full course in SCM-HK.

Secondly, there're different finishing points for 42K & 10K to avoid bottleneck. The route is mainly along city streets so that hundreds of thousand (if not million) of citizens could gather to cheer up for runners, plus numerous cheering teams (same as Singapore & Seoul Marathon). The Japanese spectators were all very nice as they could withstand the rains for hours and offered tangible supports such as hot tea, biscuits, candies, chocolates, strawberries,...

After we crossed the finishing line at the Big Sight (it's still raining), we receieved finisher medal (finally adopted by SCM-HK), a souvenir pack including a bottle of Salonpas spray, and also a large towel with Sakura pattern. More, there're plenty of helpers line up to offer timing chip removal service (similar to Seoul). And the most touching part is that when we entered the hall for baggage claim, all the helpers (aged from 15 to 70) would gave generous applauses when we passed by...

There're many for the SCM-HK to learn (if the organizers do have hearts and see things in the runners' perspective)...

I understand the age groups will change next year. I was told there is a notice on the HKAAA website but I couldnt find it maybe someone else can find it. I understand it will change to decade groups, good news for the 50 + ers, bad news if you are 46.

The changes can be seen in the notice "HKAAA Competiton Arrangement in 2010", issued on 7 Feb 2010

http://www.hkaaa.com/hkaaa/Club%20Notice%20_TF%202010_%20-%20Eng.pdf.

The major change is that the age of master categories of road race will be defined as aged 40 or over, This change will be effective from the event "MTR Race Walking 2010) which is held on 18 Apr 2010.

After much deliberation over which marathon to do early this year I finally decided to ignore the bad press and run Hong Kong, my home town. I have lived here for almost 21 years and felt I owed it to myself and my city to be part of HK’s biggest race.
After reading many comments here I think that we are all missing the point a little bit. Yes, the conditions were horribly hot and that made it very tough and yes the course was fairly boring and hilly.

However, I believe that we as a running community need to put pressure on the organizers and government to change not just the course but the whole attitude of the marathon. It should not be just an event for the 60,000 runners, it should be an event that the whole community gets involved and enjoys.
The reason why London, New York and Tokyo are such incredible events (to just name a few) is because of the city getting behind the race and projecting themselves on the world stage. Several of my friends and family came down to support me and the first time they could get anywhere near the course was the last 3km. By this stage I was not much of a site but this is not the point. They said that it was hard to get to even that area and whats more was that there were no one else around them. 8000 people entered the marathon so where were all their supporters? I’m not blaming them in the slightest as HK does not accommodate for supporters or encourage the community (that is not actually running) to get involved.

In London, the marathon runs through several commercial, tourist and residential areas and the whole community is out enjoying themselves. If you have ever run London (which I have not) you will see a large group of twenty some-things (friends of mine) somewhere around Canary Wharf cooking up an early morning BBQ, blaring music and cheering every runner whether running a 2.10 marathon or a 5.30 time because anyone who has has trained and is out there deserves support. This is not unusual, its what people do. The community wants to have their roads closed for a day and hang out in the street with their family and friends and watch and cheer people.

Why cant we close roads all over central Kowloon and HK island and have a real city marathon. It could be our chance to really showcase our city. We could have lion dances on massive stages. Live music in the street and really create that carnival feel. We could get all the schools involved and let them put on various events. The sponsors could have their own zones – the “New Balance Happy Valley Race Course” zone for example.
Just for one day, every year to close all the roads and showcase ourselves. Perhaps the reason that people don’t want to close the roads is because they don’t feel involved and think that its just a day for runners. It needs to be a day for everyone in Hong Kong.

I did have a good day and I ran a great marathon (despite the warm conditions). The organization was good and the last 200 meters there were crowds and people seemed to be enjoying themselves but that last 200m was only a taste of what HK could have (if we wanted)…

Tom

Many good points from Tom but regret the majority of hong kong community dont feel the same way we do . It can not be compared to other communities who in general have a sporting tradition . Just see how many complaints are made against the very small scal sunday races never mind a race which affects nearly the whole of hk . I am afraid mr. X wants to drive his car from a to b and doesnt care about anyone else .

What is needed is three things .... A strong government who ignores individual complaints , a sporting spirit and a visible benefit to the hk community . These are beyond the organisers control .

A fair comment about the general public would be that there is increasing support for it.

This was the first time that I was on Harcourt Road where I saw people actually slowed down in their vehicles, rolled down their windows and cheered us runners on.

Pretty easy solution here, make all betting legal in HK. The streets will be lined thousands of supporters cheering on there tips...

Just imagine the tax revenue the government can get out of it.

And then to make the betting more fun, the runners adopt nicknmes like : Man O'War, Fatt Choi, Royal Sunday, C'est La Vie, Big Easy, and etc, etc. Ha~

Hi, mistersmarmy, I have not used the word "achievement", but just mention all finishers are making great efforts. SCM now becomes "All citizens sports". Finishing FM is the dream for many runners and they have make great efforts no matter how slow they are. When you see thousand of runners make efforts to meet the deadline :under 5hours 30mins. They should be appreciated. I read the magazine report about a female elite runner. She recaled that her first FM was with finishing time nearly 5 hours. The experience of finishing FM is a drive for her to have more traing. Now she is the few female runners achieving FM under 3. Many of our runners friends share that finishing their first FM are the drive for more training in the next year and to improve the time. Sooner or later, more runners can achieve better time. As a matter of fact, more HK citizens to engage into sports, such as running, can enhance the mental health of the whole community.

Runningfamily, I apologize for my comment.

runningfamily: totally agree with your comment, we all need somewhere to begin with

mistermarmy: salute to your integrity and courage to apologize notwithstanding your earlier comments on runningfamily

These are very conducive exchanges.

We all have to start some where, ideally in the 5km or 10km race not a marathon. All entrants should have at done a half marathon to qualify for the full.

At least this will remove the tourists that only joined to run the bridge and enjoy the free trip back in the bus. Plus it will free up the medical staff to help the real runners if they injured.

Here are my suggestions:
No finish- No medal, no T-shirt
No cameras, leave that to the spectators
Qualification to marathon is a must
Cut off times at 5km, 10km, 21km markers.

Reading all the comments (post race), it would appear that most people are generally happy with the overall organization of the event - including registration, the starts, medals, volunteers, the ending, etc.

Two areas that seem to keep popping up for improvement are:
1. the route
2. community involvement

Like the marathon itself, I don't think either of these will change/improve overnight. And I think it's safe to say the route won't change UNTIL there's more community involvement/support.

So how do you go about getting more community involvement?

Well, like any big event that grows year by year I think it takes time. And like somebody else said, the organizers have to make it 'attractive' (and/or fun) for the spectators and businesses. Since HK is 95% Chinese, we gotta think of their/your culture and what motivates them/you. What's going to motivate a Chinese person to get out of bed at 7am (or earlier) to stand on the side of the road and go "rah rah"?

For some, yes, just the spirit of the event is enough.

But for the majority, who probably haven't grown up with "spectator sports", chances are it will take something more.

I also think the organizers should consider looping a short section of the marathon through ONE neighbourhood first (for ex, HV), and grow from there.

It's all about taking baby steps ... year by year.

Good points Bigeasy - thank you, I totally agree with you

Although some talents can finish FM within 5.5 hrs without 10K or HM experience, I agree Bigeasy's suggestion on qualification. FM entrant must fulfill one of below requirement.

1. He/she must have finished a HM / 30K / 20Miles /FM race in HK or oversea.
2. For whom without completing any of FM / 30K / 20Miles race, he/she must be recommended by registered local athletic club(s) or invited by organizer.

Besides, all entrants must follow IAAF RULE 144 -> Giving Assistance -> 2 -> (b).

http://www.hkaaa.com/hkaaa/event/event/Year2010/MTR2010/IAAF_Rules144.pd...

In general, I like SCM HK even though it's a marketing event. On one hand, organizer did some good improvements according to HKRunners.com's recommendation. On the other hand, FM route becomes more interesting, challenging with characteristics (like three bridges, three tunnels, no fixed date, temperature ranging from 10C to 28C). I believe organizer can keep improving the event in multi-directions - well-known sport event on FM & HM Challenge, marketing event on 10K & HM Run 1 (or 2 in future) and carnival for every citizen. In fact, it still has room to add 1-2 10K run and 1 HM run if government can provide more support.

Perhaps I am seeing things, I think the 34min 10km lady has been removed from the results list. Perhaps another case of Semenya???

Agree with kennyw re this year's route. The best so far in the 9 years I've done the event.

Just wonder if the organizers are willing to bus spectators, or at least friends and relatives of registered runners (through listing them in the race entry forms) with relevant sponsors (e.g. Cadbury, Nestle, Wang Wang etc.) offering drinks and snacks, to the the highway portions of the route to create the atmospere we so desire. Who knows, some of these spectators may feeling to good about being part of the 'festival' that they will help in cleanup as the roadways when the roadways are to be returned to the authorities.

We Chinese are suckers for freebies. That would also solve the photo ops problem and runners won't have to carry cameras with them.

Bigeasy, it is also the case to Men's Run 4. The three "top" runners whose time could have beated the champion of 10K Challenge have also been removed.

I for one applaud everyone who sets out to run a marathon whatever thier target finishing time. We all have many friends who have entered a marathon where the challenge of finishing is the overiding goal. There are plenty of Marathons around the world that impose qualification times for more "serious" runners but thankfully many many more that dont. For every 5 hour marathon runner that doesnt take the preparation seriously there are 20 that do, I dont think we need to impose qualifications on people "to protect them from themselves"....yes HK is challenging and things can always be improved but thats part of the challenge, attracting big sponsors is a good thing not a bad thing (London this year is Virgin, it was Flora for many years). I for one thought this years event was the best yet.

Mistersmarmy, now that they removed our times, we really should think about putting on disguises when we borrow people's numbers. At least they didn't take any blood samples or else Carlsberg Special would be the main sponsor next year.

We did raise the idea of bussing in spectators with the organiers but they did have some valid points about keeping the emergency lane clear......something which some runners seem to ignore ! We also asked for school bands etc at key locations to add to the atmosphere like i saw in paris and singapore .

As to photographers on the new bridge i was surprised how few did stop for pics . Many took pics on the run . I think the so called high failure rate is more to do with lack of training . Bad weather and the quite tight cut off time . Many other marathons have up to 7 hours so of course more people can finish . Eg if singapore cut off was like hk then also many would not finish . The test to me would be if the did not finish runner returns next year to finish after training more....then i would say it is a success .

Now I know why many could not get entry...following in one of the University's newsletter.

+++
The “Highlight of the Month” in this issue features XXXXU’s prominent presence at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. With a team of over 3,100 runners, the University won the Most Supportive Group Award of the event.
+++

One institution cant have 5% of total entry to itself?

What's the different between XXX Running Club got 3,100 of its member joined the SCM and what you mentioned XXX University got 3,100 of its students and alumni joined the SCM?
Do you think the XXX university paid for all the entry fee? Definitely not. If you missed this year's SCM, what not register early next year. No more excuse please!

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/dmc7779

i found the hku presence was great . There were many of their supporters along the route who although were not cheering for me did boost me along ....should be more....

Bhoova, you don't understand how the "most supportive group award" works. You got it wrong. Hear me out:
XXXXU is PolyU, it's no secret. Last year PolyU got only 609 members but this year it got over 3100 members and thus beat HKU. How?
If your application to SCM (10K, HM, FM) was accepted and confirmed, and you were connected to PolyU (i.e. student, teaching staff, alumni), then you'd have received an invitation from PolyU asking you to join its team. If you joined it (i.e. registered with it via the net) and became a member, then you could "add" your family and friends who had also had a place in SCM. PolyU would not pay for you. Bhoova, the university didn't have a "quota", if it's what you suspect. All 3100 members had got a place in SCM before they joined the team. HKU's case was the same.
Then, why so many people were eager to join these teams?
These universities have their individual sponsors, PolyU got Nike, HKU got NB, and they gave quality running tees and singlets and other minor benefits to their members. When I finished my 10K, I went to the PolyU's booth, got a pack of lemon juice and a beautiful towel. Wasn't it very nice? I happened to be a graduate of both institutions so I think I know what toubles you. Nobody took advantage of the others. I'd added many friends to both teams and they were happy to get the souvenirs by the sponsors. If you'd like to be added I'd be happy to do so for you next year.

No matter xxxU or yyyClub, we're all HK citizens. For the enrollment process, fair or unfair depends on your point of view. Some charities (i.e. HKACS) did get the quotas in advance but I think it's absolutely no problem. For the London Marathon, most of the quotas go to charities. We should be happy if one day SCM could be as good as London one. Understanding as a serious runner, we trained hard during a year and would like to secure a space. Local clubs have suggested to have 'priority' in registration next year. HKAAA noted. Well, again some will say it's unfair anyway...

Bhoova, the mechanism explained by hotaihing is true. My wife and I are HKU Team runners for four years. However, we did not enrol into the race through HKU. We have to enrol by ourselves, just like other the other runners, through the open system. Then we register to join HKU Team. Please therefore do not think that HKU or PolyU has any quota for its members. It is different from the quota system of the HK 10K Challenge or Mizuno HM in which HKAAA members can enrol through the running clubs before open enrolment. It is unfair to blame the Teams and the runners under the mechanism of Most Supportive Group Award without finding the fact first.

Thanks for all 5 responses to my comments, which just seen. I apologize for not finding facts correctly. Next year I will follow the procedure to join the team as alumni.

Ignorance is bliss (no more...)