Hong Kong Marathon

Hong Kong Marathon course route

The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes in Tsim Sha Tsui, crosses Victoria Harbour by tunnels and elevated expressways, and passes Nathan Road and urban districts on both sides of the water. Tunnel and bridge sections provide the toughest climbs while the urban miles on either side are easier, and organized cheer stations line Nathan Road, the harbourfront, and the Tsim Sha Tsui finish.

Hong Kong Marathon elevation profile

The Hong Kong Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 120 metres of climbing and 120 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Hong Kong Marathon, the race is held in January, typically the third Sunday of the month. Entry for the full marathon is by ballot — one of the most competitive in Asia, given Hong Kong's large and passionate running community. The ballot typically opens in August or September for the January race. International runners can also access entries through official overseas travel agent partners. The total event across all distances (full, half, 10 km) attracts approximately 73,000 participants, making it one of Asia's largest race weekends.

Hong Kong Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025: fly over the marathon course! Video of the race path.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hong Kong Marathon elevation profile?

The Hong Kong Marathon has 120 metres of total climbing and 120 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

How long is the Hong Kong Marathon?

The Hong Kong Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Tsim Sha Tsui.

What time does the Hong Kong Marathon start?

The 2027 Hong Kong Marathon starts at 6:15 am local time on Sunday, 17 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.hkmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Hong Kong Marathon course route?

The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has one of the most unusual urban course designs in Asia due to Hong Kong's dense, mountainous topography. The full marathon runs through several road tunnels under Victoria Harbour and along elevated expressways, traversing between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The route uses the Western Harbour Crossing tunnel and elevated sections through urban areas, providing runners with the rare experience of racing through an underwater tunnel and emerging to views of Hong Kong's iconic harbour skyline.

When is the Hong Kong Marathon and how do I enter?

The race is held in January, typically the third Sunday of the month. Entry for the full marathon is by ballot — one of the most competitive in Asia, given Hong Kong's large and passionate running community. The ballot typically opens in August or September for the January race. International runners can also access entries through official overseas travel agent partners. The total event across all distances (full, half, 10 km) attracts approximately 73,000 participants, making it one of Asia's largest race weekends.

What are the weather and humidity conditions at the Hong Kong Marathon?

January is Hong Kong's coolest month, but this is a subtropical climate. Race-day temperatures are typically 16–22 °C (61–72 °F) with humidity around 70–80%. This is significantly warmer and more humid than most major world marathons held in January. The combination of heat and humidity creates an effective temperature considerably higher than the thermometer reading alone suggests. Runners accustomed to cold-weather racing should significantly adjust pacing expectations and prioritise hydration at every aid station.

What is it like to run through Hong Kong's harbour tunnels?

The sections through the Western Harbour Crossing tunnel beneath Victoria Harbour are a distinctive feature of the course. Inside the tunnel, the temperature drops noticeably compared to the humid outdoor air, briefly providing cool relief. The enclosed space, artificial lighting, and acoustics that amplify footstrike and breathing create a surreal running environment. Emerging from the tunnel onto elevated expressways with harbour views is a dramatic contrast — one of Hong Kong Marathon's most talked-about course experiences.

Is the Hong Kong Marathon course flat?

No — Hong Kong's mountainous terrain means the marathon course has meaningful elevation variation. Expressway sections involve real climbs, and tunnel approaches have ramps. Total elevation gain is approximately 150–200 metres. The Tung Chung Expressway and approach roads to the tunnel sections are particularly challenging. Runners targeting fast times should account for Hong Kong's course profile, heat, and humidity, all of which make typical PB-course assumptions inapplicable here.