The debut of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon marked a significant milestone in the international running community. This inaugural event, held on a Sunday, attracted thousands of participants, including celebrities and elite athletes, showcasing a seamless blend of high-profile sportsmanship and public enthusiasm.
Kenyan runner Geoffrey Toroitich emerged victorious in the men’s category, clocking an impressive time of 1:01:38, while Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat led the women’s race, finishing in 1:08:04. Both champions were awarded a substantial prize of US$10,000. However, it was Hong Kong’s cinema legend Chow Yun-fat who captivated the crowd, completing his first half marathon with admirable determination and spirit.
Organizing committee chairman Simon Yeung Sai-mo expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s execution, highlighting areas for improvement such as better placement of facilities and more efficient transportation for participants. Despite these minor challenges, the overwhelming positive feedback from runners, including international participants, affirmed the marathon’s success.
Notably, local athlete Gi Ka-man, who finished as the fastest local runner in the men’s race, announced his upcoming retirement from competitive running. His participation in the Valencia Marathon would mark the end of a remarkable two-decade-long career. Gi’s reflections on his journey and future plans to explore new hobbies like diving and triathlon underscored the transformative power of sports in personal life.
This marathon stood out for its unique flat and straightforward route, offering a distinct experience compared to the more intricate course of the Hong Kong Marathon. Participants appreciated the simplicity and challenge of the track, particularly during the final uphill stretch.
In a special highlight, the marathon also served as the inaugural East Asian Half Marathon Championships, witnessing a sweep by Chinese athletes Xie Dongsheng and Xu Shuangshuang in their respective categories. Their victories, along with the strong performances from runners across different countries, underscored the event’s international appeal and competitive spirit.
Christy Yiu Kit-ching, the fastest local female runner and a mother of two, made a triumphant return to competitive racing with an impressive finish. Her experience underscored the diverse backgrounds and stories of the participants, each bringing their unique perspective to the event.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon not only marked a new chapter in the city’s sporting events but also highlighted the vibrant and growing community of runners and sports enthusiasts. With its successful debut, the marathon is poised to become a staple in the international running calendar, attracting more participants and spectators in the years to come.
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