One great way to stay fit when living in Hong Kong is to take advantage of the variety of marathons and runs in the region. Participation is a great way to meet a fitness goal, as well as tick off a travel goal by getting a very unique perspective on your destination. There are heaps of different races to consider from themed fun runs and runs for kids, to full-fledged marathons and triathlons (even aquathlons!). Some registration dates are closing soon, so get your entry confirmed today!
October
What: Lantau 2 Peaks
This annual hill-climbing race takes you over two of the biggest peaks in Hong Kong, Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. Race categories include a 23km course (individual, teams of 2, teams of 4) and a 15km course (individual).
Where: Lantau, Hong Kong
When: 6 October
Price: From HK$420
More: Sign up now.
What: 113 Aquathlon Singapore
Challenge yourself with both a swim and a run. Open to all ages, the race offers both individual courses and group relays.
Where: Singapore
When: 20 October
Price: From S$70
More: Registration closes on 6 October or when all spots have been filled. Sign up now.
What: The Jakarta Marathon
This annual race has five categories on offer: a full marathon, half marathon, 10km run, 5km run and children’s sprint.
Where: Jakarta
When: 27 October
Price: From RP150.000
More: Register now.
November
What: Great Eastern Women’s Run Singapore
Back for its 14th edition, this all-time favourite annual run has five categories on offer: 5km, 10km, 21.1km, a 2km Mummy & Me run and 100m Princess Dash. In the conjunction with the event, the first nationwide all-women’s Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) will be held on 24 August, with the aim of allowing women to understand their current fitness levels.
Where: Singapore
When: 3 November
Price: From S$13
More: Sign up now. Registration closes on 23 September.
What: Phukethon
At this international marathon festival on the popular Thai island, there will be four categories to choose from: a beach run (5km), mini marathon (10km), half marathon (21.1km) and full marathon (42.195km).
Where: Phuket, Thailand
When: 9 to 10 November
Price: From 500THB
More: Sign up now.
What: Borobudur Marathon 2019
Enjoy a run around the iconic Borobudur Temple in Central Java. Race categories include a 10km run, half-marathon and full marathon.
Where: Java, Indonesia
When: 17 November
Price: From IDR275,000
More: Sign up now.
What: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2019
At this annual race, take your pick from Kids Dash, 5km, 10km, full marathon, half marathon and Ekiden distances. This year, the event will be spread across three days.
Where: Singapore
When: 29 November to 1 December
Price: From $30
More: Sign up now.
December
What: Asia Justice Marathon
Take your pick from a full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, 3km and 20km relays. All race proceeds will go towards supporting access to justice and pro bono initiatives.
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: 15 December
Price: From 400THB
More: Register now.
January
What: Tai Mo Shan Vertical
This is a 5.6km vertical race starting at Ng Tung Chai and ending at Tai Mo Shan.
Where: Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong
When: 12 January 2020
Price: HK$228
More: thetrailhub.com
February
What: Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
At this annual race, categories include a family run (800m), Youth Dash (2.2km), 3km and 10km Wheelchair, 10km, half marathon and full marathon.
Where: Hong Kong
When: 8 February 2020
Price: From HK$180
More: hkmarathon.com
What: Marina Run 2020
Choose from a 5km fun run, 10km race, 21km half marathon and a new race category covering 30km. The race will take you around Singapore’s beautiful Marina Bay area, past iconic landmarks such as Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay.
Where: Singapore
When: 15 February 2020
Price: From S$38
More: Sign up now!
What: Metasprint Series Aquathlon
This event comprises a swim and a scenic, shaded run along the beach. You can take part in either the Sprint (individual or relay), Discovery (individual), Youth (individual) or Kids (individual, team relay or beach dash) categories.
Where: Sentosa, Singapore
When: 9 Feb, 8 March, 19 April 2020
More: Registration opens on 26 September; sign up now.
What: Valentine’s Day Race
Do Valentine’s Day with a difference with an invigorating run. The 14km route is beginner friendly and follows trails around the Lantau Trail and Chi Ma Wan peninsula. You run as a team, two males, two females or mixed.
Where: Pui O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
When: 14 February
More: Registration closes 31 January; sign up now.
What: Ultra-Trail Koh Chang 2018
Experience different terrains, altitudes and weather conditions in this ultimate race in Thailand. One of the most renown trail races in Asia, it offers four routes, covering distances of 100km (The Jungle 100), 70km, 35km and 13km.
Where: Koh Chang, Thailand
When: 15 February, 2020
Price: From HK$154
More: Sign up now.
What: TransLantau
TransLantau is a trail running event on Lantau Island. The course is 80% trail covering two country parks. Three categories are available, 25km, 50km and 100km
Where: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
When: 28 Feb to 1 March, 2020
Price: From HK$480
More: racesreg.asia
March
What: Borneo Wildlife Marathon
The race hopes to raise awareness of the plight of critically endangered orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra. It has two run categories, 8km and 3km.
Where: Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
When: 24 March
More: borneowildlifemarathon.com
What: Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2018 Phuket
Tropical Thailand is the sitting for the Supersports 10 Mile International Run in March. Back for its 5th year, the event at Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort offers a 500m fun run for children, plus 4.8km, 8km and 16km races, held across two days.
Where: Phuket, Thailand
When: 24 to 25 March
Price: From 350 THB
More: supersports10mile.com
What: Stairmaster Twins
The Stairmaster series is the toughest short-course set of races around. Race two, the Twins, will take place over Violet Hill. This is an individual event.
Where: Violet Hill, Hong Kong
When: TBC
More: thetrailhub.com
April
What: The Kathmandu Urban Marathon
Starting in 2018, the Kathmandu Urban Marathon is held every two years on 25 April to commemorate the devastating earthquake of 2015. Proceeds from the event contribute to rebuilding and educational projects. The race has two categories, half marathon and full marathon.
Where: Kathmandu, Nepal
When: 25 April 2020
More: marathonkathmandu.com
May
What: The Great Wall Marathon
Considered one of the world’s most challenging marathons, this popular annual race includes three categories, full marathon, half marathon and 8.5km fun run.
Where: Beijing, China
When: 1 May 2020
More: great-wall-marathon.com
June
What: Laguna Phuket International Marathon
This annual event around Laguna Phuket offers five categories to choose from: marathon, half marathon, 10.5km, 5km and 2km kids run.
Where: Phuket, Thailand
When: 13 and 14 June
Price: From 400 THB
More: Sign up now. Registration closes on
August
What: Khmer Empire Marathon
Back for its second edition, this race takes place at one of the most famous heritage spots in the world, Angkor Wat ruins in Siem Reap. Distances of 3km, 10.5km, 21.1km and the full marathon distance of 42.1km are available.
Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia
When: 2 August 2020
More: worldsmarathons.com
September
What: Standard Chartered KL Marathon
Individual runners can choose from four distances: 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. There is also a Kids Dash for children, a non-competitive event to encourage kids in running and sports. Two categories are available, 1km and 3km.
Where: Dataran Merdeka in KL, Malaysia
When: TBC
More: kl-marathon.com
Want to get more active? Sports clubs and associations to join in Hong Kong
