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!
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
Metasprint Series Aquathlon
At this swim-run challenge, you can participate individually or as a team. There are also categories just for kids and youth.
Where: Sentosa, Singapore
When: 9 February 2020
Price: Various prices
More: Metasprintseries.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: marinarun.com.sg
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
Price: Various prices
More: metasprintseries.com
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. There’s also 9km kids categories.
Where: Pui O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
When: 15 February 2020
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: Various prices
More: worldsmarathons.com
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 and 29 Feb 2020
Price: From HK$480
More: racesreg.asia
March
Tokyo Marathon
Head to Japan for one of their largest races. Take part in the marathon or 10km race.
Where: Tokyo, Japan
When: 7 March 2020
Price: From JPY6,750
More: Sign up now.
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: 15 March
More: borneowildlifemarathon.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
Tour de Bintan
At this bike race, take your pick from various distances, from 17km to 140km.
Where: Bintan, Indonesia
When: 27 to 29 March 2020
Price: From $95
More: Registration closes on 12 March. Get a spot now.
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: 13 to 18 May 2020
Price: Various prices
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 2020
Price: Various prices
More: Sign up now. Registration closes on
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: 13 and 14 June 2020
More: kl-marathon.com
Want to get more active? Sports clubs and associations to join in Hong Kong
