Hong Kong Marathon Debut Criticized Over Water Shortages and Harsh Course Conditions

Water shortages, gruelling course conditions and a lengthy post‑race walk marred Hong Kong’s inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon on Sunday, participants said, prompting calls for organisers to overhaul arrangements if the event is to return. As the city strives to become a premier hub for mega‑events, experts warned that the problems went beyond teething issues and urged organisers to secure the professional expertise needed to host future events.

Organised by the New Territories’ Heung Yee Kuk to mark the rural body’s centenary, the inaugural event attracted roughly 15,000 registered runners across four race categories. The organisers had promoted the marathon as a showcase for the region’s development.

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