The 19th edition of the Hong Kong marathon, taking place on January 25 next year will feature a ‘Youth Dash’ for the first time.
It is a new initiative to get more youngsters interested in long distance running, and the event will be open to runners aged 12-15.
There will be two separate Youth Dash races: one for runners aged 12-13 and another for 14-15 year olds, with a maximum number of 500 runners permitted on a first-come-first-served basis.
The 2.2 km route will begin at Wanchai Sports Ground and end at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.
It is being promoted through local schools and each school can nominate up to five students.
"Over the years, many young running enthusiasts have expressed a wish that they could take part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. We hope that, in the future, these young athletes will develop a habit of long-distance running and go on to compete in races of greater distances once they have turned 16," said Kwan Kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association.
