The 2025 Hong Kong Marathon took place on February 9, 2025, marking another exciting chapter for avid runners and sports enthusiasts. Starting early in the morning, the marathon witnessed participation from thousands of competitors, including both local athletes and international stars, making it one of the biggest public road running events in the city.
This year's event featured multiple race categories: full marathon, half marathon, and 10km race, with the starting point set at Tsim Sha Tsui and the finish line at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. The race commenced at around 5:30 AM, when the temperature hovered around 12 degrees Celsius, but the perceived temperature was much lower, at about 5 degrees, prompting many participants to layer up with thermal clothing and rain jackets.
This year, over 74,000 runners took to the streets of Hong Kong. The half marathon's male champion, He Ying Bing, crossed the finish line with impressive timing of 1 hour 05 minutes 36 seconds. He, alongside his fellow competitors, braved the cold weather which was noted as having affected many runners' pre-race warmth routines. Yao Jie Zhen emerged as the female champion of the half marathon, completing the course with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 09 seconds. Participants often expressed their gratitude to organizers for ensuring race conditions were clear and safe for all involved.
Full marathon results were equally compelling, with Kenyan runner Rutto Bethwell Kipkemboi securing victory at 2 hours 11 minutes 13 seconds, cementing his status as one of the premier runners of the day. The local hero, Huang Yunjun, came through for the home crowd, finishing with 2 hours 21 minutes 04 seconds, making him the fastest local runner and achieving the remarkable 11th place overall.
The 10km race also drew populations eager for shorter distances. Liu Aiyan clinched the championship with outstanding timing, finishing just under 30 minutes, showcasing the spirit and determination echoed throughout the event.
Participants shared their experiences on social media post-race, many posting about the challenges presented by the brisk temperatures. Veteran runner Lin Zishan, who completed the 10km run, mentioned, "Despite the cold, there’s something exhilarating about participating. It builds character!" Fellow runners echoed this sentiment, remarking on how the support from fellow participants warmed their hearts even on such chilly race day.
The event went beyond what played out on the course. It showcased local celebrity runners, with noted participants like Chow Yun-fat and Lin Zishan joining the ranks for their respective races, inspiring fans and contributing to Hong Kong’s vibrant running culture. Reports of their experiences amplified interest, reinforcing the sense of community the marathon fosters.
Closing some streets temporarily for the marathon added logistical challenges for local traffic. Nevertheless, the city embraced the atmosphere surrounding the race, with many residents commenting on the positive energy it brings each year. Local businesses also capitalized on the influx of visitors, offering promotions and gathering more exposure during this busy event week.
Competitors were reminded by officials to maintain steady pacing, to avoid rushing, and to hydrate at water stations along the route, even if they didn’t feel thirsty. "Listen to your body, and take it as it goes—make it enjoyable!", echoed by experienced runners reflecting on their journeys through the marathon.
Overall, the 2025 Hong Kong Marathon was more than just run times and rankings—it was about community, resilience, and the love of competition. The excitement builds for next year as more runners express their intent to take part, eager to beat their times, set new personal records, and contribute to the dynamic running culture of Hong Kong.