The Hong Kong Marathon 2025 is set to take place on February 9, 2025, and with it, significant road closures and transportation adjustments have been announced by the Transport Department (運輸署) to facilitate the event, which is expected to draw over 73,000 participants.
Starting from 11:30 PM on February 8, many areas across Hong Kong will face temporary road closures, which are anticipated to last until around 2:00 PM on February 9. These closures are expected to severely affect traffic throughout the day, with some areas projected to be more congested than usual Sunday traffic, particularly the Yau Tsim Mong district, North Island, and Wong Tai Sin.
Senior Transport Officer He Junjie (何俊杰) stated, "Due to road closures, we anticipate significant traffic congestion, especially on typical Sunday traffic patterns. I urge drivers to avoid these areas on the marathon day." His comments reflect the potential challenges motorists may face and underline the importance of finding alternate routes.
To navigate the challenges posed by these closures, the Transport Department recommends the public check their official website or the "Hong Kong Travel Easy" app for the latest updates on road conditions and special transport arrangements.
Given the impact of the road closures, starting at 11:15 PM, 211 day-time bus routes and 33 special mini bus routes will see phased suspensions, service reductions, and detours until the roads are reopened. Not only will 49 overnight bus routes and 6 overnight special mini bus routes be affected; early morning travelers can expect modifications to service patterns as well.
On marathon day, the MTR will provide early service on eight lines to accommodate participants heading to starting points. The first train will depart as early as 3:25 AM from the Tuen Ma Line and the East Rail Line, allowing runners and supporters to reach starting locations, particularly Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, on time.
To support participants traveling to the starting areas and other key locations, 28 special bus routes will also be launched on February 9. The timing of these buses has been adjusted to start as early as 3:15 AM for some routes, ensuring timely transport for all participants and spectators.
He Junjie added, "Please refer to the Transport Department's website or the 'Hong Kong Travel Easy' app to understand road closure statuses and bus transport arrangements," emphasizing the value of being prepared to avoid delays during this high-traffic event.
Notably, the scale of the Hong Kong Marathon has burgeoned significantly over the years, now featuring about 73,460 participants, with categories including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K race, and wheelchair groups. This massive turnout showcases the event’s popularity and its role as one of Asia’s premier running events.
The marathon route itself is famously challenging, winding through numerous scenic areas and iconic landmarks. The full marathon kicks off from the vibrant Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, finishing at the picturesque Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. The route includes several bridges and tunnels, earning it the nickname "Asia's Most Challenging Course."
This year also marks the inaugural Sports Expo associated with the event, which spans four days from February 5 to February 8 at the newly completed Kai Tak Sports Park. Visitors can explore various stalls, purchase sports gear, and engage with games before participating or cheering on their fellow runners.
On the day of the marathon, the Transport Department and police will closely monitor traffic conditions and public transport services, ready to adapt if unexpected issues arise. They stress the importance of cooperation from the public, urging everyone to plan their journeys with ample time.
Overall, the Hong Kong Marathon promises not only to be a remarkable athletic showcase but also to challenge the city's transportation framework. With careful planning and awareness of the road closures, participants and residents alike can contribute to making the event successful.