Organisers of the SAR's biggest mass participation sporting event, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, said on Thursday that 25,000 runners would line up for next year's race as they confirmed its return in February.

The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates last month cancelled plans to hold the marathon in November this year, saying the fact the government hadn't given final approval left too little time to conclude arrangements. However, the body says the administration had given its full support to its plan for the February 12 run.

"The 25th Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been officially granted approval to stage the race on Sunday, 12 February 2023, with a tentative enrolment quota of 25,000," the association said in a statement.

"The organiser would like to thank all parties for their full support and active coordination in making the race possible, along the path to normalcy with the community, bringing this international sports event to the general public, runners and staff members with a careful consideration of public health and safety."

As in previous years, there will be three categories – a marathon race, half-marathon, and a 10K run, with overseas elite athletes being invited.

Organisers say the race will follow its traditional route, with both the marathon and half-marathon starting from Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, while the 10K race will begin at the Island Eastern Corridor. All races will finish at the Victoria Park.

The marathon last took place in October last year, with 15,700 participants. The 2020 edition of the race had been cancelled because of Covid-19. Before the pandemic, the number of places available for the races had reached more than 70,000.

Registration details will be announced later and people will be able to sign up in phases from early next month.