An extra 12,000 runners will be able to take part in next February's Hong Kong Marathon, organisers said on Monday, bringing the total to 37,000.

Before the pandemic, up to 70,000 people took part in the races each year, but the number of participants has been capped due to anti-epidemic measures.

The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates said the extra places for the event on February 12 will be allocated to those on the waiting list, with notifications to be sent out by email. The entry fee must be paid by Friday to secure a spot.

The association said the increased quota is good news for runners.

"The organiser would like to thank the government and all parties for their full support and active coordination in making the race possible, as a further step along the path to a return to normality, bringing together local and overseas long-distance runners to achieve great results in this international sports event," it said in a statement.

With the event just two months away, a physical exercise expert said time is tight for new participants to prepare.

"In theory for full marathon runners, they need to have around six months at least in scientific training, preparation," said Lobo Louie, an associate head of the department of health and physical education at the Education University.

He advised participants to pay close attention to their health conditions and come up with a training schedule, adding that it would still be possible for participants to prepare and enjoy the event.

"I think this is a good impact to start a major sport event like the Hong Kong Marathon as a kickoff, and we hope that everything, particularly for the major sport events, hopefully gets back to normal as soon as possible," said Louie.