Up to 74,000 runners can take part in the upcoming Hong Kong Marathon slated for January 21, organisers announced on Wednesday.

The quota is double that of this year’s, when runners were still required to wear masks before and after the event in February as part of anti-Covid measures.

Kwan Kee, who chairs the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, said next year’s race will double up as the Asian Marathon Championships.

He said he expects many top runners from around the world to fly to Hong Kong for the bi-annual race.

"They [overseas runners] can get ranking points in the world events, and the prize money in this championship is very attractive,” Kwan said.

Next year’s races will include the full and half marathons, 10-kilometre event for able-bodied runners and those on wheelchairs, as well as a wheelchair trial.

Those interested can sign up for the races from Friday, and the results will be announced in phases from October.

Full marathoners who are able to finish their race in three hours for males and three-and-a-half hours for females will get a cash award of HK$10,000.

Hong Kong’s star marathon runner, Christy Yiu, said she expects a great atmosphere in January.

"Everybody will be very excited they can join this time, because last time we had only around 37,000 slots, many of my friends cannot join," she told reporters.

"This time, I think they can join and maybe they'll target the HK$10,000 award."