Runners who took part in this year’s Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon said they were happy with the arrangements after issues were raised in the event’s inaugural edition in 2023.

Around 7,000 people took part in Sunday's race, which covered the local section of the 55-kilometre mega-bridge.

The race for the challenge group of runners started at 7.15am, and the remaining three non-challenge groups began in batches about half an hour later.

A runner from Yunnan, surnamed Jian, said she previously ran in the plateau and wanted to experience something different.

“Running here is totally different. You're on the bridge and over the sea, while elsewhere it's just road running. I think the arrangement is pretty good. The volunteers are really enthusiastic and there are clear signs,” she said.

Some runners who participated in the November 2023 race complained about not being offered enough sports drinks or snacks, as well as the lack of toilets.

This year’s race is designated a Gold Label Road Race by World Athletics.

Many elite marathon runners took part, including Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi, who won the 2018 Boston Marathon as an amateur runner. “I'm happy to see so many runners cheering for me,” he spoke through an interpreter.

Ethiopian Milkesa Mengesha came first in the challenge group in just over an hour, while Grace Nawowuna from Kenya took the women’s title.

Chong See-yeung and Virginia Lo were the first SAR man and woman to finish the race.

Chong, who also ran in 2023, said the facilities, including the toilets, were much better compared with the previous race.

He added that he was thrilled and honoured to be able to run alongside Kawauchi.

“I feel very inspired because he is a role model for me. As an Asian athlete with a larger build similar to mine, he resonates with me. He started as a recreational runner and has achieved results comparable to, or even better than, professional athletes. This serves as a great motivation for us,” he said.

Lo, meanwhile, was about 40 seconds off her personal best. She said the overall experience was great, though the uphill tunnel section was the toughest part.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law called the start of the challenge group race.

She and other officials, including justice chief Paul Lam and security minister Chris Tang, took part in a special 2-kilometre race.

“Midway through the race I noticed the sunrise is magnificent. So, it’s really half sports, half tourism,” Law said.

“The Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates also told me that for future large-scale events, they plan to invite not just elite runners from abroad but also those who are overseas travellers. When they come, there’s no reason to just run the marathon – they'll likely stay a night and spend money. I totally support this idea.”

According to the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, 19 runners said they felt unwell and suffered injuries and three were sent to hospital for treatment as of 11am.