Chief Executive John Lee says the latest edition of the Hong Kong marathon on Sunday has consolidated the SAR’s status as an international hub for sporting events.

Lee made the remarks as he kicked off the full-marathon race on Sunday morning in Tsim Sha Tsui.

In a social media post, Lee said the marathon is one of the most popular running events in the city with a "M" Mark status awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee.

It has been attracting runners from around the world to compete against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s unique cityscape, he said.

Lee added that the authorities will continue to promote sports development in the city.

The SAR government will also host a variety of recreational activities to encourage people to exercise regularly, he said.

Meanwhile, many officials and politicians joined the two-kilometre Hong Kong Marathon Leaders Cup event.

Lawmaker Kenneth Fok, who represents the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector, said he will actively discuss with the marathon’s organiser the possibility of expanding future editions of the marathon to two days.

The chairman of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, Kwan Kee, thanked lawmakers and others for their suggestions.

He said organisers will set up a special group to study whether new routes could be added.

"Organisers have always studied different ways to expand the Hong Kong Marathon in terms of scale and number of participants. These include extending race hours and using new routes," Kwan told reporters.

"But the challenge is that Hong Kong really doesn't have enough roads. We have to balance [our races] with the needs of other road users."

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, who officiated and participated in the event, said he hopes runners could embrace the “marathon spirit” in their daily lives.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2026-01-18 HKT 12:46