Around 15,000 people took part in the inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon on Sunday morning, with the organiser saying it will try to hold future races in cooler months and extend the route to Shenzhen.

At the sound of the horn, eager runners began their 42.1km journey at 6:30am in Shek Mun, where the Heung Yee Kuk – which organised the event – is headquartered.

Full marathoners then headed north via the Science Park, Tolo Highway, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and the Lung Shan Tunnel before crossing the line at the recently commissioned Fanling Bypass.

Half-marathon runners had a similar route, starting at the Science Park and finishing in Fanling.

Most participants said the arrangements were smooth. But depending on their luck, some might have had to briefly stop at the traffic lights at a crossing to let cars pass.

A certain section of the route also saw runners sharing a bike path with cyclists.

Lai, a marathon finisher, said he was not pleased with his time of three hours and 11 minutes.

"I kind of expected it, because of the heat," he said.

"To me the route didn't matter. Running in 28 degrees [Celsius] was really tough, and there was a lack of water stations. There should be one station every 2.5 kilometres, compared to every three to four kilometres right now."

Former SAR representative Chan Ka-ho, meanwhile, came fourth overall in the men's marathon.

"There aren't that many full marathon courses in Hong Kong, perhaps only three or four. So this new course offers a fresh experience," he said.

"If you ask me if the route is fast, I would say no. But for recreational runners who wish to step onto the Fanling Bypass and Lung Shan Tunnel, then it's quite nice."

To promote local produce and delicacies, each finisher was given a hydroponic cabbage as well as pastries.

Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau said he was surprised by the turnout.

He hoped that the route allowed participants to experience the charm of the New Territories, and thanked authorities for providing help to overcome various challenges.

"Many people have asked, if they can run all the way to Shenzhen... We can see that infrastructure development in Yuen Long and the rest of the Northern Metropolis is in full swing, with numerous construction sites and projects under way," he said.

"I believe that in the future, the route will surely extend to San Tin, the Lok Ma Chau Loop, or even all the way into the Shenzhen area."

Lau admitted the day's temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or so was not the most ideal for running, and hoped to hold future races in December if possible.


Edited by Aaron Tam