“Hong Kong International Airport‧Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Three-Runway System 10km International Race” to take place on 17 November

Public ballot begins on 23 September

Don’t miss the exceptional opportunity of running on the airport runway

(HONG KONG, 17 September 2024,1530hrs) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (Standard Chartered) and the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) today announced the launch of the “Hong Kong International Airport • Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Three-Runway System 10km International Race” (the Three-Runway System 10km International Race), a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race on a runway at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

This special edition of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (SCHKM) will take place on 17 November 2024 to celebrate the imminent full commissioning of the three runways at HKIA and the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong residents, especially those who had participated in the Standard Chartered ’98 New Airport Marathon (’98 SCHKM runners), as well as runners from Mainland and overseas, are welcome to enter. The Three-Runway System 10km International Race comprises a variety of categories and will have approximately12,000 runners. Priority Entry, ’98 SCHKM runners and airport community registrationwill be held on 17 and 18 September, while registration for the public ballot will commence at 2:00 p.m. on 23 September.

The Three-Runway System 10km International Race is organised by the HKAAA and proudly co-presented by title sponsors AAHK and Standard Chartered. It will include 10km, 5km, 3km and 10km Wheelchair Races, as well as the Women’s Elite 10km Challenge. All races will start and finish at the Centre Runway, within the restricted area at HKIA. Upon checking in at AsiaWorld-Expo and completing the security check, runners will be ferried to the race course by shuttle buses provided by the organiser.

Mrs Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, “Work on HKIA’s Three-runway System (3RS) has been progressing steadily, and all three runways will commence operation by the end of this year. The 3RS will enhance HKIA’s passenger and cargo handling capacity and strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international aviation hub. The Three-Runway System 10km International Race is our celebration of this monumental occasion with the public, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for runners to compete on the Centre Runway before its reopening.”

Ms Mary Huen, Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia of Standard Chartered, said, “Standard Chartered is delighted to join hands with AAHK and the HKAAA once again since 1998, to organise a special edition of the SCHKM on the runway of the HKIA. Celebrating both the infrastructure development and long-distance running culture of Hong Kong, the event provides an extraordinary opportunity for the participants to run on the runway with aircraft taking off and landing nearby. It marks another milestone of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and creates a memorable experience for local and international runners alike.”

Mr Kwan Kee, Chairman of the HKAAA, said, “Long runs hold strong appeal for many Hong Kong people thanks to the SCHKM, and the 10km race has consistently been the event’s most popular category over the years. The Three-Runway System 10km International Race in November presents a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy the unique experience of running on an airport runway, where the level surface will enable them to showcase their skills and achieve quick times. The Race also promotes diversity and inclusion with the 5km, 3km and Wheelchair Races, allowing people with different physical abilities to participate.”

Twenty-six years ago, the Standard Chartered ’98 New Airport Marathon was held at the then-newly built HKIA at Chek Lap Kok, marking one of the largest infrastructure projects ever completed in Hong Kong. Starting from the Tsing Ma Bridge and finishingon the airport runway, the race attracted more than 6,000 participants.

Diamond sponsors of the Three-Runway System 10km International Race include adidas Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and HKT Limited. Other official sponsors include Plaza Premium Group, Regala Skycity Hotel, Thong Sia Watch Co., Limited and Crown Motors Limited. AsiaWorld-Expo is the venue partner.