Local, overseas participants celebrate a major aviation milestone today during "Hong Kong International Airport • Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Three-Runway System 10km International Race"

Kenyan athletes won women’s elite and 10km challenge

Nearly 11,000 participants compete against the memorable backdrop of a fully operational airport

(HONG KONG, 17 November 2024, 2230hrs) – Nearly 11,000 participants celebrate the imminent launch of three-runway operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) today by taking part in the "Hong Kong International Airport•Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Three-Runway System 10km International Race" (Three-Runway System 10km International Race), co-presented by title sponsors Airport Authority Hong Kong and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and organised by the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates. The race was held on the airport’s Centre Runway, which gave participants the unique experience of running in the midst of a fully operational airport.

Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the starting ceremony of the Three-Runway System 10km International Race today, launching the event together with Mr Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Benjamin Hung, President, International of Standard Chartered Bank and Mr Kwan Kee, Chairman of Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, and rallying support for all of the day’s participants.

Participants savour unique scenery

The Three-Runway System 10km International Race was the first-ever running event held at a fully operational airport in Hong Kong. The event attracted top-tier athletes from Hong Kong and around the world by offering the once-in-a-lifetime experience of running on a runway with aircraft taking off and landing nearby. Display of special vehicles for airport operation and helicopters in the finishing area added to the day’s excitement and enticed many participants to capture memorable photo moments on the apron and runway.

Several closely contested races also contributed to the event’s success. In addition to the Women's Elite 10km Challenge won by Loice Chemnung of Kenya with a distinguished time of 30 minutes and 25 seconds, the 10km Challenge also saw Kenya athlete Samwel Nyamai Mailu crossing the finish line with a time of 28 minutes. Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary, presented the prizes to the winners. In addition, local elite athlete Virginia Lo set her new personal best and won the local women's 10km title with a time of 35 minutes and 34 seconds.

The HKIA Leaders Cup was a 2km race tailored for local leaders from a variety of sectors, including government, Legislative Council, business and the airport community. Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun, Deputy Financial Secretary, also took part in the HKIA Leaders Cup to share the remarkable experience of the event with participants and witness the significant new milestone in the airport's development.

Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates Vice-President Mr Derek Lui Kam-ho was the first to reach the finish line and clinch the HKIA Leaders Cup title, trailed closely by Legislative Council member Mr Benson Luk Hon-man in second place andChief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited Mr Richard Sell in third.

Celebrating the full commissioning of all three runways

The Three-Runway System 10km International Race was a special commemorative edition of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, organised to celebrate full operations of all three runways at HKIA beginning end of this month as well as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It was the second event of its kind to be held at the airport following the "Standard Chartered '98 New Airport Marathon". The categories included 10km, 5km, 3km and 10km Wheelchair Races as well as the 10km Women's Elite Challenge.

The Three-Runway System 10km International Race is an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee to symbolise intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.

Event sponsors included Diamond sponsors adidas Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and HKT Limited. Other official sponsors included Plaza Premium Group, Regala Skycity Hotel, Thong Sia Watch Co., Limited and Crown Motors Limited. AsiaWorld-Expo was the venue partner.