How do I enter the Hong Kong Marathon?

Entry is through a public ballot lottery or via priority entry for runners with recent qualifying times. The priority entry window opens in late August and the public ballot closes in mid-September. Previous race results are required to enter the marathon distance.

Is the Hong Kong Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is a certified Boston qualifier. Keep in mind the course carries close to 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so factor that into your pacing plan if you're chasing a qualifying time.

What is the course like?

It's a point-to-point route through the urban core of Hong Kong, including elevated highway sections and bridge crossings. The course accumulates nearly 1,000 feet of gain with no significant net descent to offset it, so it rewards conservative early pacing.

What is the weather typically like on race day?

The January race date brings mild temperatures, typically in the high 50s at the start and low 60s by midrace. Humidity can make conditions feel heavier than the numbers suggest, so plan to hydrate consistently from the first miles.

How large is the field?

The marathon is capped at around 18,000 runners across the full distance, making it one of the larger races in Asia.

Where should I stay and how do I get to the start?

Staying in Kowloon puts you closest to the start area near Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hong Kong International Airport is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away by taxi or MTR.

Sun, Jan 17 · 2027Hong KongSince 1981

Hong Kong Marathon

The Hong Kong Marathon runs point to point through one of the world's most densely built cities, crossing elevated highways and harbor bridges before finishing in the heart of the urban grid. It is a genuine test, not a flat-course time trial.

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HONG KONG · HK

Hong Kong

SUN, JAN 17

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 1981

The Hong Kong Marathon is not a flat, fast PR course. It runs point to point through one of the most densely populated cities in the world, crossing elevated highways and harbor bridges, and the elevation keeps stacking up from start to finish. The city itself is the thing here. You're running through Kowloon, across the harbor corridor, through Central, with the skyline pressing in close the whole way. There is no quiet stretch. Don't let the early miles on the elevated roads fool you into banking time you don't have. The back half will collect it.

For goals, go in honest. Nearly 1,000 feet of cumulative gain on a point-to-point layout means this is a race to run smart, not a time trial. It can still be a Boston qualifier, and plenty of people have used it for that, but respect the course first. Entry is via ballot lottery or priority entry if you have a recent qualifying time, and the ballot window closes in September for the January race date. Book accommodation in Kowloon for easy race-morning access. Worth the trip, whatever your goal.

Field size

~18k

18,000 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:09:20

Barnabas Kiptum

2019

Women

2:26:13

Volha Mazuronak

2019

The Course

984 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑984 ft

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

—

Lowest point

—

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

With nearly 1,000 feet of gain on a point-to-point route, this course is not flat. Expect elevated highway sections and bridge crossings that push elevation up early and repeatedly rather than in one concentrated climb. The net gain matches the gross gain, meaning there is no significant downhill relief to bank against the climbing. Runners chasing a PR need to resist going out hard on any descent because the accumulated gain will find you in the back half. The urban surface is mostly paved road, but expect tight turns and crowd-narrowed passages in the city sections. Manage effort by feel rather than pace splits.

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

57°F

High

64°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

January in Hong Kong runs cool by local standards but mild compared to most winter marathons. Expect a low-to-mid 50s start that climbs into the low 60s by the time you're in the back half. That sounds fine, and usually it is, but Hong Kong's humidity doesn't fully disappear in winter. The air can feel heavier than the temperature suggests. Hydrate from mile one and don't let the cool start convince you to skip early aid stations.