More than 70,000 runners participated in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 on Sunday, making it one of the biggest running events in the country. The race was joined by local runners and people from around the world.
The event was held on January 18, 2026, and had multiple races. These included a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon, a 10‑kilometer race, and wheelchair races for athletes with disabilities.
About 18,500 runners came from 110 different countries and regions, showing how popular the race is worldwide. Many runners came from other countries just to take part in this sports event.

The marathon started early in the morning on busy city streets. Roads in some main areas were closed so the runners could run safely. Organizers also made sure that public transport worked properly so people could reach the start lines on time.
A huge crowd of people watched and cheered for the runners. Friends and families were standing by the roads to support the participants. Some local community groups and university teams also ran the race, showing team spirit and pride.
In the top results, Bizuneh Belachew from Ethiopia was the first to finish the full marathon for men, and Shitaye Eshete from Bahrain won the women’s full marathon. They came first in their categories.
The race went through famous places of Hong Kong. Runners went by well‑known bridges and the city’s beautiful port. The finish line was at Victoria Park, where crowds cheered loudly when runners crossed it.
This year’s event was also part of the city’s effort to be known as a major sports center in Asia. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka‑chiu, said the marathon helps to show the city’s power in hosting important global sports events.
In addition to the races, there was a marathon expo where runners and visitors could watch displays, collect their race kits, and learn about running equipment. A special Runners Wall showed the names of all 74,000 registered participants, making the expo exciting and fun before the race.
Many local schools, groups, and charity teams also joined the event. Some runners ran to raise money for good causes, while others ran to support health and fitness in their communities.
Safety teams and volunteers were present along the track. They helped runners who needed water, first aid, or rest. The weather was cool, which helped many runners stay comfortable during the long race.
The Hong Kong Marathon is one of the biggest annual sports events in China. Every year, it attracts athletes from inside and outside the country. This year, many runners joined the race, showing that more people want to run and stay healthy.
Organizers said they plan to make future marathons even better, with strong support for charity work, more local and global runners, and continued growth as a leading international sports competition.