[Explanation] On October 24, as the Hong Kong epidemic gradually stabilized, the Hong Kong Marathon, which had been suspended for more than two years due to the new crown epidemic, restarted.
This event is also the first major sports event in Hong Kong with public participation since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic.
[Explanation] This competition is divided into three groups: full marathon, half marathon, and ten-kilometer race.
It is reported that the organizer, based on epidemic prevention considerations, has also greatly reduced the number of participants this year, from 74,000 to 18,500.
Participants must complete two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and undergo nucleic acid testing before the competition.
In addition, contestants must wear a mask before starting, and take off the mask only after passing about 100 meters from the starting point.
[Explanation] Many contestants said in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency that they were relieved of the epidemic prevention measures taken by the organizers and were very happy to participate in the long-awaited marathon and to sweat on the road.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong Marathon runner Huang Zitu
For me, I am actually quite satisfied. First of all, he has quarantine. Everyone has to be quarantined before they can participate in the race. In addition, before we start, there will be a social distance because there will be marks on the ground. We need to stand apart. We can take off the mask after we start. After running back (end point), he will send the mask to you. In fact, I think it is the best if it can be done.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong Marathon runner Luo Yingchao
Especially there are many sloping roads and many corners, so I think the whole track is quite interesting, not a straight road, so I also focus on enjoyment. I feel that it is really happy to hold the physical competition again.
And for the athletes, it is really a great encouragement, because after practicing for so long, I finally have a place or a competition to show myself the results of the practice, so I am also very happy to have this opportunity to compete today.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong Marathon runner Chen Baolan
I think the epidemic prevention this time is quite good, because at the start this time, everyone must wear a mask, and everyone in the starting area must have their body temperature checked and measured.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong Marathon runner Zhou Ziyan
I think this time I did a good job, and the epidemic prevention measures were done very well. This road and today’s weather all cooperated very well.
It is really not easy to hold this race during the epidemic, so many Hong Kong people can regain their motivation to run.
Liang Yuan and Luo Siyu report from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】