Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 | Hong Kong

The 2026 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon—Hong Kong’s biggest sports event—is happening on January 18, 2026! Every year, it draws tens of thousands of runners from around the world, and next year’s race will be no different. Here’s everything you need to know, in simple terms—from how to sign up to where the race goes.

2026 Hong Kong Marathon: Basic Info (Date & Schedule)

• Race Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
• Categories: Full Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.0975km), 10km Race, and Wheelchair Race
• Start Points:
• • Full/Half Marathon: Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • 10km Race: Island Eastern Corridor
  • Wheelchair Race: Wan Chai Sports Ground
• Finish Line: Victoria Park (all categories end here!)
• Expected Runners: Over 74,000 local and international participants

New Logo for 2026 Hong Kong Marathon

The marathon got a fresh new logo this year! It uses dynamic lines to show runners moving forward together, and it hides Hong Kong’s famous landmarks in the design. The idea is to link the marathon’s values—persistence and endurance—to Hong Kong’s spirit as a global city.

2026 Hong Kong Marathon Registration: When & How to Sign Up

Registration opened on September 8, 2025, and it’s done in phases. Here’s the breakdown:

Hong Kong Marathon - Registration Periods

• Public Lottery: October 10 AM, September 8 – 7 PM, September 17, 2025
• Wheelchair Race: October 10 AM, September 8 – 7 PM, November 7, 2025
• Lottery Results: First round on September 23; second round on October 3

Hong Kong Marathon - Fees & Quotas

Different categories have different spots and prices—local runners (with a valid Hong Kong ID) pay less than international runners:

Who Can Join Standard Chartered HK Marathon? (Eligibility Rules)

You need to meet age and (for full marathon) past race requirements:

• Full Marathon: Must be 20 or older by 2026. Also, you need to have finished a 10km+ race (local or international) between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025—and share your finish time when signing up.
• Half Marathon / 10km: Must be 16 or older by 2026. You just need to share your expected finish time (this helps organizers set start waves).
• Wheelchair Race: Must be 16 or older by 2026. You also need to submit a disability certificate signed by a doctor or government-approved organization. Your wheelchair must follow the race’s “Wheelchair Standards Guide.”

Standard Chartered HK Marathon Race Routes

Each category has a unique route, and all show off Hong Kong’s skyline and landmarks:

Standard Chartered HK Marathon - Full Marathon (42.195km)

Starts on Nathan Road (Tsim Sha Tsui) → goes through Mong Kok, Tai Kok Tsui, and West Kowloon Highway → passes Kwai Chung Container Terminal, Stonecutters Island, Tsing Yi, and Ting Kau Bridge (you’ll see Tsing Ma Bridge in the distance!) → heads back via Cheung Tsing Highway and West Kowloon Highway → goes through Western Harbour Tunnel → follows Connaught Road West, Central Ferry Piers, and Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre → finishes at Victoria Park.

Standard Chartered HK Marathon - Half Marathon (21.0975km)

Follows the full marathon route for the first half → turns back at West Kowloon Highway and Tsing Kwai Highway → goes through Western Harbour Tunnel and Wan Chai → finishes at Victoria Park.

Standard Chartered HK Marathon - 10km Race

Starts at Island Eastern Corridor (near Central-Wan Chai Bypass) → runs past North Point and Shau Kei Wan → turns back → follows Victoria Harbour views the whole way → finishes at Victoria Park.

Important Rules about Standard Chartered HK Marathon

HK Marathon Rules For Registration

• The race might close registration early—no warning, so don’t wait!
• You can only sign up for one category (unless you’re a “qualified runner” who gets priority and joins the lottery too). If you sign up for more, you’ll be disqualified, and you won’t get your money back.
• You can edit your personal info only before paying—do this through your “Runner Account” on the official website.
• See a doctor first! You need to fill out the race’s “Athlete Health Form” to confirm you’re fit to run. If you get hurt because of health issues, you’re responsible.
• The race has third-party insurance, but it’s smart to buy your own personal insurance too.

HK Marathon Rules For Collecting Your Race Pack

• You’ll get an email in late December 2025 with a QR code (for ID check).
• Book a time slot first, then collect your pack between January 14–17, 2026, at the designated location.
• No race numbers, timing chips, or souvenirs will be given out on race day—collect early!

HK Marathon Rules For Race Day

• The race starts early—keep quiet so you don’t disturb residents.
• Follow staff instructions—don’t stop to take photos in the start area, on the route, or at the finish.
• If you don’t reach checkpoints on time, you have to take the race’s shuttle bus to leave the course.
• The finish area gets crowded—leave quickly after you finish.
• Want to cheer on runners? Head to the spectator area at Victoria Park!

2026 Hong Kong Marathon Expo

The expo is back at Kai Tak Sports Park in 2026—and there’s a new activity: “Youth Run”! It’s for kids and parents to join together, to get more young people into running.

Last year’s expo had over 100,000 visitors! It runs for 4 days, with more than 40 booths, Standard Chartered-themed photo spots, and interactive games. Whether you’re picking up your race pack or just visiting, it’s a fun way to get in the marathon mood.

A Quick History of the Hong Kong Marathon

• Started in 1997 (to mark Hong Kong’s handover) with a cross-border route: from Sheung Shui to Shenzhen. Over 1,000 runners joined!
• 1998: Route changed to include Tsing Ma Bridge and the new Hong Kong International Airport runway.
• 1999: Moved to the city center; 2000: Added full, half, and 10km categories.
• 2008: Added the Island Eastern Corridor to the route; 2016: Fixed the “Nathan Road start, Victoria Park finish” route (still used today!).
• 2021: Came back as an in-person race after COVID-19 (Hong Kong’s first big post-pandemic sports event). Also added a “Virtual Run” (use the race app to track your run, get an e-certificate, and souvenirs)—nearly 4,000 people joined.
• 2025: 90% of registered runners showed up—making it a true “Hong Kong brand event.”

Standard Chartered has sponsored the marathon every year since 1997! They also sponsor marathons in 7 other cities (like Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore) and shorter races in Shanghai and London.

Get More Info about Standard Chartered HK Marathon

For the latest updates, visit the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official website.
And for help with registration or travel plans for the race, check Trip.com!