Hong Kong Marathon 2015 to Feature Youth Dash for Runners Aged 12-15

The 19th Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, to be held on 25 January 2015, will feature a Youth Dash, a new initiative aimed at further promoting long-distance running and encouraging runners of all ages to discover the joy of running.

For the first time ever, the organiser has opened this international sporting event for the participation of young people between the ages of 12 and 15.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA), Mr. Kwan Kee, said, “Over the years, many young running enthusiasts have expressed a wish that they could take part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. The HKAAA has been promoting long-distance running among young athletes, and the Youth Dash will not only further cultivate their interest in long-distance running, but also give them the opportunity to demonstrate the marathon spirit together with other athletes from around the world. We hope that, in the future, these young athletes will develop a habit of long-distance running and go on to compete in races of greater distances once they have turned 16.”

There are two categories for Youth Dash, one aged 12 to 13 and another for those aged 14 to 15, with a total quota of 500 on a first-come-first-served basis.

The 2.2KM run will start at 11:50am and 12pm at Wanchai Sports Ground and finish at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Invitation letters of this pilot race are being sent to secondary schools across Hong Kong for eligible youths to register through their schools, and each school can nominate up to a total of five students to participate.

Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd., Ms. May Tan, “Standard Chartered continues to encourage the growth and development of the Hong Kong Marathon. Since 2006, our Marathon 101 Education Programme, which helps the students develop the marathon spirit of perseverance, has over 80% of local secondary and primary schools’ participation. Piloting Youth Dash this year will give them a chance to take part in this international sporting event, and experience the support of spectators along the course. We are looking forward enthusiastically to seeing these teenage runners to ‘Run for a Reason’ alongside the other participants, and play their part in spreading positive energy in our society.”