Exclusive interview: Standard Chartered HK Marathon's 22-year evolution

As competition races are held every month, Hong Kong's increasing passion for running shows no signs of stopping. However, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is undoubtedly the city's most iconic race. Prior to the 23rd edition scheduled on 17 February, Marketing talked over the upcoming race to Standard Chartered and two of its top runners. Introduced in 1997, the first Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon began with only 1,076 participants running from Sheung Shui to Shenzhen, symbolising the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China. But in years since, the race has continued to break records for the number of participants. This year's overall enrolment quota remains at 74,000. Taking place later this month, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is one of Hong Kong's “M” Mark events. Yet Standard Chartered already kicked off the advertising campaign in January by focusing on amateur runners. “Amateur runners are key to the race. Without their participation and support over the years, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon could never be an international event. We want to tribute to all runners showcasing the marathon spirit,” says Rita Wong, head of sustainability and community engagement, Greater China and North Asia of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong). This year, the ad campaign features notable participants of the 2018 edition rather than the animations or models that were common in previous years. It also involves some unique design aspects. "We invited Hong Kong-based calligrapher Wah Gor - who specialises in creating calligraphy for Hong Kong movies - to produce the word “Ja Ma” (the short form of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in Cantonese) for the campaign,” says Wong. “Running is similar to calligraphy since you can practise it on your own. We want to combine the iconic Hong Kong event with something that is full of local touch,” she added. The Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association,  the race organiser, will implement a series of new elements and measures to better the event. For example, all runners will have a personalised bib with their first name written on it. Wong explains the choice saying, “It is not just a memento for the participants. The bib also enables spectators to chant the names of runners along the route. Runners are not random guys,” Participants will also be given a finisher medal upon completing the run. For marathon finishers, they can also have their names or personalised messages engraved on their medals. To support environmental protection, runners can download e-coupons and a runners pack collection letter from the official website and collect their packs with a QR code provided in the letter. Over 30,000 reusable foldable cups will also be offered, starting from 13 February at the event shirt pick-up location at the central lawn of Victoria Park. Organisers of the event have been implementing improvements throughout the years. “Years ago, the organiser wanted to finish the race smoothly but it’s not convenient to the runners,” said Stanley Got, one of the runners featured in the ad campaign and a participant of the race this year. “However, the organiser has been enhancing the running experience in recent years such as offering medals in the runners' package and allowing more spectators along the route in Wanchai, it means a lot to the runners.” But complaints have not been uncommon throughout the years as well. Just a week before the 2019 edition, the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA) informed the “elite group” that there would be two cut-off times for the half-marathon, which attracted complaints from some members of this group. The HKAAA said they did not want “slow runners” in that group blocking the fastest runners of the marathon. It apologised for the late notification and reiterated only a small number of runners will be affected under the new measures. [caption id="attachment_248632" align="alignnone" width="630"] Chow Wai-cheung, aged over 80, another runner featured in the ad campaign and a regular participant of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.[/caption] Chow Wai-cheung, another runner featured in the ad campaign and a regular participant of the marathon, said almost 20 years ago, some drivers complained about the rearrangement of traffic. “They kept scolding at the runners! But after many years, people are getting used to the annual event.” Wong admitted that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for the event's arrangements but that she appreciated comments and suggestions from the public. The organiser has updated and implemented new measures every year. One that has likely been most crucial for runners is that in 2017, registration was switched from a first-come-first-serve basis to public ballot. After more than 20 years since its commencement, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has transformed itself from a sports event to one focused on community engagement. In 2009, Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong launched a “Cheer-up HK” campaign to encourage businesses to offer special customer incentives to help stimulate the economy and renew consumer confidence after the financial crisis in 2008 across the globe. This year the race features local cantopop group C AllStar member On Chan along the route this year. Prior to race day, Chan will also join the busking session at the central lawn of Victoria Park. “We didn’t expect such long-term sponsorship at the very beginning of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. The race could not reach new heights without the runners’ support,’ says Wong. Of course, other than amateur runners, both locally and internationally, professional athletes are indispensable to an international marathon. In 2012, the International Association of Athletics of Federations (IAAF) granted the race to IAAF Bronze Label Road Races, and was upgraded to an IAAF Silver Label road race in 2013. Three years later, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon obtained IAAF Gold Label Road Races - on a par with the Tokyo Marathon and Boston Marathon. Elite participants can also obtain their gold, silver or bronze status in the event, making the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon an international event. "The runners competing on the road is the most beautiful scenery of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon,” Wong concludes. [caption id="attachment_248640" align="alignnone" width="630"] The overall enrolment quota remains at 74,000 this year and 22,500 are assigned to the Marathon category to cater for the increasing demand.[/caption]