The Hong Kong Marathon is one of Asia's premier road races, drawing tens of thousands of runners through the streets of this spectacular harbour city every January. The course takes runners across the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge and through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Kowloon before finishing at Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island. With its dramatic skyline, world-class public transport, and legendary food scene, Hong Kong is one of the most exciting marathon destinations in the world.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Hong Kong Marathon 2027 |
| Date | Sunday, January 17, 2027 |
| Venue | Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Start) / Victoria Park, Causeway Bay (Finish) |
| Address | Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon |
| Airport | Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) |
Expect cool and dry conditions in January, with temperatures around 14–18°C (57–64°F) and moderate humidity. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui are ideal locations — close to both the start and finish areas with excellent MTR access. Wan Chai and Central are also convenient, sitting just a few stops from the finish. Book well in advance as January is peak tourist season.
Getting There
From Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express | 24 min | HKD 115 (~5) | Direct to Hong Kong or Kowloon station |
| Airport Bus | 50–70 min | HKD 33–45 (~–6) | Routes to major hotel areas |
The Airport Express is the fastest and most comfortable option, with free shuttle buses connecting the station to major hotels.
Where to Eat
Hong Kong is a food paradise, from Michelin-starred restaurants to legendary street food stalls. Kowloon's Temple Street Night Market and Mong Kok offer incredible cheap eats, while Central and Wan Chai have a diverse international dining scene.
Local Food to Try
- Dim sum — Steamed dumplings, char siu bao, and har gow served in bamboo baskets at traditional teahouses
- Wonton noodles — Springy egg noodles in rich broth with shrimp wontons, a Cantonese classic
- Egg waffles (gai daan jai) — Crispy, bubble-shaped street snack with a soft, sweet interior
Essential Tips
Currency. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Cash vs card. Octopus card is widely accepted for transport and convenience stores; credit cards work at most restaurants and shops. Tipping. Not expected. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Language. Cantonese and English are both official languages; English is widely spoken. Weather. Cool and dry, 14–18°C (57–64°F) on race morning. Safety. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world.
What to See
- Victoria Peak — Take the Peak Tram for panoramic views of the harbour and skyline
- Star Ferry — Cross Victoria Harbour on this iconic ferry service operating since 1888
- Tian Tan Buddha — The massive bronze Buddha statue on Lantau Island, reached by Ngong Ping 360 cable car
- Temple Street Night Market — Bustling open-air market in Kowloon with street food, souvenirs, and fortune tellers
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | HKG, ~24 min by Airport Express |
| Venue | Nathan Road (Start) / Victoria Park (Finish) |
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | Cantonese / English |
| Weather | 14–18°C (57–64°F) |
| Emergency | 999 |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2027.