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Ng Kang-chung

Hong Kong’s iconic cross-harbour swim has attracted a record 3,500 entries this year as organisers gear up to mark the event's fifth anniversary in its current form - however, only 2,500 people will be able to take part.
The 1.5km race across Victoria Harbour, which takes place on Sunday, October 18, begins at Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon and ends at Quarry Bay Park Public Pier on Hong Kong Island.
The gruelling swim is one of Hong Kong's most celebrated events and has attracted hundreds of swimmers and thousands of spectators since it began in 1906. 

It was suspended in 1978 when the harbour became too polluted to swim in, but was revived in 2011, sponsored by property developer New World Development.
Organisers are accepting 2,500 swimmers this year, up from 2,000 last year, but it means about 1,000 entrants won't be able to participate. 
The fastest 100 swimmers from five different age groups will qualify for the racing category. The list of names will be announced on September 16. 
Those enrolling in the leisure category must pass a time trial - a 1,500 metre swim completed in 45 minutes or less. Names will enter a draw to be held on September 21. 
Three time trials have been scheduled and the final one takes place on Saturday at Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool.

This year's event sees the introduction of two new groups within the racing category - a school group and charity group. 
Ng Kin-sun, vice-president of Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, said organisers were pleased with the response to this year's swim. 
“The harbour race received a record high number of entries this year. The pilot school and charity categories also received positive feedback,” said Ng.
Celebrities will be invited to join the charity category. Sam Wong Tak-sum, a former member of the Hong Kong Windsurfing national squad, is among those who have agreed to take part. It will be the first time he has taken part in the race.
Last year, Kwan Ho-yin, 15, was the fastest swimmer, finishing the 1.5km race in 16 minutes 42 seconds.
In 2013, 3,400 people applied to enter. It dropped to 3,200 last year.


Taking the plunge: Record number of entries for Hong Kong's iconic cross-harbour swim 

Swimmers compete during the "New World Harbour Race 2014" at Lei Yue Mun Sam Ka. Photo: Sam Tsang

Swimmers compete during the "New World Harbour Race 2014" at Lei Yue Mun Sam Ka. Photo: Sam Tsang/SCMP

The 1.5km race, which takes place on Sunday, October 18, begins at Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier. Last year's race is pictured. Photo: Sam Tsang/SCMP

The race begins at Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon and ends at Quarry Bay Park Public Pier on Hong Kong Island.

The 1.5km race, which takes place on Sunday, October 18, begins at Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier. Last year's race is pictured. Photo: Sam Tsang

Life's too short to harbour doubt: 72-year-old takes on Cross Harbour Swim with daughter

Mabel Chau and her daughter Ann will be taking on the Cross Harbour Race together. Photo: May Tse

Age no barrier when it comes to taking the plunge in cross-harbour race

Swimmers take to the water to compete in many categories in the annual Cross Harbour Race yesterday. Photo: Sam Tsang

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