Hong Kong harbour swim race announced for October, but awaits government green light
- Organisers still waiting for authorities’ approval, but say they are confident of having the required Covid-19 measures in place
- The route will be the same as 2021’s, starting from Wan Chai public pier before finishing in Tsim Sha Tsui
Swimming organisers hope to stage Hong Kong’s Cross Harbour Race in October, with an increased quota of 2,000 participants compared with last year’s 1,500 – but it depends on government approval.
The Hong Kong Swimming Association has chosen October 23 for the gala event – which boasts a long tradition of more than a century – and has started preparation work with two months to go.
The 1km (0.6-mile) route remains the same as last year, with swimmers jumping into the water from Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai before heading to the finish at Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars.
“We have no other choices of dates, because of restrictions on using the two public areas, and are waiting for the green light,” said Swimming Association president Ronnie Wong Man-chiu, who was also a three-time winner of the race in the late 1960s.
“We have to start the preparation work because time is running really short. A meeting with all relevant governmental departments, such as the Marine Department and the Transport Department, will also be held next week to discuss the details.
“The harbour event has been very popular among the swimmers and despite the pandemic, we are still confident of putting up a safe event using the experience from last year.