Around 12,000 runners join once-in-a-life-time race on HK's third runway

Close to 12,000 runners took part in the once-in-a-lifetime race on the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Sunday.  
 
In celebration of the imminent launch of three-runway operations at HKIA, the “Three-Runway System 10km International Race” is an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital.  
 
The “M” Mark is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee to symbolise intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar. 
 
Sponsored by the Standard Chartered Hong Kong and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the marathon was held on the airport’s centre runway, which gave participants the unique experience of running in the midst of a fully operational airport. 
 
The race was also held in breezy and humid conditions, with Loice Chemung of Kenya finishing the marathon in 30 minutes and 25 seconds, followed by fellow Kenyans Janeth Chepngetich and Lilian Rengeruk, who finished the race at 30:56 and 31:12, respectively. 
 
The race was the first-ever running event held at a fully operational airport in Hong Kong. The event attracted top-tier athletes from Hong Kong and around the world by offering the once-in-a-lifetime experience of running on a runway with aircraft taking off and landing nearby.  
 
Display of special vehicles for airport operation and helicopters in the finishing area added to the day’s excitement and enticed many participants to capture memorable photo moments on the apron and runway. 
 
Available from 26 September until 17 November, the integrated campaign was done in collaboration with Havas Creative Hong Kong and Mindshare Hong Kong, which covered city-wide out-of-home advertising, social media, digital activation, and an immersive experience for runners at AsiaWorld-Expo.

The Third Runway at HKIA was officially commissioned on 25 November 2022, marking a key milestone of the airport’s expansion into a Three-runway System (3RS). 

Hong Kong's chief secretary for administration Chan Kwok Ki said, “The 3RS will significantly increase the passenger and cargo handling capacity of HKIA. With the distinct advantages of the strong support from the Motherland and our connectivity to the world, Hong Kong will maintain and enhance its status as an international aviation hub, to better dovetail with the macro strategies of the 14th Five-Year Plan and Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

The construction works of 3RS started in August 2016. The formation of 650 hectares of land through reclamation was completed in around four years. The 3,800m-long runway started operation in July 2022. The expansion of Terminal 2, construction of T2 Concourse, a new baggage handling system and automated people mover system are scheduled for completion in 2024 on time and within budget. 

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