Standard Chartered HK Marathon asks runners to cover up political attires

The annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon happening this weekend made headlines for not only being the first mass run race since the pandemic, but also due to accusations of censorship of political slogans and injuries.

According to participants, several people had been told by the organisers to cover up tattoos, logos or slogans on their attires or be banned from the race. An SCMP article said that a male runner had been asked to cover a tattoo on his leg with the words “Hong Kong add oil” with a bandage before running. Meanwhile, another woman told the media that she was stopped from running due to the “Hong Kong” logo on her shorts which had a close resemblance to the one used in the anti-government protests in 2019. During the protest, the shouts of “add oil” were also common. Meanwhile, the article added that race volunteers said they were not given clear instructions on preventing runners from competing based on their clothing.

William Ko, the marathon organising committee’s chair, said after the race that the marathon was a sports event and the organiser did not wish to see any political element. Prior to the event, Hong Kong Police deployed officers to patrol streets near the main route of the race. The counter terrorism response unit and railway response team had conducted high-profile patrols near the race's route. It also noted that organisers had said they would bar anyone who violated the law or official rules from joining the race, adding that officers would collect evidence at the scene based on the situation before taking further action.

The force later said it had not received any reports of laws being violated during the event. According to SCMP, the run drew over 18,500 participants, all of whom had to provide a negative Covid-19 test and proof of vaccination. The race also result in about 400 injuries with 20 hospitalisations.

In September, Reckitt and its brand Dettol also joined forces for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2021 as the official hygiene partner. Dettol was in charge of helping in the implementation of enhanced hygiene protocols, promote health and hygiene practices, and provide hygiene products in the runner's pack for all participants. Dettol hand sanitising stations were set up along the course and at different area during the race and Dettol surface disinfectant products will also be used to keep the public facilities clean.

(Photo Courtesy: Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates) 

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