Taking an interest in the well-publicised controversy surrounding the 2025 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon held on 9th February prompts me to point out that this is not the first time controversy has occurred regarding distance running in Hong Kong. A report in the South China Morning Post published on 6th February 1966 stated, “The Kowloon 10 road race was cancelled due to the fact that some markers were late in getting to their positions because of a traffic accident which caused a holdup. The race has been postponed to a date to be announced on Wednesday.” The reference to the race being cancelled is incorrect. The race took place. My account: The Kowloon 10 road race, ten miles involving a number of laps in the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, did take place. I was in the leading group from the start. About half a mile from the finish line, I went clear ahead and finished first. But, lo and behold, to my surprise, three runners were about to step onto the podium to be awarded the Ist, 2nd and 3rd prizes. I protested to the senior race official present, telling him I was in the leading bunch from the start and that I had won the race. Committee members present (of which I was one as my club representative of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association) declared the race null and void and decided in fairness to the runners about to receive the trophies, the race would be re-run at a future date. It transpired the race marshalling had been inadequate, and the would-be prize recipients had not completed all the circuit laps. Due to the AAA’s focus on the upcoming Asian Games to be held later in the year, the Kowloon 10 road race was not rescheduled, and, as far as I know, the event was never again held.
Paul Terry - email: joeterrycork{at}gmail.com
Winner of the annual Hong Kong Amateur Athletics Association Open 5,000 meters track race on 13/03/1966 and the annual Open Cross-Country running race on 03/12/1966.