Liu Yangyang

524652046@qq.com

THE 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event concluded yesterday. A total of 38 professional athletes participated in the first-ever cross-border marathon.

The entire track was 42.195 km long, with 21.841 km making up the Hong Kong section. Setting off from the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Nanshan District, runners entered Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, ran along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then head back to the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint via the same route, finishing at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.

Zhao Chaochuan, from Yunnan, claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 17 seconds. In the women’s category, Guangdong’s Chen Liqin took the top spot with a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 44 seconds.

“As professional athletes, we stay very focused during the competition,” Chen told reporters after the race. “But along the way, I caught a glimpse of the ocean view, and it was beautiful.”

The event used cutting-edge technology to enhance the race experience. A three-tier verification system, including facial recognition, wristband tracking, and real-time timing, was introduced during the border crossing process.

“We registered and did facial recognition ahead of time. The contactless clearance was fast, and there was no need to stop for paperwork,” Zhao said.

Leanne Szeto, the women’s third-place finisher from Hong Kong, also commented on the ease of the new system, explaining, “Normally, I’d have to go through a counter to cross the border, but this time the wristband provided by the event made it much easier.”

The event also made use of real-time tracking technologies, including drones, live streaming, and digital monitoring of athletes and vehicles. This not only improved event management but also provided valuable insights for the 15th National Games marathon, which is scheduled for November.