There are many fans, running friends, and winter fans around me who have participated in various marathons across the country, and many friends frequently participate in overseas marathons. In 2015, Coach Wang's marathon footprints also spread across the country and overseas. I have always believed that life should not be a simple routine. Whether you are a runner or a travel enthusiast, you must cultivate a hobby that suits you and love it deeply. Believe me, once you find it, it will make your life burst with brilliance like yellow Roman candles!
This time, let me talk about the marathon Dreamland in my heart, the Hong Kong Marathon. Many friends find it strange. Hong Kong is so common and not grand, and it's very easy to go there. Why is it a dreamland? Actually, this city built my childhood and entire adolescence. Just like Bing Bong, the imaginary friend in 'Inside Out,' Hong Kong was my imaginary friend. Growing up in the inland city of Chengdu, with limited entertainment, I was lucky that my dad brought back a VCR from Guangzhou. It was like a kaleidoscope of entertainment. Stephen Chow's nonsensical humor, Chow Yun-fat's chivalry, the hot-bloodedness of the 'Young and Dangerous' series, Wong Jing's cheekiness—all these made up my bizarre childhood. I always felt it was a city that never sleeps, a dreamland. But as I grew up, my longing for Hong Kong faded, especially as Hong Kong cinema declined. And there's a very important point: Hong Kong, I have never been there. So close yet so far, no special people or events, no special fate, no special plans, no special reasons, just never went.
This time, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Marathon, I successfully obtained a spot. In my thirties, I set foot in this city to see you, measure you with my steps, the city I have longed for and secretly loved. Just like the girl I had a crush on years ago, who is now a mother, but so what? I loved you. I just want to tell you, thank you for appearing in my youth!
January 17, 2016, wait for me! And wait for you all!
The willful Hong Kong Marathon, registration is never by lottery, only by luck, first come first served! I still remember early morning on September 25, refreshing the page again and again in front of the computer. The excitement and tension when I finally got to the registration page. And only 15 minutes to fill out all the registration information, the thrill was amazing. On the 25th, within 30 minutes, about 15,000 full marathon spots were snapped up! What makes the toughest course in Asia so challenging? In the tiny place of Hong Kong, organizing such a large-scale city marathon, the route planning is extremely meticulous. The full marathon is simply bridges, tunnels, bridges, tunnels, bridges, tunnels. Frequent switching between ascents and descents. A heartfelt confession from a fellow runner: 'The toughest part of the Hong Kong Marathon is usually the end. At 35 kilometers, you're exhausted, but you're at the lowest point of the course in the underwater tunnel, then it's all uphill to Sheung Wan, turning sharply onto the flyover...' But it's precisely because of this that many runners are infatuated!
Round-trip tickets to Hong Kong were booked in advance, and the price was quite reasonable. Chengdu to Hong Kong is often cheaper than Chengdu to Shenzhen. This time we booked a homestay on Booking.com. A team of us went, 7 people for 5 days and 4 nights, costing 1000 yuan per person. It was very cost-effective. Hotels and hostels are not recommended as space is at a premium in Hong Kong. A small standard room costs at least 400-500 yuan per night, and hotels are even more expensive. Of course, if you're wealthy, feel free! Before any major race, weight loss is key. This is some small experience from Coach Wang before each race. Generally, marathon preparation takes 2 to 3 months, from planning to registration to participation. During this period, it's important to set up some effective training and diet plans. As amateurs, our first priority is to ensure we don't get injured—no joint or muscle injuries. Reasonable weight loss is beneficial. Then, we can talk about improving performance and estimating our finish time. For this toughest course, we'll do our best. See how we feel on the day, run as much as we can! Hahaha, enjoy the race!
A city that is both fashionable and traditional, not changing its taxis and trams for nearly 20 years. This is the city's inherent persistence. The night view of Victoria Harbour is stunning! Hong Kong's transportation is very convenient, but the cost is relatively high. It's not recommended to take taxis; the subway is a great choice. [PS] The subway stops running at midnight!
Pick up the race pack at Victoria Park! It started to rain again. The queue was orderly! Volunteers maintained order and distributed the packs quickly! However, Coach Wang did not receive a confirmation slip after registration! At the site, you need to go to the inquiry desk with your passport to get a query number and pick up the confirmation slip! Anyway, it's all about queuing and waiting, muddy roads and all... Although it was tiring, I quickly got the confirmation slip. You must show your passport or Hong Kong-Macau travel permit. In the Hong Kong Marathon, you cannot pick up the race pack on behalf of someone else unless you provide a letter of authorization! For the first time, I knew my race number! Runner A4509! After getting the confirmation slip, the material collection was quick! The process was well-organized, with on-site distribution! A shirt, a pair of batteries (sponsor), a race manual, a monkey year commemorative medal!!! A bib number (with chip). The volunteers were very serious in confirming that the name on the bib matched mine! Only after confirmation did they pack it for me!
Torrential rain! For the first 30 km, the rain was so heavy that the road was barely visible! Almost needed wipers, luckily had a hat! The run was really tough, the Hong Kong Marathon's reputation for toughness is well-deserved... Uphill for several kilometers, then downhill for several kilometers... There are videos, will share later! This experience, as a runner, is something you must experience once in your life! Worth the ticket price. Just blame my limited ability. The unique features of a city, like the unchanged taxis for 20 years, the neon signs. Every place name seems to have a movie story. For a generation raised on Hong Kong movies, TVB dramas, and Cantonese songs, seeing the full view from Victoria Peak is stunning, moving to tears, a rare experience. [Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Marathon 2016.1.17] Today, the rain has cleared. Thinking back to yesterday's race, the process was painful, but the happiest moment was crossing the finish line! That's the magic of marathons!
This article is an original by Codoon user @Thor Wang Bin. For reprints, please contact 'Codoon Editor.'