HONG KONG, June 20 — Massive travel disruptions are anticipated across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Tseung Kwan O this Sunday as the 2025 Hong Kong Street Marathon (HKSM) commences, requiring extensive, phased closures of key thoroughfares starting in the early morning. Authorities announced temporary traffic measures affecting dozens of bus and minibus routes, urging commuters and drivers to seek alternative transport options throughout the day.
The city’s Transport Department confirmed that the temporary arrangements will take effect from 1 a.m. Sunday and could last until approximately 1 p.m., impacting expressways, tunnels, and numerous arterial roads critical to the city’s complex transport network. The widespread closures accommodate the full marathon, half marathon, and 10-kilometer races, which utilize major infrastructure including partially complete city projects and cross-harbor links.
Course Routes Leverage New Infrastructure
This year’s marathon course features a unique, high-profile addition: the completion of the race will utilize the yet-to-be-opened Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Route. Full and half marathon runners will begin on the Island Eastern Corridor near East Coast Park, traverse the Eastern Harbour Tunnel into Kowloon, and conclude the grueling 42.2-kilometer journey at the Yau Ma Tei Interchange, marking the first public access to the finished 4.7-kilometer tunnel segment slated for completion later this year.
The 10-kilometer event features its own set of closures, beginning in Tiu Keng Leng and routing participants over the Tseung Kwan O Cross Bay Bridge, through the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel, and onto the Kwun Tong Bypass before finishing at the Kwun Tong Promenade.
Affected areas span wide segments of the Special Administrative Region. Key road closures include major arteries on Hong Kong Island such as King’s Road, Gloucester Road, Victoria Park Road, and sections of the Aberdeen Tunnel. In Kowloon and the New Territories, closures will hit Kwun Tong Road, Prince Edward Road East, parts of the Kowloon Bay area, and the Tseung Kwan O Tunnel (Kowloon bound).
Commuter Services Adjusted for Runners
The extensive road closures will necessitate temporary diversions, shortenings, or suspension of 56 major bus routes—including services from Kowloon Motor Bus, Citybus, and cross-harbor tunnel buses—and 15 dedicated public light bus routes. Taxi stands, public light bus stops, kerbside parking, and private parking lots along the routes will also be temporarily suspended.
To facilitate early morning transit for participants, particularly those starting the full and half marathons at 5:15 a.m. and 5:55 a.m. respectively, MTR service will be advanced. The first trains on all local MTR lines (excluding the Airport Express and Disneyland Resort lines) will begin operation earlier than usual, with the Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line launching service as early as 2:50 a.m.
Safety Measures and Course Challenges
The organizing committee, RunOurCity, emphasized enhanced safety protocols, particularly for the new Central Kowloon Route segment. RunOurCity Co-founder and CEO, Alan Leung, noted the deployment of extra personnel and aid stations along the new tunnel section, warning runners of a significant challenge in the final stretch.
“Runners must be prepared for the steep gradient within the Central Kowloon Route,” Leung advised. The tunnel descends 50 meters below sea level, requiring a mandatory final kilometer climb with a 5.5% gradient to reach the surface finish line. “This rapid elevation change puts considerable stress on the knees and ankles. We strongly urge all participants to ensure thorough warm-ups to mitigate injury risks.”
Organizers have also implemented a detailed flow separation design this year, using large signage, broadcasts, and color-coded bibs to clearly distinguish between full and half marathon courses, addressing potential route confusion in the early miles. Attendees are reminded to strictly adhere to luggage drop-off deadlines, especially for the 10-kilometer event, where tight transport logistics could lead to delays in baggage collection at the finish line.
Drivers are strongly advised to avoid affected districts throughout Sunday morning and heed on-site traffic signs and police instructions.
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