HONG KONG, January 23 – Thousands of participants in the Hong Kong Streetathon 2025 faced frustrating and prolonged delays retrieving their personal belongings today after a system malfunction crippled the baggage collection process following the marathon and half-marathon races. Organizers from RunOurCity acknowledged the failure, sparking widespread complaints across social media as exhausted runners reported waiting over an hour in chaotic queues, marring an otherwise successful morning event.
The annual running event, known locally as the Hong Kong Streetathon, saw participants cross the finish line only to encounter significant logistical hurdles at the baggage claim area. Numerous runners took to online platforms to detail the confusion and lengthy wait times. One reported waiting “the better part of an hour” for their bag, noting the relief that the weather remained clear during the ordeal. Others likened the collection area to an ineffective self-service pickup point.
System Failure Causes Bottleneck
RunOurCity, the event organizer, confirmed that a technical glitch impacted the baggage retrieval system, creating extensive backlogs. Reports from the site indicated that the digital scanning process, intended to streamline locating participants’ numbered bags, failed for many, forcing staff into a manual, time-consuming search.
“Some scanned their bib number only to be told their number hadn’t been logged properly,” one participant commented online, describing the scene as a “search for a needle in a haystack,” given the lack of proper numerical sorting of the bags.
In response to the building chaos, RunOurCity issued an urgent appeal, stating they were dispatching additional staff and volunteers to the area immediately to manage the crowd and expedite the process. Organizers also regretfully apologized for the substantial inconvenience caused to the athletes after their physically demanding effort.
Advice for Runners Amidst Delays
While mobilizing additional manpower, the organizers requested patience and offered advice to runners still queuing. They urged participants, if physically able, to prioritize recovery—specifically by performing cool-down exercises and rehydrating—before joining the queue.
To assist the newly deployed staff in speeding up collection, runners were strongly advised to have their race bibs clearly visible and ready before reaching the collection point.
The incident underscores the critical importance of robust logistical planning for large-scale sporting events, particularly concerning essential services like secure and timely baggage return. While the marathon itself typically garners praise, the post-race operational failure drew sharp criticism from the running community, who expect smoother transitions after completing 26.2 or 13.1 miles. The organizers indicated that further updates regarding compensation or event review would be forthcoming following an investigation into the system malfunction.
This snafu serves as a crucial reminder for major event planners globally about the need for reliable, redundant systems for participant management, ensuring the positive experience of athletes extends fully past the finish line.
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