Hong Kong Marathon 2013 Editorial Photo

Despite the early-morning start, the energy and excitement of both runners and spectators was at a peak. Once the Honourable Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, had fired the starting-gun, thousands of Marathon runners simultaneously took their first steps of the 42.195km race. Cheering from family, friends and the public spurred the runners on, helping them forget the difficulties of training and encouraging them to throw their all into enjoying the race. Following its upgrade to Silver Label Road Race status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2013 attracted elite runners from 23 countries.