Hong Kong Marathon awards thousands of dollars to sub-three-hour finishers

Sub-three hours has, for many marathoners, long been the sport’s Holy Grail, and it’s an incredible achievement that less than one per cent of the world’s population has accomplished. But this year, even a sub-three marathon wouldn’t secure entry for some runners into the 2024 Boston Marathon (with males 18-34 requiring a time of 2:54:31 or faster for 2024.) Don’t be too disheartened if you didn’t make it into Boston–perhaps a move to Hong Kong is what you need.

The 2024 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon awarded nearly CDN $2,000 to each Hong Kong resident who broke three hours (men) or 3:30 (women). 

The race introduced the incentive last year to promote health and fitness and encourage local residents to get into the sport and pursue big goals. Last year, 218 runners took home the HK$10,000 incentive (roughly CAD $1,800). This year the number doubled, with 332 men running sub-three and 124 women running sub-3:30, according to the Hong Kong Athletics Federation.

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There are two restrictions: 1) You must be a permanent Hong Kong resident, and 2) Runners must be registered with a local run group. The money is not the only accolade these runners receive; they also receive the title of  “Mr. and Ms. Super Thousand.”

The question arises: wouldn’t it be exciting if marathons in North America adopted similar incentives? Imagine the motivation if the Boston Marathon, for instance, rewarded each sub-three qualifier with a $1,000 payday. Such a proposition could make those gruelling 4:30 a.m. winter wake-up calls for training sessions significantly more appealing.