First cross-border marathon held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong

The Chinese National Games' first-ever cross-border marathon took place on February 23, linking Shenzhen and Hong Kong in a test event for the 15th National Games. The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Marathon saw athletes from the Greater Bay Area and professional athletes nationwide race across the two cities.  

Starting at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, runners crossed the Shenzhen Bay Bridge into Hong Kong's Yuen Long District via the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Highway before returning to the finish line in Shenzhen. The 42.195-kilometer route—split into 21.841 km in Hong Kong and 20.354 km in Shenzhen—showcased landmarks like the Qianhai-Shekou Experimental Free Trade Area and Hong Kong's ecological areas, creating a "one bay, five zones" scenic running path.  

The women's race began at 7:00 AM, with Chen Liqin claiming victory at 2:44:44. The men's race followed 30 minutes later, topped by Zhao Chaochuan at 2:17:17.  

Organizers introduced innovative measures to streamline cross-border logistics. Facial recognition, GPS wristbands, and timing allowed seamless, contact-free clearance at checkpoints. A real-time monitoring system tracked the entire race, while joint security, medical teams, and referees from both cities collaborated to ensure safety. These measures are the first of their kind for cross-regional events.  

The marathon marks a major step toward integrating sports across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The race also tested systems ahead of the 15th National Games, where mixed human-AI traffic and smart transport initiatives are set to expand under new regional policies.