New World Harbour Race to Take Place in HK 12 October 2014

The New World Harbour Race 2014 will be held on 12 October 2014 (Sunday).

For the third year in a row, the race is awarded the “M” Mark status by the Major Sports Events Committee, recognising its significance as a mega event in Hong Kong.

Every year, the organiser implements diverse measures to ensure that the race is well-equipped and meticulously prepared. Last year, a pontoon was set for swimmers to land at the finishing point with greater ease, and this year, the same will be adopted with an improved design. To enhance the safety of the race, a safety tow float will be provided to each swimmer in the leisure group. The Tow Float, which is used in other international open water races, will help increase visibility of swimmers to supervising lifeguards while allowing swimmers to enjoy swimming across the harbour safely and confidently.

Title-sponsored by New World Group and organised by Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) for the fourth consecutive year, the race features the racing group and leisure group, which have respective quotas of 550 and 1,450 participants. The racing group comprises six categories: the youth category (aged 12 to 16), the open A category (aged 17 to 34), the open B category (aged 35 to 49), the open C category (aged 50 or above), the international category (aged 14 or above) and the New World Harbour Race Challenge. The leisure group, which does not provide any rankings, welcome all eligible swimmers aged 12 or above to join.

Mr Ronnie Wong, President of HKASA, said, “Last year’s New World Harbour Race not only gained great support from the general public, the event also received compliments and praise from over 70 global elite swimmers who participated in the international category. We will continue to improve the race’s facilities and equipment, especially to ensure safety of all swimmers. We aspire to offer more participants the opportunity to challenge themselves while enjoying the unique experience of swimming across Victoria Harbour.”

New World Harbour Race 2014 will commence at 08:30 on 12 October 2014. The race course stretches approximately 1.5km, from the Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon to the Quarry Bay Park Public Pier on Hong Kong Island. All swimmers must be certified according to the HKASA’s entry requirements for the Race. A water trial will be compulsory for those applicants without HKASA-accredited race records. Quota of the racing group will be defined by the swimmers’ time trial results. For the leisure group, the quota will be decided by a draw from the eligible applicants.