Hong Kong authorities have unveiled extensive traffic and operational measures ahead of two marquee events of the 15th National Games: a groundbreaking cross-boundary marathon and the highly anticipated triathlon races. Occurring on November 15th and 16th, the large-scale events necessitate significant, though temporary, control measures affecting key border crossings and major urban thoroughfares.
On November 12, 2025, Mr. Yeung Tak-keung, Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), alongside senior representatives from the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, detailed the logistics during an interdepartmental briefing. The measures are designed to ensure safety, minimize disruption, and facilitate the smooth execution of these high-profile competitions.
Cross-Boundary Marathon: A Logistical Challenge
The marathon marks a historic first for the National Games, featuring a cross-boundary road race that links Shenzhen and Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. The full course spans 42.195 kilometers, with 21.85 km located within Hong Kong territory. The race, which starts and finishes at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, will see runners pass through the Shenzhen Bay Port, traverse the bridge, and utilize the Kong Sham Western Highway viaduct before returning to the Mainland.
Seventy-one elite athletes are slated to compete, including five representatives from Hong Kong. The men’s race starts at 7:00 a.m. and the women’s at 7:30 a.m. on November 15. Due to the route’s proximity to the Frontier Closed Area (FCA), public viewing will not be permitted in Hong Kong. Spectators are advised to follow the televised coverage.
Border Crossing and Traffic Disruptions
To accommodate the race, the Shenzhen Bay Port will implement a wholesale suspension of all passenger and freight clearance operations between 2:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on November 15. During this nine-hour window, no vehicles or passengers will be permitted entry to or exit from the port.
Motorists and travelers seeking to cross the boundary must use alternative control points, such as Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang), Heung Yuen Wai, or Man Kam To, during their operating hours. The Transport Department advises against using these alternative routes for cross-boundary private cars, anticipating heavy congestion at associated interchanges, including San Tin.
Simultaneously, major vehicular arteries will be completely closed from 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on race day. This includes the entirety of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway, and the Ha Tsuen Interchange, disrupting access from Yuen Long Highway and Ha Tsuen Road. While the port is slated to resume service around 11:00 a.m., authorities caution that residual congestion is highly probable.
All auxiliary public transport services, including cross-boundary coaches, buses, and taxis serving the Shenzhen Bay Port, will be suspended during the closure. Service providers will enhance operations at other BCPs, including the MTR and franchised bus services at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, to manage diverted traffic.
Furthermore, Police will implement a temporary restricted flight zone for small unmanned aircraft over the Hong Kong section of the route from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., barring all unauthorized drone activity.
Central Harbourfront Gears Up for Triathlon
Separately, the National Games triathlon utilizes the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour and the Central Harbourfront on November 15th and 16th. Approximately 90 athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao will compete across men’s, women’s individual events, and a mixed relay.
The triathlon involves swimming, cycling, and running segments, starting at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. The cycling route will pass major Central landmarks, including the Central Government Offices and the Legislative Council Complex, while the running portion loops along the Central Harbourfront Promenade.
Significant traffic controls will be enforced progressively in Central and Wan Chai North. Full road closures will be implemented on key roads, including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, and Lung Hop Street, from midnight to 2:00 p.m. on November 15th and from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on November 16th. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as Connaught Road Central or Gloucester Road.
Public transport diversions related to the triathlon will affect certain Citybus routes, and the Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui ferry expects minor service adjustments during peak race times on both days due to restricted marine zones. Travellers and commuters are strongly urged to consult operators’ notices and plan their journeys well in advance during this intense period of sporting events.