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Race Information

A) Race information

Date: 15 November 2026 (Sunday)
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Venue: Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier to
Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars
No. of swimmers: Approximately 4,000 swimmers
Application Start Date & Time:
(Online Application Only)		 29 July 2026 (Wednesday); 11:00 a.m.
Entry Deadline: 27 August 2026 (Thursday); 11:59 p.m.
Reporting Time*:
Racing Group
6:45 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Leisure Groups

1st Batch: 6:45 a.m. – 7:10 a.m.
2nd Batch: 7:10 a.m. – 7:35 a.m.
3rd Batch: 7:35 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
4th Batch: 8:00 a.m. – 8:25 a.m.

*Those failing to report will be disqualified

Categories & Starting Time
Racing Groups
(Recommended for Experienced and Elite swimmers) 		Leisure Groups
Men Women Men & Women
Event No. 1 2 3
Distance Approximately

1 km

 Approximately

1 km
Age* 14 or above
(Born on or before 31st December 2012)		 12 or above
(Born on or before 31st December 2014)
Start Time Around 7:30 a.m. Around 7:45 a.m.
Quota 150 150 3,700
*Age is calculated as of 31st December 2026 for ALL EVENTS.

B) Entry Procedures

  1. Applicants can only apply via the Victoria Harbour Race Website
  2. Incomplete Application Forms, missing documents or information will not be processed. All fees paid will not be refunded.
  3. No requests for change of category will be entertained by Hong Kong China Swimming Association (“HKGSA”) once the application is accepted and confirmed. Time trial fee and/or entry fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.
  4. Team Application (Leisure Group only)
    1. “Team” application is applicable only to Leisure Group;
    2. Each Team consists of 2 to 4 members (inclusive of the applicant). Applicants (i. e. Team Captains) who intend to register as a “Team”, must submit the applications with required documents for all team member(s) and, where applicable, settle the time trial fee for all team members at the time of application.
    3. Application for Team must be submitted before the application deadline (i.e. 27 August 2026). Otherwise, the application will not be processed;
    4. If any of the members of the Team fails to submit/re-submit the completed application form and/or the required documents, his/her eligibility to participate will be cancelled. However, the applications of the other eligible members will not be affected and eligible members may continue with the time trial and/or drawing;
    5. After successfully passing or being exempted from the time trial:
      1. If two or more members in a team are eligible, those applicants will enter the drawing as a “Team” (Note: All team members must have passed and/ or been exempted from the time trial);
      2. If only one member in a Team remains eligible, that applicant will enter the drawing as an “Individual”.
    6. If a Team is successful in the drawing lots and obtained participation eligibility, every member of the Team who successfully passed and/ or were exempted from the time trial will be admitted. The “Team” will be assigned to the same start session which will be determined by the slowest qualifying member’s result among all members;
    7. Participants who registered as a “Team” cannot simultaneously apply as an “Individual”. If any violation is found, all applications and participation of the participant will be cancelled without further notice;
    8. No requests for switch teams or members, nor the addition of new members will be entertained by HKGSA once the application is confirmed or drawing lots is completed.
  5. Documents to be submitted
    1. Recent full-frontal face colour photo (photo will be used on the Race Card)
      1. The photo must clearly shows facial features;
      2. Plain background; and
      3. Do not wear sunglasses, hats or any item on the head
    2. Identification documents
      1. Holders of Hong Kong Identity Cards: a copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card or a copy of the Hong Kong Birth Certificate;
      2. Holders of People’s Republic of China Identity Cards: a copy of the People’s Republic of China Resident Identity Card;
      3. Holders of Non-Hong Kong Identity Cards or Non-PRC Identity Cards: a copy of a foreign passport
    3. Medical certificate (For applicants aged 65 or above)
      1. Participants born on or before 31 December 1961 must submit a valid medical certificate on the designated official website. Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document;
      2. The medical certificate must include the following information:
        • The applicant’s full name;
        • Date of birth;
        • Identity document number / Passport number;
        • Certified by a doctor that the applicant is fit to participate in this Race (please include wording such as “fit to participate in sports or swimming competitions” or “fit to participate in Victoria Harbour Race2026”); and
        • The doctor’s full name, signature, and date of issuance of the certificate.
      3. Holders of Hong Kong Identity Cards: a “medical certificate” issued by a Hong Kong-registered doctor on or after 1 June 2026;
      4. Non–Hong Kong Identity Card holders: a “medical certificate” issued by a Hong Kong or locally registered doctor on or after 1 June 2026;
      5. A “Physical Examination Report” (Medical Check-up Report) cannot be accepted as a substitute for a Medical Certificate;
      6. Submission
        • For those required to attend the time trial: Submit the Medical Certificate at the time of payment for the time trial fee;
        • For those exempted from the time trial: Submit the Medical Certificate upon payment of the entry fee after successful drawing and qualified to participate.
      7. Applicants failing to submit the relevant certificates/documents before the application closing date will be considered as forfeiting the submission and their application/participation qualification will be withdrawn without further notice. All fees paid will not be refunded and no race materials will be distributed to the participants.
  6. Applicant must ensure that his/her designated email is correct, valid, can receive notification from HKGSA and will continue to be in use. HKGSA accepts no responsibility for an applicant’s failure to receive email notifications.
  7. An acknowledgement email will be sent to the registered email address within five (5) working days after HKGSA has received the application. For those who do not receive the email within the stipulated time frame, please contact HKGSA immediately.
  8. In the event of duplicate applications, applicant will be disqualified if found to be misinforming. The participation will also be revoked without further notice. All fees paid will not be refunded.
  9. HKGSA reserves the rights to amend the above information with or without notification and the authority for final interpretation.

C) Competition Eligibility & Qualification

(Each swimmer can only apply for one event)

Racing Group
Men & Women (Event No. 1 – 2)）
Eligibility
  • Hong Kong ID card holder and Non-Hong Kong ID card holder; and
  • Aged 14 or above (Born on or before 31 December 2012); and
  • Physically fit and healthy; and
  • Duly-signed Declaration of Responsibility (signed by parents for swimmers under 18 years of age); and/ or
  • For applicants aged 65 or above(Born on or before 31 December 1961); is required to submit a valid Medical Certificate (please refer to the Part B) Entry Procedures Clause 5.3)) together with the Time Trial Fee (if applicable) / or Entry Fee via the designated official website, Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document; or
  • Invited Elite Swimmers:
    1. Represented Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Team in the following major international events
      1. Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games (Open Water Swimming); or
      2. 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026; or
      3. 2026 Chinese Taipei Open Water Swimming Championships (TBC); or
    2. Top 3 Winners of the following local Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competitions:
      1. 2025/26 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 2) – 10km event or 3.3km event (Date: 12 October 2025); or
      2. 2025/26 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 3) – 5km event or 3.3km event (Date: 4 January 2026); or
      3. 2026/27 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 1) – 10km event or 3.3km event (Date: 10 May 2026).
Entry Acceptance Criteria
– Faster Swimmers will be accepted to the Race (HKGSA reserves the rights of making final decision)
Participants
holding a valid
Hong Kong
Identity Card
Time Trial Exempted
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group; or
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group; or
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed the Time Trial of Leisure Group – within 35 minutes; AND
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group; or
  • Obtained records of completing 1,500m Long Course Swimming Competitions within 35 minutes from any Swimming Pool organized or sanctioned by HKGSA between 1 September 2025 and 27 August 2026 (Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document); or
  • Invited Elite Swimmers.
Require to participate in the Time Trial
  • Participate in the Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” – Racing Group (Must complete 1,500m in 35 minutes).
Participants
holding a valid
Non-Hong Kong
Identity Card
Time Trial Exempted
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group; or
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Racing Group; or
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed the Time Trial of Leisure Group – within 35 minutes; AND
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group; or
  • Obtained records of completing 1,500m Long Course Swimming Competition within 35 minutes between 1 September 2025 and 27 August 2026. Only proven time records endorsed by its National Swimming Association will be taken into consideration (Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document).
Require to participate in the Time Trial
  • Participate in the Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” – Racing Group in Hong Kong (Must complete 1,500m in 35 minutes).
Remarks
  1. Based on times achieved amongst all submitted times or time trial records, faster swimmers will be accepted to the Race (HKGSA reserves the rights of making final decision)
  2. For swimmers, who are unable to complete the “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” within the designated time, they will be considered as new applicants in “Victoria Harbour Race 2027” and required to pass the qualifying Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2027”
  3. HKGSA shall analyze the swimming results and data from “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” and consider to adjust the qualifying time for Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2027”
  4. Applicants who fail to enter the Racing Groups WILL NOT be allocated to the Leisure Groups
  5. The Final Entrant List will be announced on 30 September 2026 (Wednesday) at 11:00 a.m. on the Victoria Harbour Race website. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the result
  6. Participation qualification will be forfeited if the entry fee payment has not been settled in the stipulated time frame. The quota will then be allocated to the waiting list according to the order of the drawing results
Leisure Group
Men & Women (Event No. 3)
Eligibility
  • Hong Kong ID card holder and Non-Hong Kong ID card holder; and
  • Aged 12 or above (Born on or before 31 December 2014); and
  • Physically fit and healthy; and
  • Duly-signed Declaration of Responsibility (signed by parents for swimmers under 18 years of age); and/ or
  • For applicants aged 65 or above(Born on or before 31 December 1961); is required to submit a valid Medical Certificate (please refer to the Part B) Entry Procedures Clause 5.3)) together with the Time Trial Fee (if applicable) / or Entry Fee via the designated official website, Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document.
Entry Acceptance Criteria
Participants
holding a valid
Hong Kong
Identity Card
Time Trial Exempted
  • Race Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025”, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025“– Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025”, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
  • Obtained records of completing 1,500m Long Course Swimming Competitions within 45 minutes from any Swimming Pool organized or sanctioned by HKGSA between 1 September 2025 and 27 August 2026 (Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document); or
  • Successfully completed “2025/26 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 2)”: 10km events or 3.3km events (Date: 12 October 2025); or
  • Successfully completed “2025/26 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 3)”: 5km events or 3.3km events (Date: 4 January 2026); or
  • Successfully completed “2026/27 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 1)”: 10km events or 3.3km events (Date: 10 May 2026).
Require to participate in the Time Trial
  • Participate in the Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2026”: Leisure Group in Hong Kong (Must complete 1,500m in 45 minutes).
Participants
holding a valid
Non-Hong Kong
Identity Card
Time Trial Exempted
  • Race Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025”, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025“– Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
  • Time Trial Results of “Victoria Harbour Race 2025”, applicable to:
    1. The participants who successfully completed in the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
    2. The applicants who were successfully selected to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group, but did not attend the Race on that day (i.e., November 22, 2025); or
    3. The qualified applicants who were not select to the “Victoria Harbour Race 2025” – Leisure Group/ Racing Group; or
  • Obtained records of completing 1,500m Long Course Swimming Competition within 45 minutes between 1 September 2025 and 27 August 2026. Only proven time records endorsed by its National Swimming Association will be taken into consideration (Eligibility will only be confirmed once HKGSA has verified the document).
Require to participate in the Time Trial
  • Participate in the Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2026”: Leisure Group in Hong Kong (Must complete 1,500m in 45 minutes).
Remarks
  1. For swimmers, who are unable to complete the “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” within the designated time, they will be considered as new applicants in “Victoria Harbour Race 2027” and required to pass the qualifying Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2027”
  2. HKGSA shall analyze the swimming results and data from “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” and consider to adjust the qualifying time for Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2027”
  3. Quota of each individual gender group and Team are assigned on a pro rata basis among the qualified applicants
  4. Quotas will be assigned on a pro rata basis among Individuals (Male, Female) and Teams categories, based on the total number of applicants who have successfully passed or exempted the time trial
  5. The Final Entrant List will be announced on 30 September 2026 (Wednesday) at 11:00 a.m. on the Victoria Harbour Race website. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the result
  6. Participation qualification will be forfeited if the entry fee payment has not been settled in the stipulated time frame; the quota will then be allocated to the waiting list according to the order of the drawing result.
  7. The assignment to start time, in which a participant shall compete, shall be made by HKGSA at its sole discretion. No requests for a change of race category or start time will be entertained.

D) Time Trial

  1. All participants (excluding those Time Trial Exempted) must select the Time Trial’s date and time slot during the online application (First-come, first-served basis).
  2. The participation list of Time Trial will be announced on 7 September 2026 (Monday) at 11:00 a.m. on Victoria Harbour Race website. Swimmers are required to attend their time trial at the designated time following the announcement of the List; those who failed to comply will not be entertained and the time trial fee is non-refundable & the quota is non-transferable under any circumstances.
  3. No requests for change of the time trail timeslot will be entertained once the application is accepted and confirmed.
  4. Information of Time Trial
    Racing Group
    (Recommended for experienced and Elite swimmers)
    Venue Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
    Swimming Pool    		 Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
    Swimming Pool    		 Kowloon Tsai
    Swimming Pool
    Address 16 Eastern Street North,
    Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong    		 16 Eastern Street North,
    Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong    		 13 Inverness Road,
    Kowloon City, Kowloon
    Date 13/9/2026
    (Sunday)    		 19/9/2026
    (Saturday)    		 20/9/2026
    (Sunday)
    Time 17:00 – 19:00
    Qualifying time Must complete 1,500m in 35 minutes
    Leisure Group
    Venue Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
    Swimming Pool    		 Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
    Swimming Pool    		 Kowloon Tsai
    Swimming Pool
    Address 16 Eastern Street North,
    Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong    		 16 Eastern Street North,
    Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong    		 13 Inverness Road,
    Kowloon City, Kowloon
    Date 13/9/2026
    (Sunday)    		 19/9/2026
    (Saturday)    		 20/9/2026
    (Sunday)
    Time 09:00 – 17:00
    Qualifying time Must complete 1,500m in 45 minutes
  5. Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above) / “Extreme Conditions”/ Black Rainstorm Signal Special Arrangements
    1. In the event of issuance of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or “Extreme Condition” announcement by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Time Trial Arrangement are as follows:
      Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8
      or above/ Black Rainstorm Warning
      Signal/ ”Extreme Condition”      		 Time Trial Arrangement
      Lowered Or Cancelled
      between 6:00 a.m. and 7:59 a.m.      		 Time Trial of that day will start
      3 HOURS after signal being lowered or cancelled
      Issued and will be in force
      after 8:00a.m.      		 Time Trial of Leisure Group
      (AM session: 0900-1300)
      will be cancelled
      Lowered Or Cancelled
      between 8:00 a.m. and 11:59 a.m.      		 Time Trial of Leisure Group
      (PM session: 1300-1700) and
      Racing Group (1700-1900) will start
      3 HOURS after signal being lowered or cancelled
      Issued and will be in force
      after 12:00 noon      		 Time Trial of that day will be cancelled
      Issued during Time Trial hours Time Trial will be terminated
      instantly and cancelled
    2. For the latest arrangement, please refer to the “Latest News” of Victoria Harbour Race website.
  6. The Time Trial results will be announced on 24 September 2026 (Thursday) at 11:00 a.m. on the Victoria Harbour Race website. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the Time Trial Results.
  7. Participants who wish to apply for a time trial exemption using alternative results after the time trial fee has been paid shall be subject to verification by HKGSA. Upon successful verification, the submitted results may be accepted for exemption purposes however the time trial fee paid shall be non-refundable.

E) Final Entrant List & Waiting List

  1. The Final Entrant List and Waiting List will be announced on 30 September 2026 (Wednesday) at 11:00 a.m. on the Victoria Harbour Race website. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the result.
  2. Participation qualification will be forfeited if the entry fee payment has not been settled in the stipulated time frame. The quota will then be allocated to the waiting list according to the order of the drawing results.
  3. Applicants who fail to enter the Racing Groups WILL NOT be allocated to the Leisure Groups.

F) Fees

Time Trial Fee: HK$250/entry

Payment Method:
Payment must be settled during the online application
Entry Fee: HK$650/entry

Payment Method – Final Entrant List:

Final Entrant List: After the announcement of the Final Entrant List, participants shall receive an email for settling the Entry Fee by online payment from 30 September 2026 to 7 October 2026.

Payment Method – Waiting List:

Waiting List: After the announcement of the Waiting List, participants shall receive an email for settling the Entry Fee by online payment from 9 October 2026 to 13 October 2026.
  1. Only online payments are accepted. It is the sole responsibility of an applicant to ensure that payment is made through the official payment channel designated by HKGSA before the payment deadline. No reminder for payment will be made to any applicant. Failure to complete the payment process by the deadline will result in the forfeiture of the application/entry. Applicants who fail to pay the fee(s) before the payment deadline will be deemed to have withdrawn the applications/ entries and such applications will no longer be processed.
  2. The applicant for each Team (i.e. the Team Captain) must settle the time trial fees (if applicable) and/or entry fees for the entire Team.
  3. Once the application/entry is accepted, all Time Trial Fee and/or Entry Fee is non-refundable & non-transferable under any circumstance.

G) Race Kit Collection

  1. Final Entrants should make an appointment (first-come, first-served basis) for Race Kit Collection when they receive an email from HKGSA for settling the Entry Fee payment.
  2. Participation qualification will be forfeited if Entry Fee is not paid in the stipulated time frame or the Race Kit is not collected on time. All fees paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
  3. Race Kit
    1. Racing Group
      A race kit including a baggage bag, a race card, a swimmer’s guide, 2 electronic transponders for wrists, 1 electronic transponder for ankle, a designated numbered swim cap, a marker pen and souvenirs will be distributed to each participant. On Race day, participants must mark their race numbers on the left-hand side of their back, both arms and back of their hands with the marker pen provided by HKGSA (For details please refer to the Swimmers’ Guide).
    2. Leisure Group
      A race kit including a baggage bag, a race card, a swimmer’s guide, 1 electronic transponder for ankle, a designated numbered swim cap, a tow float, a marker pen and souvenirs will be distributed to each participant. On Race day, participants must mark their race numbers on the left-hand side of their back, both arms and back of their hands with the marker pen provided by HKGSA (For details please refer to the Swimmers’ Guide).
    3. Upon collection of the race kit, participants are reminded to verify their personal details, including name and race number. Should there be any discrepancies or inquiries, please notify staff of HKGSA immediately before leaving the collection station.
    4. Details of Race Kit Collection
      1. Will be announced in due course;
      2. Participants should collect their Race Kit according to the reserved timeslot at specified venue. Should any participants fail to do so, HKGSA reserves the right to revoke participants’ right to collect the Race Kit without prior notice. Participants must provide the identity document (as same as used for registration) to official for verification of personal information. Should any participants fail to present the relevant identity documents, HKGSA will revoke participants’ right to collect the Race Kit.
  4. Authorize to pick up
    1. Successful applicants who are unable to collect their race materials in person may authorize a representative to collect on their behalf. The representative must:
      1. Download and submit the original copy Authorization Letter (please click HERE to download), which must include the Name and the identification document number of the authorized representative, and signature of the participant);
      2. Present a copy of the identity document used by the applicant during registration;
      3. Present a copy of identification document of the authorized representative; and
      4. Present the Confirmation of Entry Fee Payment Email
    2. Should the authorized representative fail to present and submit any of the aforementioned documents for verification and record-keeping during collection, HKGSA reserves the right to withhold the distribution of the participant’s race kit to the authorized representative.
  5. Team (Leisure Group only)
    1. Any member of the Team may be appointed to collect the race kits for the entire team (the collector is not required to present other team members’ identity documents or submit authorization letters); Alternatively, Team may authorize a non-member representative to collect the race kits, in which case the representative must follow the authorization procedures stated Clause 4) above.

H) Awards

  1. Racing Group
    (Individual Men & Women)
    Rank Prizes
    Champion Trophy, HKD$5,000, Electronic Certificate
    1st Runner-up Trophy, HKD$3,000, Electronic Certificate
    2nd Runner-up Trophy, HKD$2,000, Electronic Certificate
    3rd Runner-up Trophy, HKD$1,000, Electronic Certificate
    4th Runner-up Trophy, HKD$800, Electronic Certificate
    ➢ Electronic Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the Race
  2. Leisure Group
    (Male & Women)
    Electronic Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the Race
  3. Souvenir Medal will be awarded to all participants of Racing Group and Leisure Group who have successfully completed the Race
  4. Participants who fail to complete the Race will not be entitled to receive a souvenir medal nor an Electronic Certificate

I) Race Details

  1. Racing Group
    1. Every participant will be given a pair of wrist electronic transponders and 1 ankle electronic transponder for ankle, which should be secured on both wrists and ankle throughout the entire Race for result recording and head counting;
    2. A pair of wrist electronic transponders should be returned at the Wrist Electronic Transponders Return Center after the Race. Participants will be charged HK$500 for each of the devices in case of loss or failure to return the transponders. If participants did not pay the charge, HKGSA reserves the right to forbid the swimmer to participate in future Victoria Harbour Races. Ankle electronic transponder need not be returned after the Race;
    3. Every participant will be given a swim cap with a designated number.
  2. Leisure Group
    1. Every participant will be given 1 electronic transponder which should be secured on ankle throughout the entire Race for head counting. Ankle electronic transponder need not be returned after the Race;
    2. Every Leisure Group participant will be given a tow float, assigned with a designated number, which must be worn throughout the entire Race;
    3. Every swimmer will be given a swim cap with a designated number.
  3. Storage of Personal Belongings
    1. Participants are required to put their personal belongings inside the baggage bags provided by HKGSA in the race kit. The baggage should be stored at the Personal Belongings Deposit Area in Starting Area. Participants must write down their race numbers on the baggage bags by themselves BEFOREHAND. Any materials/ personal items which are not in the baggage bags will not be accepted;
    2. Participants could collect their baggage at Baggage Claim Area in Finishing Area after the Race. HKGSA has no responsibility for any loss or damage of the personal belongings.
  4. Venue Arrangement and Crowd Control
    1. Participants should follow instructions from the Race officials to facilitate a smooth operation;
    2. NO changing facilities will be provided on-site;
    3. Shower area is located at the Finishing Area for quick rinsing. Use of shampoo or toiletries is prohibited;
    4. Towel, T-shirt, slippers and bottled water will be provided to each swimmer upon reaching the shore at the Finishing Area;
    5. Only swimmers, officials and invited guests are allowed to enter the Starting and Finishing Area.
  5. Result Announcement
    1. The list of award winners for the Racing Group will be posted on the notice board at the Finishing Area on the Race day. The remaining results will be uploaded to the Victoria Harbour Race website thereafter. Participants can download their certificates from the Victoria Harbour Race website.
  6. Reminders
    1. Swimmers must wear apparels or put on labels provided by HKGSA when attending media events or interviews;
    2. Winners and runners-up must ONLY wear apparels provided by HKGSA during the ceremony.
  7. Declaration of Responsibility
    1. Swimmers should acknowledge that open water swimming is a high-risk aquatic sport. Swimmers must be aware of the tide and water condition, and carefully consider their participation based on their swimming ability and health condition. HKGSA will make every effort to ensure the safety of all swimmers during the Race. However, HKGSA and its officials have no responsibility nor liability for any injuries, accidents or fatalities arising from the Race. Training practice in open water prior to the Race is highly recommended。
  8. Race Day Inclement Weather Arrangement
    1. The Race will be cancelled under any of the following conditions:
      1. Typhoon Signal No. 1 or above, hoisted on or before 6:00 am; or
      2. Amber Rainstorm Signal and localised thunderstorm warning for that area^ issued simultaneously; or
      3. Red Rainstorm Signal; or
      4. Black Rainstorm Signal; or or
      5. Localised thunderstorm warning for that area^; or
      6. Occurrence of red tide at the venue; or
      7. Any conditions unsuitable for staging the competition.

Remarks:

^Applicable only to Tsim Sha Tsui and/or Wan Chai districts

J) Race Course

K) Rules and Regulations

  1. This Race is conducted in accordance with the “Competition Regulations” adopted by Open Water Swimming of the World Aquatics and the Hong Kong China Swimming Association.
    Website: https://www.worldaquatics.com/open-water/rules
  2. Upon submitting his/her payment of the entry fee, an applicant declares that he/she agrees to and accept these Terms & Conditions, the Competition Rules and all other Rules and Regulations which may be adopted by the HKGSA from time to time.
  3. Swimmers must wear the designated swim caps provided by the HKGSA during the Race.
  4. Swimmer MUST present and submit a valid Race Card issued by the HKGSA at the Registration Counter. If swimmers cannot provide a valid Race Card or report to the Registration Counter, they will not be allowed to join the current Race and they may not be eligible for the future Race.
  5. Racing Group
    1. Racing group swimmers who are unable to present their Race Cards, 2 wrist electronic transponders, 1 ankle electronic transponders and their designated swim caps will not be allowed to participate in the Race;
    2. During the Race, racing group swimmers must wear swim caps and electronic transponder chips (Wrist & Ankle) provided by HKGSA throughout the whole Race period. Those who fail to comply may be disqualified;
    3. Racing group swimmers MUST report to the Wrist Electronic Transponder Return Center immediately after the Race to return their pair of wrist electronic transponders;
    4. Racing group swimmers must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. Swimwear for both men and women shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the ankle.
  6. Leisure Group
    1. Leisure group swimmers who are unable to present their race cards, the ankle electronic transponders, their designated swim caps and tow floats will not be allowed to participate in the Race;
    2. During the Race, leisure group swimmers must wear swim caps, the ankle electronic transponder chips and tow floats provided by HKGSA throughout the whole Race period. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave the water and will be disqualified. Should the swimmer lose the tow float intentionally, HKGSA reserves the right to forbid the swimmer to participate in the coming year;
    3. Leisure group swimmers SHOULD swim within the Race Course. Swimmers found outside the Race Course will be guided back to the course by canoes. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave the water and will be disqualified;
    4. Leisure group swimmers can choose the swimsuits and wetsuits according to one’s own choice.
  7. All electronic transponders (Wrist & Ankle), tow floats, race cards and swim caps are non-transferable. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
  8. Participants will be disqualified if they do not start at the designated category and start time assigned by HKGSA. No result and certificate will be issued to those participants.
  9. If swimmers feel unwell, exhausted or affected by cramp during the Race, please raise a hand and call for help immediately. For the leisure group swimmers, they shall float on back, hold the tow float tight with one hand and raise the other hand for assistance. Lifeguards and Rescue Boat would come to rescue immediately.
  10. To avoid overcrowding, swimmers should leave the pier as quickly as possible after landing.
  11. Any swimming activity in the Harbour is prohibited after the Race.
  12. Swimmers must forfeit their right to participate in the Race and will be asked to leave water by officials if they were unable to finish the Race within 50 minutes after the start of each event. Their results will be recorded as “NQ” (Not Qualified);
    1. For swimmers, who are unable to finish the “Victoria Harbour Race 2026” within the designated time, they will be considered as new applicants in “Victoria Harbour Race 2027” and required to pass the qualifying Time Trial of “Victoria Harbour Race 2027”.
  13. Participants must retire and leave the race course immediately, if requested to do so by any member of the race officials, medical staff, race director or referees.
  14. Swimmer is not permitted to use any device that may be an aid to their speed or endurance such as fins and paddles. Nails should be trimmed and not sharp.
  15. Please do not wear watches or jewellery.
  16. Swimmer is prohibited to bring any devices with camera or audio-recording functions into the competition venue.
  17. To ensure public safety, officials in the race area have the right to inspect the belongings of those entering the area.
  18. No political action shall take place during the Race, no matter promoting, distributing, or sharing of political contents or messages. Any swimmer failing to observe the aforementioned rule will be disqualified and he/she has to leave the Race Area immediately. The organizer will refer to law enforcement departments for further action, if necessary.
  19. Participants are prohibited from committing or attempting to commit any act in violation of the laws of the HKSAR, including the National Security Law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance governing the HKSAR.
  20. The participant must not carry out or attempts to carry out any kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda at the Race or other venues or areas relating to the Race.
  21. Participant’s act must not be contrary to the interest of national security.
  22. Dangerous / prohibited goods (i.e. offensive weapons, flammable, explosive agents or materials / objects which obstruct other participants, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Those who violate this rule will be asked to leave the course immediately and such cases might be reported to the Law Enforcement Agency.
  23. Participation in the Race is personal to the applicant and all applicants are strictly prohibited from swapping, selling, auctioning, transferring or offering to swap, sell, auction or transfer their successful entry or their place in the Race or allow or permit any other person to wear their designated numbered swim cap allocated to them. Any breach of this rule shall render the entry void and both the foul applicant and the substituted participant shall be subject to disciplinary action by HKGSA including exclusion from participation in future Races organized by HKGSA.
  24. In the event of any disputes, HKGSA reserves the right of final decision.

L) Cancellation

  1. Should the Event be cancelled due to weather, Force Majeure#, or other circumstances beyond the control of HKGSA, 50% of the paid entry fee (i.e. HK$325) will be refunded to the participants’ original payment account (credit card or relevant electronic payment method) within two months after the scheduled conclusion of the Race. Apart from the aforementioned refund, HKGSA shall have no other responsibilities and / or liabilities in relation to cancellation of the Event.
    #Force Majeure
    Includes and is not limited to the Organiser being unable to perform its obligations or organise or hold the Event due to fire, flood, earthquake, or other severe natural disaster or act of God; or due to protest, riot, civil disobedience, uprising, march, revolt, assembly, demonstration, occupation, commotion, mass gathering, war, insurrection, sabotage, pandemic, epidemic, or terrorist attack or the likelihood of such event or act. A reduction of the approved quota by the Hong Kong SAR Government or an imposition of any contagious disease measures by the Hong Kong SAR Government which are more stringent than those already approved by the Hong Kong SAR Government shall be deemed to be a Force Majeure.

M) Other Information

  1. HKGSA has its sole discretion to reject any entry.
  2. Public Liability Insurance is covered by HKGSA. Swimmers are advised to take up their own personal or other insurance policies separately, if necessary.
  3. Swimmers are recommended to have a thorough health assessment before applying for the Race. In any case of doubt, please consult a doctor prior to enrolment.
  4. HKGSA does not encourage any person to bring any valuable items to attend any activities of the Race, and in case of any property loss, HKGSA will not be held responsible.
  5. The photograph, video, or any other record of the swimmers during the Race or any activities taken by HKGSA, its agents and the venue sponsor are permitted to use for any lawful purposes, including commercial advertising, without making any payment or compensation to the swimmers.
  6. HKGSA reserves the right to modify any information at any time without notice; and the right of final interpretation, decision and modification of all relevant courses, activities, and public information.

N) Contact Us

HKGSA
office
Tel: 2572 8594/ 2572 8524
Email: harbourrace@hkgswimming.org.hk
Address: Unit L, 9/F, MG Tower, 133 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Office Hour: Monday to Friday:
10:00 am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Closed on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays
Victoria Harbour Race Website: https://www.hkharbourrace.com/
Hong Kong China Swimming Association
Address:
Unit L, 9/F, MG Tower, 133 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
(Ngau Tau Kok MTR station, Exit B6)
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (10:00 am – 12:00 noon; 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm);
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Tel:
(852) 2572 8594/ 2572 8524
Fax:
(852) 2591 0792
Email:
harbourrace@hkgswimming.org.hk
Contact Us
Hong Kong China Swimming Association
Address:
Unit L, 9/F, MG Tower, 133 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
(Ngau Tau Kok MTR station, Exit B6)
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (10:00 am - 12:00 noon; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm);
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Tel:
(852) 2572 8594/ 2572 8524
Fax:
(852) 2591 0792
Email:
harbourrace@hkgswimming.org.hk
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