Hong Kong International Triathlon
Olympic Distance Independent

Hong Kong International Triathlon

Hong Kong, Hong Kong · OCT

🏊 1500m
🚴 40km
🏃 10km
39

Triathlon Index Score

Challenging

Average Finish Time 02:30:00
Total Finishers 1500
Temperature 25°C
Water Temperature 19°C
Bike Elevation ↑350m
Established 2008

"City-centre triathlon in Hong Kong — race through iconic streets and waterways."

🏊 Swim

Distance 1500m
Water ocean (open-water)
Water Temp 19°C
Wetsuit allowed

Ocean swim in Hong Kong

🚴 Bike

Distance 40km
Elevation ↑350m
Profile hilly
Drafting Non-drafting

Hilly bike course through Hong Kong region

🏃 Run

Distance 10km
Elevation ↑65m
Surface road
Topology out-and-back

Run course through Hong Kong

Transition Details

T1 — Swim → Bike
T2 — Bike → Run

T1/T2 are in the same location · Surface: grass

Weather

Air Temp 25°C 18°–33°C
Humidity 67%
Rain Chance 44%
Wind 24 km/h

Typical race-day conditions: 25°C with 67% humidity.

Registration

Registration Opens aprile
Entry Cost €124
Time Limit 4h
Register Now →

https://www.example.com/hong-kong-triathlon

The Story

Hong Kong is a city that functions at a pace and density that shouldn't be possible, and its triathlon inherits that energy. The Hong Kong International Triathlon takes place against one of the world's most dramatic urban backdrops — Victoria Harbour, the Peak, and a forest of skyscrapers that make other cities look like suburbs.

The ocean swim in Hong Kong waters at 19°C is an exercise in sensory overload: Star Ferries crossing the harbour, container ships on the horizon, and the vertical city rising from the waterline like a wall of glass and steel.

The bike course is where Hong Kong shows its topography. 350 metres of climbing in 40km — the hills are real, steep, and relentless. Hong Kong is not a flat city; it's built vertically, and the roads that connect its scattered districts climb through jungle-draped hills before plunging back to sea level. The descents are technical, the surfaces variable, and the views — when you dare look up — span from the South China Sea to the New Territories.

The flat run through the city provides relief from the hills but not from the humidity. At 25°C and 67% humidity, the air is thick and warm, and the concrete canyon of the city amplifies the heat.

Hong Kong Triathlon is triathlon in a vertical city — dense, dramatic, and demanding. The combination of hills, heat, and one of the world's most iconic skylines creates a race that feels nothing like a standard urban triathlon.

"The bike course has real hills — Hong Kong hills, steep and unforgiving. You earn every metre of descent."

Local triathlete — Post-race, Hong Kong Triathlon

"Swimming with the Hong Kong skyline in front of you is surreal. It doesn't look real. Then a Star Ferry crosses your sightline."

Visiting competitor — Race review

What It Feels Like

Hong Kong Triathlon is a hilly, humid, dramatic city race. The bike course is the star — genuine climbing with Victoria Harbour views. It rewards climbers, heat-adapted athletes, and anyone who appreciates racing in one of the world's most extraordinary cities.

🏊 The Swim

1,500m ocean swim at 19°C in Hong Kong waters. The harbour setting is dramatic but the water can be choppy with boat traffic nearby. Sighting is easy — the skyline provides unmistakable reference points. The water temperature is comfortable with a wetsuit.

🚴 The Bike

40km with 350m of climbing. Hong Kong's hills are steep and the roads wind through jungle-draped terrain. The descents are technical with tight corners. This is a bike course that separates climbers from flat-course specialists. Good bike handling and climbing power are essential.

🏃 The Run

10km through the city on relatively flat terrain. After the hilly bike, the flat run is welcome — but the humidity makes it demanding. Heat management and conservative pacing are key. The urban setting provides shade in some sections.

Legendary Moments

2008

International Launch

The Hong Kong International Triathlon establishes the city as an Asian triathlon destination. The hilly bike course and Victoria Harbour backdrop set it apart from flat-course Asian competitors.

2018

The Typhoon Threat

Typhoon season threatens to cancel the race. The event goes ahead in blustery conditions, producing dramatic racing and reinforcing Hong Kong's reputation for racing through adversity.

💡 Insider Tips

Prepare for This Race

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FAQ

What distance is the Hong Kong International Triathlon? +

The Hong Kong International Triathlon is a Olympic Distance distance triathlon: 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run (51.5km total) in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

When is the Hong Kong International Triathlon? +

Typically held in October on a Saturday.

Water temperature and wetsuit rules? +

Ocean water at 19°C average. Wetsuits are allowed.

How hilly is the bike course? +

350m of climbing over 40km. Profile: hilly. Drafting not allowed.

What's the weather like on race day? +

18–33°C, 67% humidity, 44% rain chance, 24 km/h winds.

Average finish time? +

Approximately 2h 30m. Varies with conditions and athlete experience.

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