“Go Hong Kong” is banned in Hong Kong Marathon

“Hong Kong” or “come on” was banned in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on 24th due to numerous national security laws in Hong Kong. A number of participants told the media that they could not pass the security check because of their clothes or tattoos with the words “Hong Kong” or “Come on” on them, and were required to change their clothes or cover up before continuing to compete, otherwise they would be responsible for the consequences.

This is the first major sports event with runners in Hong Kong due to the epidemic. It is also the first Hong Kong Marathon since the implementation of the National Security Law, with about 15,000 runners on site. The authorities have mobilized 2,000 police to secure the city. The security check items obviously included runners’ clothing. Many runners wore clothes or running pants with “Hong Kong” written directly and “Come on” written horizontally, but were prevented from running by the police or on-site staff.

The organizers initially said there was no problem with color restrictions and slogans such as “Hong Kong (Go!)” associated with the democracy movement, but later backtracked twice in statements before the event, stressing that politics should not be a part of the sport.

Hong Kong police also warned before the competition not to engage in illegal activities or in violation of the rules of the competition, in addition to being banned from the competition, may be searched and reported.

A man in green, whose shirt read “Hong Kong (Go!)”, was stopped and escorted by a group of police officers to a tent to be handed over to staff. At first, he had no idea what was going on, so he had to take off his clothes and put on a windbreaker after being explained by the staff. However, the staff warned him not to wear it back during the race, otherwise he would “suffer the consequences”. When asked if the rule was reasonable, the man said, “I don’t need to tell you. Everyone understands.”

The symbol “Hong Kong (Go!)” was used by many protesters during the “anti-China” movement in 1920. Another man in purple was also stopped by the police for having the words “Hong Kong (Go!)” written on his clothes. He proposed wearing the wrong clothes, but was rejected by the staff, and finally had to wear a windbreaker similar to the man in green, which he complained was unreasonable.

Another woman, surnamed Wang, was stopped for writing “Hong Kong (Go!)” on the hem of her shorts, and was forced to borrow pants from a friend to change in order to compete. Wang said she wore the trousers after reading media reports that “Hong Kong (come on)” was ok. She said she was taken into her tent by police officers for questioning, body search and video recording. The police also copied down her race number and ID number.

There were also participants with “Hong Kong (come on)” tattoo on their feet. They were taken to the tent by the staff and asked him to cover up the tattoo with tape before successfully entering the competition.