THE CLEAN HALF
NOVEMBER 24, 2007
Marathon Swimming Open Water Relay
Hong Kong will be the host of the region’s first Marathon Swimming Open Water Relay, The Clean Half, staged between Sheko and Repulse Bay on November 24th. This event is the first of its type in Asia, and is modeled after the world famous Maui Channel Crossing. The course chosen from Sheko to Repulse Bay is along some of the most stunning views that Hong Kong Island has to offer, along an 8.8 mile (14.6km) route. The marathon relay swim will be in coordination with the Dragon Run, Hong Kong’s first professional Surf Ski race which will include the 10-time world champion as well as many international competitors.

Water temperatures on the day will be around 23 degrees Celsius, with air-temperature between 18 and 27 degrees. Each team will have five members, and one speed boat will accompany each team. Each swimmer will swim for 30 minutes for the first rotation through the team, with 10 minute intervals thereafter until the race finishes in Repulse Bay.

Both The Clean Half and Dragon Run will finish at the same location, where there will be beach activities for all of the spectators, music, food and awards. These two events will be the first of their type in Hong Kong where prize money is given for aquatic sports, and each event is expected to be a highlight on the circuit of international aquatic adventure racing in the future.
Although based around the open water swim and surf ski races, the event’s agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. These events complement the Hong Kong Harbour Festival, giving further illustration to how important our ocean and coastal waters are to Hong Kong.
The dual events will generate positive media attention due to their unique nature, distance and site locations. As Hong Kong prepares for next year’s Olympics, and the East Asian Games in 2009, the Hong Kong community is more appreciative and demanding of new sporting events. The Clean Half and Dragon Run are two of the hottest events to come to Asia’s most geographically diverse city.


For more information, contact Doug Woodring at: dougwoodring@hotmail.com

There will be a limit to 25 teams, so early registration is suggested. Local swimmers can be found to fill-out foreign teams if needed. Each team will be required to pay for boat support which will be pre-arranged by the organizers.