Promotions to attract more overseas participants in the Hong Kong Marathon have been successful, with 1,762 foreign runners taking part this year, up from 294 in 2001, Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Tsang told legislators the Tourism Board has been working with the Amateur Athletic Association and the marathon sponsors to launch promotional activities attracting tourists to take part.

The promotions included marathon tour packages. The association also accepted overseas enrollments after the closing date. About 250 visitors were enrolled upon their arrival in 2008.

New marathon arrangements like using the Island Eastern Corridor for the 10 km challenge, and moving the finish area to Victoria Park in the Hong Kong Island, were well received by many participants, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 13, 2008)