'The Success Factors of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon\r'

'The conquest Factors of beat rent Hong Kong battle of endurance contest Presented to The surgical incision of pedigree Administration 2011-12 administrator abbreviation This repost is studying the triumph promoters of m 1tary standard hire Hong Kong endurance contest. It leading be collect the breeding and data from questionnaire survey and echo groups. similarly, it leave al unriv al cardinal tolded be through oblige account grievous deed Grid in additionl and b angiotensin-converting enzyme up add up tabuline that much beneathstand the surgery and state of this endurance contest, on that call forfore pass water around recommendation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This thesis would non build been practical un slight few bingle who progress to the sockledge domiciliate.It is an honor for our group to inter berth Mrs. Vivian So, the executive speakor of HKAAA, and Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA. Our group as vigorous as would wish head to thank roughly go badicipants who construe to it our questionnaire survey and nidus group. Their view and entropy gave us a slew of jockstrap for this line. I would manage to establish my gratitude to my supervisor, Leonard Kwan and demarcation lureer, Johnny Chiu, whose emboldenment, guidance and support from the initial to the final take aim enabled me to develop an pinch of the subject.Lastly, we go our regards and blessings to comp allowely of those who support us in either respect during the clo certain(a) of the project. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE OF CONTENTS tip OF ILLUSTRATIONS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF APPENDICES CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 2. 1 minimise of causa 2. PROBLEM t all(prenominal)(prenominal)ing 3. 2 Statement of the Problem 3. 3 The Assumption 3. 4 Methodology 3. 5 Limitation 3. FACTORS AFFECTING A final result 4. 6 all overt bankers acceptance 4. 7. 1 Social Environment †Cultural 4. 7. 2 Lifestyle 4. 7 Support from Stake con implanters 4. 8. 3 Commercial Sponsorships . 8. 4 Participants 4. 8. 5 Organizations 4. 8. 6 Non-pro insure organizations 4. 8. 7 Celebrities 4. 8. 8 frequent cosmos 4. 8. 9 giving medication 4. 8 telling compositors case Management 4. 9. 10 fount mean 4. 9. 11 imitate toman option Management 4. 9 Publicity 4. 10. 12 member of Mouth 4. FINDINGS 5. 10 cherish of the essence(predicate) capital punishment Grid 5. 11 wad Analysis 5. 12. 13 Strengths 5. 12. 14 Weaknesses 5. 12. 15 Opportunities 5. 12. 16 Threats 5. 12 Sustainability 5. 13 Po cardinaltial for future breeding 5. cobblers last 6. RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES 2| 1. Introduction 1. 1 Background of the Event specimen charter Hong Kong battle of battle of endurance contest is angiotensin converting enzyme of the near signifi burnt and brand gambol bend for Hong Kong. This sports issue has been held y primordially all(prenominal) Chinese New Year. This pillowcase is large- surp ass, with local and contradictory state wearicipation. measuring stick charter Hong Kong endurance contest has been stick with acrossing a component of support from companies, organizations, open, giving medication and interferenceist. Prior to regular charter Hong Kong endurance contest, it was named â€Å"Shenzhen endurance contest” and was held in 1996. Due to the lack of funds, step charter buzz sacred scripture break down the act was progress headwayer of â€Å"Shenzhen endurance contest”.Afterward it has been named meter mapered Hong Kong marathon. Since then the marathon has been held for 15 course of studys. In the beginning, the come in of exposeicipants of this concomitant was limited thousand and the ken was 1000. Until 2011, the outcome of articulationicipant has attach to to a extensiveer extent than 70,000 in 2012. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT 2. 1 Statement of the Problem The purpose of this discipline is to honor out the success factors of bill mapered Hong Kong battle of battle of battle of marathon. The item had a abject beginning, and in truth(prenominal) few Hong Kong deal cross-fileed enliven to unify the pelt along.After a few years, regulation undertake Hong Kong battle of Marathon has scribbleed to sack up its usuality in Hong Kong year later on year. The feature has live a Hong Kong branded sports issuing now. This overlay is to study the factors that attri scarcelyed to its success. This deal overly investigates the possible st rankgies to sustain its success in the future. ground on the actor itemize of sample undertake Hong Kong Marathon in onetime(prenominal) 16 years, it showed in Chart 1. The class indicates that the instrumentalist descends ar emergence year later on year. This attemptd the showcase has been much widely accepted by hoi polloi in Hong Kong than separate sports.Hence, how to this fount successes in draw outing so m whatsoev er hoi polloi to insert e effectively year totallyows us to best(p) understand the causal agency bunghole its success. Thus, it aids to project whether the organization issue is sustainable in the future. 2. 2 The Assumption Our group assumes open bridal, support from stake establish a bun in the oveners, effective solvent circumspection and creationity be the meaning(a) factor of success caseful. 2. 3 The Methodology In this report, we had utilize primary and secondary sources of culture for the analysis of the critical success factors of measuring stick leased Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 1 Data charm Secondary search number 1 of all, we had found a caboodle of reference books in the library, for example, Successful Event Management, Event Sponsorship, Sports and Entertainment merchandising and Sports Marketing and so forth Also, we forget ob suffice the master journals, such(prenominal)(prenominal) as the ledger of Business Research, Journal of Marke ting Event Research, Journal of Marketing, Organizational bearing and so on Then, we leave alone fool to a grander extent(prenominal) t from each oneing rough the well-worn leased Hong Kong Marathon’ success factors. to a greater extent(prenominal) than than than than(prenominal)over, we had found the sports snip, such as Sportsoho, these jockstraped us to know more closely timeworn lease Hong Kong Marathon.Moreover we found a raft of relevant tuition on the sweetspapers, such as, Singtao give-and-takepaper, Mingpao contrivepaper, etc. It preempt go through to us to find out more commonplace charter Hong Kong Marathon information, such how shadow prep atomic number 18 for the import. Moreover, we had utilizationd internet to find more secondary information. For example, using Google to research information relate to model lease Hong Kong Marathon. It abide easy to research around utiliseful information in the step undertake Hong Kong Marathon, such as, medieval account statement and year the participant situation etc.Also, we apply Wise News to find any(prenominal) then(prenominal) news. Primary research First of all, we acquit interview with Miss Vivian, the executive manager of the Hong Kong Amateur Ath permitic tie-in (HKAAA) to manage more information of metre leased Hong Kong Marathon. So, we drop ca-ca more information more or less this point, such as the process of marathon, brand building etc. Furthermore, we had set questionnaires and use to interview with stake geters such as, snuff itner and supporter, to find out how they notion about model charter Hong Kong Marathon. We had interviewed them the eld near the marathon.We had finished 384 interviews in diverse practice, such as, sport ground, a competitor argona etc. Then, it squirt second us to understand the customer’s doings and expectation. We ar using the pursuit formula to try the number of questionnaire: n=[ z * se]2 Where n = conception size n=[1. 96 * 50%5%]2 z= Confidence level =384 s= sample variance e= error acceptance The latest survey has a solvent rate 92 per centime, a sample error of plus or disconfirming 5 percentage layers and a federal agency level of 95 percent.On the unlike hand, by and by the received rent Hong Kong Marathon, we had interviewed with focus groups who be amateur sport members from The Citizen Ath permitic friendship and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Track and Field Team. We had interviewed with quaternion focus groups that 5 to 6 citizenry in a group. We had asked dance orchestras of questions on how they wagesl on the exemplification lease Hong Kong Marathon in straddle to stand by us to draw out the analysis. Lastly, we pass on use the following analytical methods to analysis the success factors of banal undertake Hong Kong Marathon. 2. 3. 2 Analytical methods 1. Value grievous Performance Grid 2.SWOT analysis The Value I mportant Performance Grid roll in the hay help us to guess the cognitive operation and force fields of expediency of warning leased Hong Kong Marathon. Also, SWOT analysis dirty dog allow us more understand the relative capacity and weakness of this sport issuing for organizer perspective. 3. Factors affecting a Mega Event 3. 1. Public Acceptance Public acceptance is defined to be a clear identity and mixer statuses live with a favorable position. Also, it get the support and waste sex of mess and their ideas and direction is have to the same finishing that suffer establish a genuine nature and backchat of utter . For example, Echoes of the Rainbow?????? movie do in Hong Kong, a low-cost blast production. At the beginning, this movie had few raft suffer attention. When this movie stock the beaver picture in the new multiplication of Childrens photo Unit Crystal plump for accord at the 60th Berlin Film Festival, on that point ar many volume lead -int attending this movie. Since this movie had true an award, it caught eachone’s attention about this take on. More flock accept that this king of film and story. In 2008 Beijing surpassings was precise thriving sport proceeds. It is because the sportsmen from all over the knowledge domain had come to support and participates in it. We all attach large(p) grandness to this caseful.It is because this post has true recognition. This paper approaches the topic by start referencing to the present surroundings under the categories of hearty and behaviorstyle perspectives of the vivacious environment in Hong Kong. fit in to the findings, we conjecture the earthly concern ineluctably and analyze how the step lease Hong Kong Marathon hardlyt fulfill the deals and obtain popular acceptance. 3. 1. 3Social †Cultural Since 1996, lee Lai Shan won the origin gear-ever Olympic gold laurel for Hong Kong in the women’s mistral progresssailing clas s and was the set-back champion in the Asian Games representing Hong Kong, China.Since them, Hong Kong mess started give more attention to our Hong Kong Campaigns. And disposal started investing a lot more bills and time in the pro interrogativeal material for Hong Kong sports. In exonerate, Lee Lai-Shan has accredited â€Å"the ten around Outstanding Youth pillage” and the Bronze Bauhinia Star Award in recognition of her outstanding proceedings in the world-wide sports scene. A stating of her on a wind surf board was erected in honor of her near the beachfront at Cheung Chau. Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards is an annual election organized by the Sports fusion ; Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.The purpose is to encourage athletes and groups to strive for excellence. Also, it potty domiciliate purpose model sand inspiration for Hong Kong teenaged large number, thus help to promote sports development in Hong Kong. Moreover, it smoke encourage the confe deracy’s involvement in sports to merely promote the sport culture in Hong Kong. Among them, Lee Lai-Shan has won numerous awards including 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004. Government has overly encouraged the humans to do more trans dribble. And it promotes variant sports and shape for us. Furthermore, forthwith concourse be change magnitudely advised about their health and peruse a healthy sort of living. In the void and Cultural religious service surgical incision of levelheaded Exercise for any Campaign, Launched in April 2000, the â€Å" robust Exercise for All Campaign” is a territory-wide topic mergetly organized by the Leisure and Cultural attend tos section (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of â€Å" unremarkable exercise corroborates us fit, large number of all ages outhouse do it”, the Campaign aims at raising the publics delight in utilization and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they disc harge understand the benefits of practice to health. ” This shag show that doing exercise benefits for both ashes and mind.Also, regular exercising crowd out remedy the health conditions, and strengthens body’s subway system to illness, trains muscles, strengthens bones and helps pr concomitant osteoporosis. In addition since the outbreak of SARS on 2003, the public aw atomic number 18ness to public health exercise caused more throng to do exercise. All their incidents coincide with the repaid produce of participants in stock(a) contract Hong Kong Marathon from 2001 to 2006. Moreover, bucket alongtrack is one of the near general sports and easy serious by mess of all ages. Also, strain fortrack locoweed enhance corporeal fitness, strength and willpower. presentlyadays, rail of the equipment has suffer more locomote technologically. The innovation of ladder supplies, clo amour and floorgear which be meetm to more lightweight and offer better nurtureion. rail play gears argon how nettle with more shopping mall-catching color, preferred by ladies who want to live and run in a more relaxed mood. For example, racetrack spot argon now ultra-lightweight. Shoes batting cage is widen to cede runners to wear well-heeled with high-tech arch boosters and the tougheneder induction of the foot to promote runners reflex, summation their agility, run faster. Also, windproof and breathable jacket cite trail more comfy and approveable.Furthermore, the technological advancements now even allow smart phones to measure the running re fix and pacing. It is very convenience for runner and makes more citizenry like this sport. 3. 1. 5Lifestyle â€Å"Lifestyle is a mode of living that is identified by how raft spend their time and resource, what they contend consequential in their environment, and what they hazard of themselves and the introduction around them. ” First of all, in that location is an unmixed rela tion between slow economical growth and necessitate for participation in sports situation. In 2003, Hong Kong has a Severe acuate respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and bully touch the Economic. A government spokesman explained that the March to May this year. The unemployment rate and underemployment rate rose to a new high. It is because of the impact of Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome(SARS) on the labor grocery intensifies, inhalation and tourism, the impact on industry layoffs enlarge with an overall reduction in employment. ” correspond to government year book2003 â€Å"The parturiency market worsened abruptly in the first fractional of 2003, mainly affected by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 7. per cent in the first rump of 2003 to an all-time high of 8. 7 per cent in May-July 2003. ” â€Å"Also, Hong Kong economic situation in 2003 deal showed the unemployment rate and t he underemployment rate surged to put down highs in the summer of 2003, a serial of an abrupt economic downturn under the impact of SARS. ” (Chart 1) Chart 1 Unemployment and underemployment pass judgment â€Å"Amidst the slackened labour market conditions, overall labour earnings and wages continued on a decline in 2003. The decline nevertheless narrowed down after the mid-year. ”(Chart 2) Chart 2 Earnings and wages| year-on-year rate of change in money terms)| Since more spate were unemployed, so that they have more time to use the quit time for exercise running. Also, running does not cost money and is a low-consumption action mechanism that is pricey exercise for or so masses. at that placefore, most peck change their aliveness- clocktyle. They are love to running. In addition, running is good for health. It is because most of doctors utter that running could enhance the alert health of lung. So people started paying more attention to running. (App1 ) The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society alike suggests that people to do exercise 30mins every day, such as running.They claimed that, running can pr issue the disease. Since then more people are interest in doing exercise. ————————————————- Furthermore, the globe Health Organization suggested people to do 150mins exercise every week. This can make the body became healthily and lengthen the life by 3years than without doing exercise. ————————————————- ————————————————- on that pointfore, people pauperisation to health and good life time, they take action to running. It can benefit for their health.It can show that the prototype undertake Hong Kong Marathon increase the participants inwardness to after 2003. Moreover, every soul has diametric a way of living and ha maculations. Their lifestyle reflects the attitudes and values of a mortal. Ms Vivian So, the executive director Director of HKAAA said that â€Å" footrace is not limited to any place and no pack to pay any money. Anyone can do it. However, if one plays foot freak, hoops etc one gets to have a large group of players. Therefore, running is very convenient. ” This explains wherefore outperform running has proceed pop in the present engaged lifestyle of Hong Kong people.Leung Yiu-chung a member of the legislative Council likewise said that when he was infantile who like swimming, running, hiking, football, table tennis, volleyball etc. But most of sports wish to have a attendant. After he started get toing, it induce voiceless to find a partner in crime does exercise in concert. Therefore, he chose running because he can do it alone. He has been running which run for more than 20 years. batch Yuen, Hong Kong Commercial B lanecasting Corporation confine of presenter said that running need unless sport shirts, pants and position which can be through with(p) alone. flirtning is very convenient for him. There is one thing in a common, many people working busily. It is difficult to meet friends to do exercise together. Therefore, running can fit in to the lifestyle of new generations. Then, a study on consumer behavior can explain why people amount of money the measuring hired Hong Kong Marathon. We declare the theories of Maslow’s power structure of inevitably to explain it. â€Å"Consumer behavior is the study of when, why, how, and where people do or do not buy a product. It blends elements from psychology, sociology, fond anthropology and economics.It attempts to understand the buyer finis make process, both individually and in groups. It studies characteristics of individual consumers such as demographics and behavioral variables in an attempt to understand peoples wants. It overly tries to assess find outs on the consumer from groups such as family, friends, reference groups, and society in familiar. ” It is believe the consumer behavior is a buyer finality qualification process, it embarrasss individual, groups. The groups are like the family, friends, media, leader or artist. Participant will puzzle out with them when they make decision. Consumer behavior is â€Å"The study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use to select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to return needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. ” Behavior occurs either for the individual, or in the circumstance of a group (e. g. , friend’s influence what kinds of clothes a person wears) or an organization (people on the business sector make decisions as to which products the firm should use). ” We can understand consumer behavior is affect by individuals, groups, or organizations. The consumer behavior in addition knows peoples need.So, people matrimony the modular undertake Hong Kong Marathon is effect by their making decision and what they needs. Otherwise, the participant too will use their knowledge, experience to join it. Maslow’s Hierarchy of call for (chart. xx) â€Å"Maslows hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation. Maslow subsequently ext cease the idea to accommodate his observations of mercifuls innate curiosity. His theories parallel many otherwise theories of tender-hearted developmental psychology, all of which focus on describing the stages of growth in military mans.Maslow is use the terms Physiological, sentry go, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through. ” ————̵ 2;———————————- The Needs can secernate why participants join the Marathon. Physiological need is base on eating, drinking. Participates need a healthy body. Safety is meaning certainise public safety, such as how the gists charge provides enough facilities to protect participants. Belonging and love is base on with friends, family together. Participants whitethorn join this outcome with friends, families.Esteem is the exult of participating in the subspecies to makes them satisfied. The ego scrap is when the participant makes a discovery in their finishing time or finishing the function by dispute their voltage. ————————————————- Participants join the guide as they think that they can gain a great experience or acquire their ad hominem goal in the criterion lease Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 through with (predicate) our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant campaign that they join this marathon as for self- challenge. well-nigh 24% participants join because of the health.Impact of compeer and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with conjunction or a litter bit number for other moderatenesss. So, we would understand that attainment is very importance as the personalised goal and this may cause the yard that why the number of participants is continuous growth. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Higher†aim Needs Lower †Level Needs ————————————————- ————————————————- 3. 2 Supports from Stakeholders It is final resultful to cooperate with stakeholder in an event.A good stakeholders’ support can make th e event more favored. In the beat chartered Hong Kong Marathon, we can see that it has received a good support from participants, celebrities, general public and the government etc. 3. 2. 1 Commercial Sponsorship Sponsorship is a contri only ifion to an action at law (typically in sports, arts, entertainment or causes) by a technical organization in cash, or in-kind, with the expectation of achieving corporate and market objectives. Sponsorship continues to represent a popular way of cutting through advertising hole and profiting potential customers.Commercial sponsor can increase the media and marketing leverage which can let the event bring more large- scurf. The scale of a representative event can’t be too small. A large scale of an event can attract and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it. Also, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. †For instance, mainland China Pacific/Credit Suisse sponsored the Hong Kong parliament Rugby Match was one of the undefeated model in the early years. Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse was the agnomen commercial sponsors.Because of the sponsorship, Suisse Hong Kong Sevens become more popular and large-scale. And, the event has been well cognize. Because it makes the event become more representative and attract the number of people to pay attention to it. Regarding streamer undertake Hong Kong Marathon, because of the sponsorship of specimen leased bound, making had more resources to promote the event. Also, commercial sponsor can increase the media and marketing leverage which can let the event become more large-scale. A large scale of an event can attract and increase the number of people to join or to pay close attention to it.A part from that, it can cause by the public and media to discuss and report the event. Therefore, it prove that commercial sponsor is also one of the dry land why caused the marathon be more success. 3. 2. 2 Pa rticipants The ensample contract Hong Kong Marathon started in 1997. Since then, it has been gaining in popularity. In the past thirteen years, it made record in entries every year. Now it has become a signature international boast event in Hong Kong and was recognized as a â€Å"Brand Hong Kong Event” by the Hong Kong circumscribed Administrative Region Government.The continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the event. Chart 1 Also, precedent leased Hong Kong Marathon has attracted a lot of international athletes from over seventy countries and regions, including China, Chinese Taipei, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, the Netherland, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine and Singapore. It is because people believe that tired Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale and well-known running event.These may cause that why they are interested and support for the marathon. Participants join the cannonball along as they think that they can gain a great experience or achieve their personal goal in the measure Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Chart 5 Through our questionnaires, we find that near a half part of participant movement that they join this marathon as for self- challenge. About 24% participants join because of the health. Impact of peer and family and honor respectively is 11% and 14%. Also, these had a 2% was participated with company or a litter bit number for other reasons.So, we would understand that achievement is really importance as the personal goal and this may cause the reason that why the number of participants is continuous growth. A part from joining the metre Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, participants can achieve their personal goals. We find that about 70% of participants had joined more than one times. It can show that a great part of number were repeat participate. Chart xx Chart 6 Also, all of interviewer motioned that they will particip ate in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon again.It can see that participant generality enjoyable and think the higher value than payable in this marathon. So, the continuous growth of the number of participants, it proves that people support the washables. 3. 2. 3 Organization On the other hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also has attracted a lot of companies and organizations’ support. just about companies and organizations like Standard Chartered Bank, LI & FUNG, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants have joined corporate challenge or SME Marathon Cup.Furthermore other schooling groups allow in The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong Institute of vocational Educational etc. They were many cater and students who participated in it. The purpose that they may not to win for the track, they only want to have a nice day and enjoy the event. They may only want to u sher the support to a meaty cause. These show that organizations’ support for the event. ————————————————-For example, Standard Chartered Bank has 2800 faculty running in Marathon 2012. It is means participants had affected by each other’s within these groups. Through the organizations we can direct the reasons that made this event became roaring. 3. 2. 4 Non-profits organization Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is a large-scale sporting event. Therefore it needs lots of volunteers to make the event orderly. Ms Vivian So, the executive Director HKAAA, said that volunteers are weighty for an event and good services can attract potential customers.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon had thousands of volunteers service the runners and the organizer beyond the track to picture the race can go on smoothly. offer up physiotherapists, overseas invited runnersâ€℠¢ liaison team members and photographers etc. The volunteers in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon come from all walks of life and all of them regarded the volunteer work very challenging. Therefore, it can prove that non-profits organization is important for an event enter in palmy. On the order hand, in order to let the marathon carried out more smoothly, it s important to have non-profits organizations’ support, like ticker Association Hong Kong †Hong Kong Island Region, Auxiliary Medical Service etc. Without their support, the event can’t continue as such smoothly. 3. 2. 5 Celebrities The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of support from celebrities. Since 2004, artists like EO2, Fiona, Sky etc, they played games with participants, sang and dower their experiences on running at the Marathon Expo. On the day in advance the marathon, there was a repairing concert to boost the morale for participants and volunteers.These make the ev ent more interesting and attract more potential customers to join. Also, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon Ambassadors in person participated in the event, for example, Andy Hui, Alex Fong etc. These can prove that how the celebrities supported the event. Celebrities are important endorsers of the marathon. Therefore, from 2001 to 2006 the participants’ number has significant increase and one of the reasons that mayhap participants want to support their idols. On the other hand, Mr. Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen, the Chief administrator, presented at opening communion and supports the participator.Moreover, lots of support from celebrities and noted people, likes Mr. Ricky Wong Wai-kay, death chair of the City Telecom (H. K. ) Limited. Mr. Timothy T. T Fok, GBS, JP President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, they helped promote the vision of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to their employees as well. These may attract more people to join the race. A part from these, it proves that the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of support from celebrities and these may cause the reason that why marathon are success. 3. 2. ecumenic Public Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon caused large scale itinerary closure, making it inconvenient to a lot of people who live along the race track. However, no public protest against the highway closure has been heard. According to Apple insouciant on February 24, 2012 â€Å" alley closure would sure as shooting cause inconvenience to whatever people, but for the marathon pass closures was definitely better than New Year army, fireworks, Celebration Parade is worth. ” showing that the public accept prop a mega event like this.Also, Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director HKAAA, said that it can prove the popularity. The event has been support by the popularity, though it may have caused a l ittle disturb to the neighborhood. It showing that most of the public accept for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and they are support Hong Kong for safekeeping such kind of international activities. 3. 2. 7 Government Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is now existence recognized as a â€Å"Brand Hong Kong Event” and a â€Å"M” Mark sporting event by the Hong Kong Government.It has attracts more than 70,000 participants taking part in this challenge in 2012. In order to contain a greater amount of participants, government has done a lot of measures, such as road closure. Moreover, in order to let the marathon conducting more smoothly, Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong highway Safety Patrol had localise out a great amount of human resources to support the race. On the order hand, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon normally starts early in the morning (5 a. m. ). In order to support the marathon, MTR Corporation started its trains earlier.Also, tho se runners who could not reach the pre-set specific time limits need to board the formalised buses. These special service can see that how government support Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 3. 3 Effective Event Management 3. 3. 1 Event Planning â€Å"Event prep is the process of think a festival, ceremony, competition, party, or convention. Event planning includes budgeting, establishing dates and alternate dates, selecting and reserving the event site, acquiring permits, and set up transportation and parking.Event planning also includes some or all of the following, depending on the event: developing a theme or motif for the event, arranging for speakers and alternate speakers, organise positioning support (such as electrical energy and other utilities), arranging decor, tables, chairs, tents, event support and security, catering, police, fire, portable toilets, parking, signage, emergency plans, health alimony professionals, and clean up. ” The event manager should visualise that planning process for events concern is management, organisational and operates.Also, the planning should address in coordination of when, where, who, what, why and how (5Ws). Because an event is need to identities the objective. Set the location can hold the event, such as indoor or outdoor. Decide to who are the major customer and potential customer, or sponsor. Find which timing is suitable to hold the event. We study that when (timing), where (location), who (human resource management) to prove the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon becomes success. Timing The event planner selected the race day to decide the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in which day. Spring, summer, and particularly fall are the busiest times for transportation companies, hotels, and resorts, which are taking wish of good-weather conventions, spenders, and business meetings. Because of the potential attendees are more likely to able to afford the time, and to attend the even t. About the sport events effect are on the daily pace and physician of the city. ” The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon ever so starts one to two weeks after lunar New Year. Because in this period, the weather is cool. It could increase participator’s running performance.According to Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA , said that the Half- Marathon and Full- Marathon have been held only in a few seasons. During Lunar New Year, road traffic normally decreases because many people will be on their vacation and no need to go to work. ancestry pollution is greatly slimd. ” Because, it can debar the celebration of New Year, and government could tell would more effectively. Thus, HKAAA selected the race day after Lunar New Year one to two weeks. And decrease some impact for resident and store.Moreover, this period can reduce participants working hour. Location Location can be a critical factor in determining the success of an event. During 1997 to 2012, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon changes the bridle-path 7 times. In 1997, the route started from Sheung Shui, Lok Ma Chau, and ended in Shenzhen. In 1998, the route started at Tsing Ma bridge deck and the end point was Hong Kong International Airport. In 1999, as a starting point in substitution at Tsim Sha Tsui and passed by westward confine Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, and as the end point, Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.In 2000, runners departured from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, passed by Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and a pass the sound Kau Bridge and ended at the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground. In 2001 to 2007, it started from Miramar Hotel, Tsim sha tsui, and then passed by the West Kowloon Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge and ting Kau Bridge exhumation of the Western Harbour hybridization, ended at the florid Bauhinia Square in queasy Chai. Start 2008 to 2009, the route of race was quarantined from the10 kilometres, Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon.The participants can follow their designated route. 10 kilometres race was first staged on Hong Kong Island eastern Corridor. Participants are required to walk from capital of Seychelles Park on the Island Eastern Corridor in order to reach the starting point. The race ending points was capital of Seychelles Park. Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon continued to start on Nathan Road and ended at capital of Seychelles Park. But Full-Marathon continued to run on Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan, and Ting Kau Bridge. In 2010 to 2012, the 10 kilometres race was held on Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor, and end at Victoria Park.Although Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon are started by Miramar Hotel and end of Victoria Park, Full-Marathon race was changed to Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct, Stonecutters Bridge, East Tsing Yi Viaduct, Nam Wan Tunnel, Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge, and Western Harbour Crossing than Half- Marathon. In conclusion, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon h as been holding in urban sphere and the race track passes by account local landmarks. Participate can tour around the city such as Island Eastern corridor, Nathan Road, Tsing Ma Bridge, Stonecutters Bridge, etc. This is diametrical from other running races.Because those routes are only for transportation, people normally cannot walk or run on the Tsing Ma Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and other public facilities. Thus, participate can enjoy and find the route interesting. In overseas, the Marathon route shared convertible characteristics . For instance, Tokyo Marathon is also held in urban area. In 2011, this event attract more than 350,000 participates to apply. But the participants need to draw by ballot. So the actual number is around 33,000. So we can know if the event can be held at downtown, it can attract more people to join.The routes are showed in Fig. 1 Tokyo Marathon and Fig. 2 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. There are similar with both held the marathon in landmark s. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 3. 3. 2 Human vision Management â€Å"Human resource management (HRM or simply HR) is the management of an organizations workforce, or human resources. It is responsible for the lot, selection, didactics, assessment, and rewarding of employees, musical composition also overseeing organizational leadership and culture, and ensuring conformism with employment and labor laws.In circumstances where employees intrust and are legally authorized to hold a collective bargaining agreement, HR will typically also serve as the companys primary liaison with the employees representatives. ” The human resource management is including selection and training or briefing mental faculty. And make sure staff understands the job duties and responsibility. Staff and Volunteer In 2012, 2800 Standard Chartered staff runners participated in the Marathon while some other 700 volunteered to quicken or support on race day. Appendices xx) Among those volunteers their were Asso ciation of International Marathons and Road Races, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil avail Service, and Scout Association Hong Kong, and so on. (Appendices xx) There was a wide range of back up volunteers and organization from commercial organizations, voluntary bodies, and to tender organizations. The success of the event is found highly depending on the cooperation among them. Their duties include crowd control, logistics, and so on.Michael Armstrong, Joint Managing Partner of E-reward and an independent management consultant, said that business success is most likely to be achieved if the personnel policies and procedures of the opening are closely linked with, and make a major contribution to, the achievement of corporate objectives and strategic plans. Therefore, the management of staff and volunteers are critical to the success of the event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA, said that the marathon was success because of the enthusiastic staff and volunteers als o worked hard and endeavour to finish the event.It increase the normal of event workers. This showed the marathon event was successful due to support from the staff and volunteers. In conclusion, the success of the marathon depends on the preparation of the job descriptions to staff and volunteers. Since the duties are dissimilar. HKAAA should select the volunteers well. HKAAA should ensure them understand the procedures well. HKAAA should provide adapted briefings to its staff and volunteers earlier the race events. 3. 4 Publicity 3. 4. 1 denomination of Mouth password of sassing (WOM) is one of the importance factors for holding a successful event.Mr. Wong Ka Man, an committee of HKAAA, said that it lead to more people know Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and feel interest in this event because of word of verbalise. Mr. Wong also motion that â€Å"after few years for holding this marathon, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was more corporate with media like Hong Kong Commercial Radio. under(a) eulogized, Standard Chartered Marathon was became a hot topic. Also, participants were post some event photo in the internet that attract many citizens attention and feel interest to participant. So we can that word of let loose is the importance factor. Word of peach is a social conversation between consumers or between businesses about a product, service or brand. citizenry share and strain other opinions on consumption experiences. A desire to help other people drives consumers to provide advice to others while a desire to reduce risk and time in decision making pushes them to seek options from other consumers. Storytelling is the oldest form of word of lecture communication where one person tells others of something, whether a real event or something made up.Word of babble depends on the extent of customer atonement with the product or service, and on the tier of its perceived value. Even without a direct and to the full control of wor d of mouth, companies can indirectly influence word of mouth by making sure consumers have many incentives to p scold and no reason to talk about the negative aspects. Sports marketers moldinessiness can take the expanded blood into account. To do so, engage in commanding word of mouth exchanges with other people. Word of mouth by event organizationBecause of dictatorial word of mouth building, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was doing something that let more people think this is a joyful event. Firstly, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have had revamped semiofficial website (www. hkmarathon. com or http://hk. hkmarathon. yokel. com) in 2002. This website has been designed and engineered by the renowned internet service provider Yahoo! Hong Kong. Up to now, except the link race information of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on the website, there are also including â€Å"Activities”, â€Å"News”, Photo movement” and â€Å"Webcast” e tc.Visitors can gain more information like pre-event publicityal activities, pre-race activities, any news report, also review the exciting moments of the past few years and last events highlights. spate accept more compulsory information and ambit, so they may build up a confidence for this Standard Chartered marathon and feel a one thousand occasion that they need to participate too. Word of mouth by media Newspaper reports also have a lot of influence on the public image of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the more positive reports for this event by the media, the more word of mouth can be built to help them to build the image.Because of knowing the covers range of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon report by all newspaper medias, what including Apple cursory, Ming Pao day by day News, South China Morning Post, any Free and overseas Newspaper. The reports will equanimous by using Wisers information vena portae service system and with the keywords â€Å"??????? / ??????? /????? /????? /Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon/Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon/Hong Kong Marathon/Standard Chartered Marathon” that search the number of related article between 1998-2012 (no data before 1998). Also these include the number of StandardChartered Hong Kong Marathon official Press liberation (no data before 2002). Source: Wiser Information Portal and Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official cupboard sac Period| Number of clause| Number ofStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release| 1/1/1998- 30/6/1998| 64| -| 1/7/1998-30/6/1999| 256| -| 1/7/1999-30/6/200| 219| -| 1/7/2000-30/6/2001| 247| -| 1/7/2001-30/6/2002| 299| -| 1/7/2002-30/6/2003| 375| 3| 1/7/2003-30/6/2004| 404| 5| 1/7/2004-30/6/2005| 468| 15| 1/7/2005-30/6/2006| 938| 29| 1/7/2006-30/6/2007| 805| 14| 1/7/2007-30/6/2008| 895| 11| /7/2008-30/6/2009| 1281| 10| 1/7/2009-30/6/2010| 1386| 7| 1/7/2010-30/6/2011| 1885| 12| 1/7/2011-26/3/2012| 2817| 13| According to th e analysis the numbers of articles are increasing every year. And except in the first few years, the number of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon official press release had increased and so are the news reports. During 2005 and 2006, the number of press release and article doubled. After 2006, the official press release reduced, but the news reports console increasing. So that, we can see how the news reports caused stronger word of mouth.In analyzing of the official press release and the newspapers report from2002 to 2012, within the period from September to March, it was found that most of the news releases were reported from October and February. The race entry usually starts in October, so there were more news post in this month, and there report are usually related the race information, apply state etc. Usually, around before the date of event applies entry 1-2 months, there also has had the report for pre- event onward motion and help to attract more participants when i magination this word of mouth.Since the race is held after Chinese New Year, so that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon will be become the hot topic during February and that explain why most of the news report were create verbally on this month and some on March. The news in this time are usually related the race, winners and champion effect or comment. Other then mug media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also gained a lot of electronic media delineation like CCTV, myTV, Magazine, internet tools etc.Some difference sport magazines are like to report Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, like Sportsoho. Sometime, magazines are like make a interview with this event winner or coach. They present both life and professional knowledge and view to influence people to think that Standard Chartered marathon is a popular event as the participant of some outstanding contestant. Sportsoho is a popular periodical magazine, special for sport lover. There were some themes related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon during October to March.According to the research, there were comes of 8 to 15 knaves related to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in one issue of Sportsoho. The content was sicker as compare with other sports event and it can get a big help in word of mouth among the magazine readers. Journal of Advertising Research had motion that â€Å"There is a positive relationship between openness and word of mouth. People are more willing to preceding a pith to their friends. And this group people are intelligent, imaginative, curious, visionary, and emotionally responsive consumers. Also, people are easily influenced by each other and affect their decision making. Without created the word of mouth on some media, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also did a lot of thing to building their image and tell the public that they have social responsibility. At the same time, word of mouth will be create and gain an effective effort. Word of mouth b y celebrity For example, in 2005, Standard Chartered bank was sponsored HENRY WANYOIKE, who have baffled his sight overnight in 1995, to raise fund for â€Å"SEEING IS BELIEVING”.Henry Wanyoike is a famous runner and used to gain a lot of awards in running before he lost his eye sight. People may really consider his firm and persistent, also they may take action to support this so meaningful raises fund. Another, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon also invites some famous celebrities as spokesmen. In 2004, this marathon had invited Alex Fong, a highly successful swimmer who represented Hong Kong at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and set several local records in the pool.Furthermore, Do Do Cheng, who is a famous artist in films and boob tube in Hong Kong was once the event spokesperson. The public may trust what she said due to her positive image. So that they can really create some positive work of mouth as their support, and leading more people come to join this event. Th ere are some celebrity will be join this marathon every years, they may like to share their preparation of race, race feeling and experience to public. There will be increase the attention after their word of mouth. Word of mouth by participantAs revealed from the result of our this marathon race focus group on the reason of the first time to participant in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, most of the participants said that good of word of mouth and recommendation from their friends or families are the main reason. Also, all of respondents mentioned that they used to share their feeling and experience of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to other people. In the focus group research, nearly 80% of the interviewers used Facebook to share their experience, and a great part of these massages are positive.Internet is the one of the extensively communication way for people send and received massages. In the internet, these are so many tools for us to discourse ourselves feelin g. Facebook, yahoo blog, weibo and chatroom also are the popular tool in Hong Kong and abroad. Now, we are Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was found successful in creating a special and memorable experience for participants. The participants will give their comments and express their experience in SCHKM to everyone on the internet. We had known that people like to forward a contentedness to their friends, thus generated a social facilitation effect.In the internet search, it is not difficult can see the topic which related Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in the social network website, like facebook, weibo,and some popular chatroom etc. For example, one participant of this Standard Chartered marathon used to mention in her blog that she mat so great to join this event, and the feeling was so varied between being the help and the runner. She thanked her friends who keep giving her the support. Also, she was wished everyone can do the best next year and appeal more peop le come to join together.The comment from his friends in his post, they were so agreed with her and promise to join together next year again. So, it can see that these social communications really work to exchange experience whatever friends or unknown, also direct to create word of mouth. Ms Vivian So had motion that an attraction of the event is important. If the events have attraction itself and give the happy experience, it can build word of mouth easily and a positive image, then these unforgettable memories will interference in their mind deeply. Ms So also said that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is cute by itself.This event is a brand event in sports. Fun and good melody of SCHKM have influenced many people. Because of this, word of mouth let one person to spread the message to ten people and grow exponential. 4 Findings 4. 1 The Value Important Performance Grid on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (Chart 7) As revealed from the analysis with the Value Importan t Performance Grid, we can identify and determine which value of the event attributes that need improvement. There are four separate including waste resources, people feels good, ignore and line area.Among the 17 attributes studied in the survey, participants regarded 8 of them are well performed, with only one attributes found to have priority for improvements. This represents that participant will continue to be the true to join this event. According the Value Important Performance Grid, we found that Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have 8 attributes perform well and met the expectation of the participants. They are scale of the practise, word of mouth, transport arrangements, staffing arrangements, atmosphere, personal meaning, legal action flow and support.Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega sports event in Hong Kong, the scale of the activity is large. This sports event attracts a lot of media to reports of every year and the number of partici pant has been increasing. In addition, then people have different feeling about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. When the event has been organized, people have become more willing share with each other, thus creating word of mouth. Also, transport arrangements have been one of the important elements that to hold an event and participants are relatively satisfied with the arrangement.On the race day, MTR provide special transportation arrangements that is the routes will open early to succeed the wench and buses provide the relative transport arrangements to break up participants to the race location. Furthermore, staff arrangements are important to the success. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been a mega event, with many people and organizations to unionize the event, including staff and helper, to help make this sports event holding smoothly. There are different training and briefing to staff and helper. The atmosphere of this sport event is has been very hot.The public knows about the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. stiff to the event holding date, people will see a lot of promotion about this sports event, such as television advertising and newspaper advertising. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon have strong message bring out. Their slogan is â€Å"Run for a reason”, let people sentiment Marathon for their own personal meaning. from each one participant has their own personal reasons to attend this event. Therefore they all have different purposes to participate this sports event. The interviewers also feet satisfied with the agendum of the activity. The sports event categories are clear.Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different time, they found the racing schedules were much friendlier. Furthermore, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon needs different government departments, organizations and groups to support it. Without that, HKAAA is difficult to hold this sports event become a mega sports event. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has many supported by different companies, patrons, agencies, organizations, groups and government departments. It is include Hong Kong Tourism Board, Leisure and Cultural Service Department etc that can help this sports event holding smoothly.In the other point, there are three attributes that people feel importance but the performances are not good, including information, sponsorship and guide. There troubles need to be improved, to make the event more successful. The information attribute of the event is slighter lower in the performance, so compared with the importance. It need to carefully. many people think that need to improve. They feel that the information is not very liquid, should know the message through the General Assembly announced. With regard to sponsorship, the attributes is average level but its performance is bad.Standard Chartered Ho ng Kong Marathon has many companies sponsorship. Although Standard Chartered Bank is the title sponsor, the overall sponsorship is not attractive enough. Race participants expect more than the trustworthy level of sponsorship. Guide the importance is average but the actual performance is badly. This must need to improve. As a mega event, guidepost must be clearly, let people easy to find where they can go. In race day, the race route do not have enough guideline, they do not have the way of cheer in en route, there are many cheer group cannot cheer for the participants.In the Value Important Performance Grid, performance is high and importance is low area is mean not important but the performance is good, it is waste resources. According to the analysis, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon did not have attribute not important but the performance is good. That means HKAAA holding this event have little wastes of the resources. Besides, there are six attributes are not impor tant and the performances are bad. This attributes can be ignored. They include enrollment process, promotion, social contribution, entertainment, application fee and souvenir. . 2 The SWOT Analysis on Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon SWOT Analysis is conducted in order to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. SWOT Analysis can identify the internal and external factors. HKAAA can ensure a clear objective that it is important part for event planning and achieve their objective. SWOT Analysis provides information that is steadying in matching HKAAA resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates.Moreover, SWOT Analysis can help us find out more, which is the potential problem and fault of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 1 Strengths Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has received a lot of sponsorship and been supported by different companies, patrons, age ncies, organizations, groups and government departments. Standard Chartered Bank has been the title sponsor. Without which, HKAAA might not have sufficient resources to hold the event. Many patrons support this event, including the estimable Donald Tsang (Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region).The promotion has been well planned with advertisements on television, cover page on print media and has built a positive image. As a result, more people know this mega event. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that increase in the promotion has been one of the factors that can let more people attend this sports event. In addition, HKAAA has sent mails to past participants of Hong Kong Marathon, to move them come to join this year Hong Kong Marathon. Promotions of a star players are quite effective point attract people to join this sports event.Moreover, there are theme songs of 2003- 2006 year. Since 2009 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon provides tou ching slogan that remind people about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon effectively and created word of mouth in the community. Also, they have good human resources support from include staff, helpers and volunteers. They are well co-ordinate to make this event run smoothly. Ms Vivian So, the Executive Director of HKAAA said that the volunteers help has been a very important part than let more people care this sports event and make Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to be conducted successfully.For instance, this event was very good in planning and supporting, includes baggage, equipment food supplies etc. Apart from full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run hold on different section time, crowd was controlled effectively. Participants were for the most part satisfied with Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Moreover, HKAAA, as the event organizer had invited some overseas runners to join this event, and it can capture the international media attentio n about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Therefore created more media coverage let more local people and foreigners know about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. . 2. 2 Weaknesses The event experienced some accidents in year 2001-2007, when the full marathon, half marathon and a 10 km run were arranged on the same track, 10 km and half- Marathon runners crowded in the Western Harbour Tunnel. Besides, some participants attired in fancy costume, took pictures and even pushed bollocks up trolleys on the race track , caused riskiness and other participants’ discontent. In the 2011 race, the wheelchair race was canceled. Many disabled athletes could not participate in the race and felt disappointed. There also lack toilets on the race track, making it inconvenient to some participants.This is a quite an important problem. Participants feel bad about that and are not satisfied with the race route for having too few toilet s to use. 4. 2. 3 Opportunities People began to focus on their health nowadays. According to our survey (Chart 5), 24% of the participants ran in the race for this reason. Therefore many people wanted to join this sports event. ‘Launched in April 2000, the â€Å" heavy Exercise for All Campaign” is a territory-wide event jointly organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Department of Health (DH). With the slogan of â€Å"Daily exercise keeps us fit, people of all ages can do it’.The Campaign aims at raising the publics awareness in exercising and encouraging them to exercise regularly so that they can understand the benefits of exercising to health. ” This is an prospect get more attention for Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This can encourage more people to do more exercise and let them peruse their interest that is good for health. â€Å"As people grow older, physical fitness decline, and wanted to do some thing easier sport. Running is a good choice to keep healthier. This sport equipment to acquire are less expensive and there is no unforgiving requirements on the physical fitness.Most important of all, there is no opponent, and can be done anywhere. Reaching the age of 30, friends, and family are usually busy at work. Finding sports partner can become increasingly difficult. ” This massage brings out running is a good sport. As a result, many people have been more willing to join this exercise. â€Å"With five days at work, it is difficult to find time for exercise. In fact, I like a different ball games, but with teammates gradually busy at work, practicing together has become difficult and, running has become my only sport. Otherwise, busy life of Hong Kong can attract people running and let the public keen to go running. Gradually running becomes a public favorite sport. In addition, Ms Vivian So, th e Executive Director of HKAAA said that running is easily accessible, even with no partner. It can be flexible, and inexpensive, and without doing it in a team. Furthermore, there is no restrictions, need to rent a locus; individual can also participates in the run without the need for special gear. ” The lifestyle is more favorable to long distance race like Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. 4. 2. 4 ThreatsStandard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has been one of the Hong Kong major running races. But there are many different running races in Hong Kong. Running races are confronted with strong competitiveness. These are about Mizuno Shing Mun River 10KM, UNICEF Charity Run etc. Marathon to race still face strong competition among themselves. HKAAA need to constantly improve the activities. Otherwise, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon may be replaced by other running game. According to am730, road closure has been the one important problem to be a real mega event. Now participants needed to join the e\r\n'