Around 1,200 swimmers take the plunge as popular cross-harbour race returns to Hong Kong

HONG KONG: Around 1,200 swimmers took the plunge on Sunday (December 12) and raced across Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour as the city's famous swimming race returned after a two-year suspension.

Swimmers overcame waves and wind, tackling the 1 km route between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Hundreds of amateur swimmers with bright orange buoys also rose to the challenge.

The organizer decided to cancel the annual race for the past two years due to the anti-extradition bill protests then the pandemic.

Amateur swimmer Wallace Lee, 60, believed the returning of the Harbour Race was a good sign for Hong Kong's recovery from the pandemic.

"When our sports events can resume, then our economy will be able to recover," said Lee.

The cross-harbor race was first held in 1906 with a steeped history. The race has been suspended for 33 years, from 1978 to 2011, because of concerns about water pollution.