Drama in Hong Kong’s first international marathon in 1969 – from the SCMP archive

This article was first published on December 15, 1969Drama in HK’s first international marathonby Neil PereraUnheralded Kim Cha Hwan of South Korea yesterday (December 14, 1969) pulverised an international field of long distance runners to win the first Tin Tin international marathon in the New Territories.Kim, a 21-year-old electrician, overcame a determined challenge from Australia’s John Farrington to cover the gruelling 26 miles course in two hours 20 minutes 39 seconds. He immediately broke into a victory dance as jubilant flag-waving Koreans engulfed the little runner.“I am simply overjoyed. I cannot believe that I have won,” the young Korean said as he acknowledged the cheers of an overflow crowd at the newly open Yuen Long Stadium.Second home was pre-race favourite John Farrington.Farrington, who led for most of the race, was not happy about being forced to set the pace. He completed the course in two hours 21 minutes 22.4 seconds.