You can take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour any day of the year.
Swimming across it is another story.
Applications opened on July 29 for the 120th Victoria Harbour Race, with 4,000 places available for this year’s crossing on November 15.
Application link: https://www.hkharbourrace.com/online-application/
Image via 2026 Victoria Harbour Race Homepage
Participants will swim an approximately one-kilometre route from Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.
First held in 1906, the race is one of Hong Kong’s longest-running sporting traditions.
Image via 2026 Victoria Harbour Race Homepage
It was suspended after 1978 as deteriorating water quality made Victoria Harbour unsuitable for swimming, before returning in 2011 following years of environmental improvements.
After another pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event resumed in 2022 and expanded to 4,000 places from 2024.
Image via 2026 Victoria Harbour Race Homepage
Today, the race welcomes both competitive and recreational swimmers.
Racing Group entrants qualify through previous results or official time trials, while Leisure Group applicants who meet the required swimming standard enter a ballot if demand exceeds available places.
Online applications remain open until August 27, with time trials scheduled for September ahead of race day on November 15.
[Cover image via 2026 Victoria Harbour Race homepage]
