How to Prepare for the New World Harbour Race 2023

Get ready to dive into the excitement as the New World Harbour Race, Hong Kong's iconic sports extravaganza, returns on Nov. 12. This year's event is expected to be historic, with the participant quota increased to 4,000, making it the largest race since its reintroduction in 2011.

With the theme "Empower Happy Waves for All," elite swimmers from around the world have been welcomed back to Hong Kong to participate in the “International Race,” with an invitation extended to swimmers from the Greater Bay Area. To best prepare for your upcoming swim or catch the race on the sidelines, check out our guide and tips below!

Race information for New World Harbour Race

Healthy Hong Kongers and international swimmers are joining the 4,000-strong cohort making the journey across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. The race begins at 7:30 AM on Sunday, Nov. 12, where spectators and family and friends of swimmers are encouraged to join the fun.

The New World Harbour Race is divided into two groups, a racing group and five batches of leisure groups. The former set off at 6:45 AM, and the batches kick off at 6:45 AM, 7:10 AM, 7:40 AM, 8:10 AM, and 8:40 AM. If you are swimming, make sure you arrive by 6 AM.

Tips before you start your race

According to the officials organising the New World Harbour Race, it is suggested to eat one or two hours before the event to reduce the likelihood of cramps. Swimmers are required to warm up before swimming on the Race Day, avoiding the risk of injuring yourself in the water.

Swim goggles provided or purchased prior to the race must be worn, and swimmers should wear appropriate swimwear. After the swim, a shower area is available on the Tsim Sha Tsui to clean oneself from the harbour water. 

If I swim well, do I get a prize?

Yes! In the two prestigious categories—New World Harbour Race International Category for Individual Men & Women and Open Category Individual Men & Women—monetary prizes in U.S. and Hong Kong dollars are on offer if you beat the timer and place high on the rankings.

Prizes for New World Harbour Race International Category Individual Men & Women

• Champion: Trophy, US$2,000, Electronic Certificate
• 1st Runner-up: Trophy, US$1,500, Electronic Certificate
• 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, US$1,200, Electronic Certificate
• 3rd Runner-up: Trophy, US$800, Electronic Certificate
• 4th Runner-up: Trophy, US$600, Electronic Certificate
• 5th Runner-up: Trophy, US$500, Electronic Certificate
• 6th Runner-up: Trophy, US$400, Electronic Certificate
• 7th Runner-up: Trophy, US$300, Electronic Certificate
• 8th Runner-up: Trophy, US$200, Electronic Certificate
• 9th Runner-up: Trophy, US$100, Electronic Certificate

Prizes for New World Harbour Race International Category Individual Men & Women

• Champion: Trophy, HK$5,000, Electronic Certificate
• 1st Runner-up: Trophy, HK$3,000, Electronic Certificate
• 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, HK$2,000, Electronic Certificate
• 3rd Runner-up: Trophy, HK$1,000, Electronic Certificate
• 4th Runner-up: Trophy, HK$800, Electronic Certificate

How to watch the Victoria Harbour swim race?

The New World Harbour Race will stretch from the north and south points of Victoria Harbour, with swimmers starting from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai and ending at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Spectators can catch the race from either side of the harbour, specifically beside the crowds of swimmers to the east of Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square statue and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Public Pier.