20th Anniversary of the Clean Half - Extreme Marathon Swim

The journey to the start line at Stanley Main Beach begins as the road winds through the hilly terrain of Hong Kong Island, offering glimpses of the southern coast where the sea meets the sky. Arriving in the quiet morning light, the atmosphere shifts from the bustle of the city to the rhythmic pulse of the ocean. The 15km course, marking the 20th anniversary of this endurance challenge, begins here, drawing swimmers who seek to test their limits in these historic waters. As you push off from the shore, the landscape reveals layers of colonial and maritime heritage. You will navigate past the St. Stephen's College, where the early 20th-century School House stands as a silent observer from the shore. The route takes you along a coastline that feels miles away from the modern urban center, grounding your swim in a history that stretches back through time.

What you'll see

Further along the route, the water environment becomes the focal point. You will pass the Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve, a protected 20-hectare sanctuary at the island's southern tip. This area is strictly off-limits to other watercraft, ensuring a rare, undisturbed stretch of blue where the marine life thrives in seclusion. As you approach the final stages of the swim towards Deep Water Bay, keep an eye on the coastline for the Murray House, a Victorian-era landmark originally built in 1846 in Central and later relocated brick by brick to its current position overlooking the bay. The route also brings you near the Stanley waterfront, where the reconstructed Blake Pier serves as a reminder of the island's colonial maritime past. While the 15km distance demands focus, the surroundings are peppered with historical markers, from the ancient rock carvings at Big Wave Bay to the wartime remnants of the old police station. This event is a sister to the Sheko Challenge, which takes place just a month earlier in September, offering a different intensity for those looking to build their late-season calendar. The event concludes at the Victoria Recreation Club, where the festivities await, marking the end of a long, salt-encrusted day in the water.