The Cold Half is a 15km winter marathon charity swim on Hong Kong Island from Stanley Main Beach to Deep Water Bay Beach. This is a SOLO or 2-person RELAY only race. There will be 2 categories – Naturally Ocean (no wetsuit) and Wetsuited & Buoyant. For relay, change is mandated at every 30mins, or one change only at the 7.5km point. The cut-off time is 6hrs. Please contact race organiser if unsure about your ability to finish in time. This event in only for advanced swimmers with confidence and dare. Limit to max. 30 solos.

A support motorboat is mandatory for all 15km relay teams. A motorboat or a support paddler is a must for 15km solos. “YAK” paddle/swim is accepted for relays, upon organiser’s assessment on race day temperature and condition. Wetsuit only and no inflatables will be allowed.

For those who love swimming in the chill but mind the extreme distance, please sign up for the 1.5km satellite race happening concurrently in Deep Water Bay Beach – The Cold Plunge. This is the only winter swimming event of its kind in HK. Wetsuits welcome. Age group prizes.

Swim caps and souvenirs will be provided for all participants. There will be hot showers. A post-race BBQ, meal and awards will be held at Victoria Recreation Club in Deep Water Bay.

The event is organised by AVRA and supports Ocean Recovery Alliance, a Hong Kong based ocean conservation and education charity.