Record 4,700 runners join HKJC special marathon

Taking part in the marathon were runners from Hong Kong, Beijing, Macau and the Guangdong province.

Hong Kong.- Some 4,700 runners with disabilities and their partners have participated in the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2025, establishing a new record for the event.

The 14 edition of the marathon was held on January 12 at the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road. Funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Charities Trust and organised by the TWGHs, the iRun fosters unity between people with special needs and the community to engage in sports and encourage social inclusion.

Among the officiating guests were HKSAR government secretary for labour and welfare Chris Sun, HKJC steward Philip Lo and TWGHs chairman Mandy Tang.

HKJC Steward Philip Lo said that the club’s Charities Trust has been backing the iRun since 2012, with the goal of raising public awareness and understanding of people with special needs through sports.

According to the HKJC, runners came from Hong Kong, Beijing, Macau, and Guangdong province. In the 3km challenge race, runners with intellectual disabilities teamed up with volunteers having previously engaged in pre-race training sessions.

In the 1.5km “iRun for Family,” children aged 6 to 11 with intellectual disabilities and their families enjoyed sporting activities together. A record number of over 200 families took part in the event.

To support the iRun, the HKJC also financed several programs. These include the “Inclusion in School” program, which invites students from 25 secondary schools and higher education institutions to participate as pair-up runners, promoting the idea of social inclusion within educational settings; the “i-Runners’ Club,” which offers regular training for participating runners with the guidance of professional coaches; and waste reduction and recycling initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness during the event.

See also: HKJC joins 20th annual Together We Care programme to support families in need