Dig out your running shoes people because the race is on in Hong Kong. Whether you're a gentle jogger or an endurance expert, there are heaps of sporting events throughout the year, with a brief break during the height of summer. Deciding which race to sign up for can feel like a marathon in itself, so we've created a guide of the biggest ones each month to help you decide - keep your eyes peeled for updates.
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[su_spoiler title="January" style="fancy"]
January
Green Power Hike
Established in 1994, the annual
Green Power Hike is one of the city's largest and most profitable charity hikes. Having raised over millions of dollars for Green Power, an organisation that tackles Hong Kong's environmental problems, this environmentally-friendly exploration is definitely one to put in your diary.
When: January 12
Distance:10km, 25km, 50km
Good for: charity / family
QNET Gurkha Trailblazer
As a new charity race named in honour of the Nepalese soldiers who lost their lives in the war, the
QNET Gurkha Trailblazer will be covering a 12km and 26km race in the northeast New Territories at the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. A meaningful race worthy a place in Hong Kong's trail running calendar.
When: January 12
Distance:12km, 26km
Good for: athlete / charity
Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race
Conquering a 103km course which snakes through untouched beaches and forests, determined participants will push themselves to the limits within a 30-hour time limit, with a breathtaking descent to the finish line from Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan. If you're all about the next big challenge, then the
Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race is for you.
When: January 19
Distance: 103km
Good for: athlete
Angry Birds x Ngong Ping Charity Walk
The annual fundraising
Ngong Ping Charity Walk is back, this year teaming up with the adorable characters of Angry Birds to raise money to support the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association. Whether racers choose the 10km Green Walk leisure route, or the more competitive 20km and 29km routes, all runners will be eligible for a tailored Angry Birds Pack with one-of-a-kind souvenirs!
When: January 20
Distance: 10km, 20km, 29km
Good for: charity / family / fun
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[su_spoiler title="February" style="fancy"]
February
The 9 Dragons Ultra
If you're feeling up for a challenge,
The 9 Dragons Ultra is the perfect race to push yourself and test your limits. This multi-day trail and ultra running event will begin on Saturday at midnight with a 89km trail run with a lofty 5,070 elevation gain, and end with a 50km course on Sunday with a further 3,550 elevation gain. Runners have the option to participant in either one or both of the races.
When: February 1 - 3
Distance: 50km, 89km
Good for: athlete
The Trail Hub Valentine’s Day Race
If you fancy doing something alternative for the most romantic day of the year, the
The Trail Hub Valentine’s Day Race might just be your perfect match. With stunning views as you explore Lantau Island, and prizes for the winners, this promises to be both romantic
and thrilling.
When: February 9
Distance: 9km, 14km
Good for: fun, family
Sai Kung 50 – HK50 Series
As part of the HK 50 series, one of the most popular running events in Hong Kong, the
MSIG Sai Kung 50 attracts over thousands of elite runners from all over the world each year. Starting from Pak Tam Chung, runners will get to race through steep hills and challenging trails, all the while taking in the gorgeous views around Sai Kung.
When: February 23
Distance: 12km, 22km, 50km
Good for: athlete
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
With over 70,000 runners taking part last year, the
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is one of our city's biggest sporting events. Snaking through the streets of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, the cheering crowds will get your adrenaline pumping, and before you know it you will be crossing the finish line.
When: February 17
Distance:1km, 2.2km, 3km, 10km, 21km, 42km
Good for: athlete / family
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[su_spoiler title="March" style="fancy"]
March
The Clearwater Bay Chase
Gather your youngsters and let's race to the finish line at
The Clearwater Bay Chase trail together this March. With all enrollment fees going towards Breakthrough's Liberal Studies Project, this is the perfect opportunity to get the family active for a good cause.
When: March 3
Distance: 1km, 5km, 10km
Good for: charity / family / fun
Race for Water
Hosted by A Drop of Life,
Race for Water challenges participants to carry 4.5 litres of bottled water as they run either a 15km, 30km, or newly added 42km trail. Designed to give them an idea of the hardship experienced by villagers carrying water from the source to their homes, the race raises money to build water facilities for those less fortunate who live in areas where obtaining clean drinking water is a difficult task.
When: March 9
Distance: 15km, 30km, 42km
Good for: athlete / charity
Outward Bound Adventure Race
Come take on a 14.5km challenge course that combines running, kayaking, trail running, orienteering, swimming, and unexpected team tasks in the
Outward Bound Adventure Race. But if 16km seems like child's play to you, athletes can add an extra 4km to the run and complete the 20km route in the elite category.
When: March 10
Distance: 14.5km, 20km
Good for: athlete
Shanghai Commericial Pok Oi Cycle for Millions
Raising funds for Pok Oi Hospital to develop the largest nursing and residential care home in Hong Kong, the
Shanghai Commericial Pok Oi Cycle for Millions will help to promote cycling in the Hong Kong community, as well as raise awareness to advocate green, healthy living. The event will take place along the Tsing Sha Highway all the way to the Stonecutters Bridge.
When: March 10
Distance: 1 round, unlimited
Good for: athlete / charity / fun
Christian Action 3-Legged Charity Walk
With all proceeds going towards Christian Action's programmes for underprivileged children in Hong Kong, as well as orphans and disabled children in Qinghai, the seventh edition of the Christian Action 3-Legged Charity Walk returns to bring you and your family a day of meaningful fun. During the charity walk, pairs of participants will walk with their inside legs strapped together so they can gain an understanding of the impediments and challenges disabled children have to face on a daily basis. In addition to the walk, there will also be tons of fun family-friendly activities in store such as football training by the Chelsea FC Soccer School, a Foot-Golf plus Putting Game Charity Race, and even a family-oriented carnival.
When: March 23
Distance: 4km
Good for: charity / family / fun
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[su_spoiler title="April" style="fancy"]
April
Country of Origin Trail Run
Feeling patriotic? Teams of three, with a shared nationality, are invited to take part in the annual
Country of Origin Trail Run. Aiming to bring together Hong Kong's eclectic mix of nationalities, this 30km Lantau trail looks set to be a competitive occasion.
When: April 13
Distance: 30km
Good for: athlete / fun
Women's Five
So much more than just a running event (literally and figuratively),
Women's Five is a whole journey of lifestyle and fitness. With two options available, racers can choose from a five-week health and fitness program, designed to sharpen up the body and mind before the big race, or simply just take part in only the race. Better yet, why not dedicate yourself to both?
When: April 13
Distance: 5km, 10km
Good for: charity / fun
Round the Island
Dating back to 1982, Round the Island is an established running event which curves around Hong Kong island in a figure of eight. Incorporating sections of the well-worn Hong Kong Trail and Sir Cecil's Ride, solo runners, duos, and relay teams are welcome to take part in this endurance event.
When: April 14
Distance: 64km
Good for: athlete
AVOHK Malcolm Phillips Memorial Race
Held in memory of long time AVOHK supporter and active member Malcolm Phillips, the
Malcolm Phillips Memorial Race will be a meaningful 5km race held along Bowen Road in Wan Chai. With prizes awarded to the top five male and top five female runners, this would make the perfect event for those who want to take it easy, while still working up a sweat.
When: April 14
Distance: 5km
Good for: family / fun
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[su_spoiler title="May" open="yes" style="fancy"]
May
Bonaqua Action X SPRINT Trail Series
Experience the beautiful scenery off the main trails of Repulse Bay, and take a step into locations that are unknown to most at the
C3fit Bonaqua Action SPRINT Trail Series. Raising awareness of the need to reduce carbon footprint to help save the environment, the race offer runners a fun and short distance route around Repulse Bay, so grab your running buddy and have some good, clean fun!
When: May 5
Distance: 9km, 14km
Good for: athletes / fun
SwimRun#2: HK Island
Are you a swimmer or a runner? If your answer is both then the
SwimRun#2: HK Island is the perfect race for you. Kicking off near Stanley beach, racers will have run or swim through various checkpoints, before reaching to the finish line at Hok Tsui Village. Up for the challenge? Go sign up now!
When: May 19
Distance: 13km
Good for: athlete
District Race
The world's first urban exploration race District Race is coming to Hong Kong so gear up and get ready to race and explore the city like never before. Presented by AIA Vitality, our urban jungle will be brought to life through the District Race mobile app, where it will indicate more than 80 virtual checkpoints and challenges around Hong Kong for racers to tackle within a two-hour time limit. There's no set course and no set distance, so it's completely up to you how to spend this first-of-its-kind immersive race!
When: May 19
Distance: No set distance
Good for: family / fun
GreenRace Pottinger
The GreenRace Pottinger runs a whole gamut of distances and challenge levels ranging from 5km kids runs all the way to 15km solo and paired runs that cover Pottinger and Dragon's Back. Your registration not only gets to the starting line but includes a GreenRace Bib Race Belt, an FSC Maplewood Finisher’s Trophy with Fuji Instax Photo, a well earned Dragon’s Back Beer from Hong Kong Beer Co. at the finish line along with some eats.
When: May 18
Distance: 5km, 7km, 15km
Good for: family / fun
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[su_spoiler title="June" style="fancy"]
June
Midsummer Race 1
As part of the
Midsummer Race series, the first race edition will be taking place at the Tai Tam BBQ site, where racers will have to conquer a distance of 10km with a time limit of three hours. Definitely one for those who love to sweat it out under the sun - just remember to stay hydrated!
When: TBC
Distance: 10km
Good for: athlete
SwimRun#4: Lantau
Are you a swimmer or a runner? If your answer is both then the
SwimRun#4: Lantau is the perfect race for you. Kicking off at Mui Wo Ferry Pier, racers will have run or swim through various checkpoints, before reaching to the finish line at Pui O Beach. Up for the challenge? Go sign up now!
When: TBC
Distance: 13km
Good for: athlete
WAY OUT Challenge
Looking for something new to challenge yourself? Then this is the perfect race for you. Comprised of five large scale maze-like obstacles, the
WAY OUT Challenge will be taking place by the Central Harbourfront event space, where individual runners or teams of four will have to whiz left and right through obstacles and mazes, all to get their hands on the grand prize at the finish line.
When: TBC
Distance: No set distance
Good for: family / fun
Trails of Fire: Lantau Peak
Starting at the top of Lantau Peak and all the way down to Shek Mun Kap, runners in the
Trails of Fire Downhill Races series will come face to face with the slopiest challenge they've ever come across. With a time limit of two hours to cover 7km, it's all about to go downhill from here - literally.
When: TBC
Distance: 7km
Good for: athlete
LBC Summer Dash: Prison Break
Taking racers from Tong Fuk Village in Lantau, and all the way round to Pui O Beach, the LBC Summer Dash series will be an adrenaline-filed race to challege racers of all ages. The route will be challenging to say the least, so start preparing for the big day now!
When: TBC
Distance: 16km
Good for: athlete
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[su_spoiler title="July" style="fancy"]
July
Midsummer Race 2
As part of the
Midsummer Race series, the first race edition will be taking place at the Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam, where racers will have to conquer a distance of 10km with a time limit of three hours. Definitely one for those who love to sweat it out under the sun - just remember to stay hydrated!
When: TBC
Distance: 10km
Good for: athlete
Trails of Fire: Tai Mo Shan
Starting from the top of Tai Mo Shan at the Weather Radar Station and all the way down to Shing Mun Valley Park, runners in the
Trails of Fire Downhill Races series will come face to face with the slopiest challenge they've ever come across. With a time limit of three hours to cover 11.7km, it's all about to go downhill from here - literally.
When: TBC
Distance: 11.7km
Good for: athlete
Sheko Challenge
Swim, paddle, or run - the choice is yours at the
Sheko Challenge. Returning for on July 7, this hugely popular race sees thousands of people race from Big Wave Bay to the finish line, and post-race party, at Sheko Back Beach. Plus, youngsters aged between 10 and 18 are now welcome to join in the fun and sign up for the Kids Swim category - a 600m loop starting and finishing at Back Beach.
When: TBC
Distance: Swim - 2.2km, Paddle - 9km, Run - 8.5km
Good for: athlete
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[su_spoiler title="August" style="fancy"]
August
Midsummer Race 3
As part of the
Midsummer Race series, the first race edition will be taking place at Pak Tam Chung, where racers will have to conquer a distance of 10km with a time limit of three hours. Definitely one for those who love to sweat it out under the sun - just remember to stay hydrated!
When: TBC
Distance: 10km
Good for: athlete
The AVOHK 5K Series: Bowen Road
With trophies and cash coupons up for grabs, there are plenty of reasons to sign up for the AVOHK 5K Series. The first instalment of the four part series is along Bowen Road, winding around Lover's Rock and skirting Aberdeen Country Park. If you like the sound of this trail, check out the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir and Wan Chai Gap races in September and the South Bay run in October. If you take part in three or more of the races, you will bag an AVOHK-adidas 5km souvenir t-shirt!
When: TBC
Distance: 5km
Good for: athletes / family
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[su_spoiler title="September" style="fancy"]
September
AVOHK 5K Series: Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir and Black's Link
Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir and Black's Link are the chosen locations of these 5km races in the AVOHK 5K Series. Runners aged 12 and upwards are welcome to take part, so gather together the teens in your family and get training.
When: TBC
Distance: 5km
Good for: athlete / family
Midsummer Race 4
As part of the
Midsummer Race Series, the first race edition will be taking place at the Ma On Shan BBQ Site, where racers have to conquer a distance of 10km within a time limit of three hours. Definitely one for those who love to sweat it out under the sun – just remember to stay hydrated!
When: TBC
Distance: 10km
Good for: athlete
Terry Fox Run
This non-competitive event invites individuals, families, and groups of friends to come together in honour of Canadian athlete and cancer research activist Terry Fox. With all of the proceeds going to support cure-oriented cancer research in Hong Kong, the
Terry Fox Run is an active family day out for a cause that is close to many people's hearts.
When: TBC
Distance: 3km, 5km, 10km
Good for: charity / family
Immortals Green Race
Taking place at Kong Ha Au Barbecue Site in Plover Cove Country Park, the
Immortal Green Race is not only about being good to your body, but also to the environment. Depending on your experience level, there are various routes for you to choose from so you can fly solo and challenge your endurance, or run with your kids for an ultimate healthy family day out.
When: TBC
Distance: 5km, 19km, 34km
Good for: athlete / family
AVOHK 5K Series: South Bay
Head to Repulse Bay for the final race in the
AVOHK 5K Series. With picturesque views of the ocean accompanying you all the way, this 5km course is a great opportunity for gentle joggers to get going and ease themselves into the world of running races.
When: TBC
Distance:5km
Good for: athlete
Hebe Haven 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race
Organised by Hebe Haven Yacht Club, the
24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race is an annual event set to raise money for its chosen charity in Hong Kong. Set in Pak Sha Wan bay, just in front of the Hebe Haven Yacht Club in Sai Kung, the race offers a challenging lap around a short course, making it perfect for those who want to get in on the fun, while still satisfying the competitive drive of more experienced racers.
When: TBC
Distance: 1.8km
Good for: athlete / charity / family / fun
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[su_spoiler title="October" style="fancy"]
October
Women's Five
So much more than just a running event (literally and figuratively),
Women's Five is a whole journey of lifestyle and fitness. With two options available, racers can choose from a five-week health and fitness program, designed to sharpen the body and mind before the big race, or simply take part in the race only. Better yet, you can commit to both.
When: TBC
Good for: athlete / fun
Ten Times Needle Hill
Are you ready for a challenge? Although
Ten Times Needle Hill may not be the longest race, it certainly requires a steely level of stamina, with the course requiring you to climb Needle Hill – ten times! Be warned, this definitely isn't for the faint-hearted.
When: TBC
Distance: 21km
Good for: athlete
AVS Run & Walk for Volunteering 2018
With the vision of building a caring community and promoting the sustained development of volunteer work in Hong Kong, The Agency For Volunteer Service is holding a Run & Walk for Volunteering race at the Ocean View Court in Cyberport. Racers can enjoy the beautiful view along the Cyberport Waterfront Park as they partake in the 10km individual or team race, the 3.5km fun race, a relay race, or a Walkathon. So what are you waiting for? Enrol now and do your part to give back to the community.
When: TBC
Distance: 3.5km, 10km
Good for: athlete / family
Barclays MoonTrekker
Hike through the night for a good cause, and catch the sunrise at Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau island. Participants can go solo or enter in teams, as long as they fulfil the required sponsorship amount of $650 per person, which is donated to the event's nominated charity,
Barclays MoonTrekker.
When: TBC
Distance: 30km, 40km, 50km
Good for: athlete / fun
Pink Walk for Breast Health
Going into its 13th year, the
Pink Walk for Breast Health is an annual fundraising event designed to help support the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Starting from Peak Road Garden, the 3.5km walk takes participants through some of the best views that Victoria Peak has to offer. Welcoming all to join from the age of three and upwards, participants are also encouraged to come dressed in pink!
When: TCB
Distance: 3.5km
Good for: charity / family / fun
Lantau Trail 70
From steep mountainous tracks, to flat footpaths, the
Lantau Trail 70 covers a variety of terrain. Starting from Mui Wo, Lantau Island, the Salomon Lantau Trail 70 is a semi-self sufficient race with six checkpoints and four relay exchanges for relay runners. The Lantau Trail 70 is also a 'Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc' qualified race.
When: TBC
Distance: 70km
Good for: athlete
MSIG HK50 - Hong Kong Island
The
MSIG HK50 – Hong Kong Island is a great introductory course for the MSIG HK50 series as the first 24km are not high in elevation, and offer lots of rolling flat areas, making this a relatively easy race – that is, until the second half is reached. With lots of short steep climbs going around Mount Parker to the Boa Vista trail, this will be a fun, but definitely painful, challenge.
When: TBC
Distance: 24km, 50km
Good for: athlete
Repulse Bay Triple
Making a splash on Hong Kong's waterborne race scene, the
Repulse Bay Triple at the Hong Kong Beach Fest challenges swimmers to complete three high-intensity swim courses (900m, 600m, and 300m) and a beach run in under two hours. Do you accept the challenge?
When: TBC
Distance: 300m , 600m, 900m
Good for: athlete
Hysan Island Hike and Run
In order to promote healthy living and sustainability, Hysan development is holding a
Hysan Island Hike and Run this October down at Green Lane Service Reservoir Sitting-Out Area. With three different routes covering various distances, runners of all ages can join in the fun, making it a great excuse to get your kids out of the house.
When: TBC
Distance: 3km, 19km, 27km
Good for: athlete / family
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[su_spoiler title="November" style="fancy"]
November
Spartan Race
If you're looking for the ultimate test of endurance, determination, and strength, then look no further that the epic
Spartan Race. With insane obstacles designed to push you to your limits in every possible way, Spartans can expect to run, jump, climb, and crawl through everything from steep hills and muddy roads, to monkey swings and barbed wire fields. If this all seems a bit too intimidating, then grab your best running buddies and join as a team – the more the merrier!
When: TBC
Distance: 12+ km with 25+ obstacles
Good for: Athlete
RUN Charity Race
Raising funds to support
RUN's sports and education programmes to help female refugees in Hong Kong, the third annual
RUN Charity Race returns this November 9 in Tai Tam Country Park. Going from the Tai Tam BBQ Area Site 2, the course takes racers around the beautiful green areas around the Tai Tam Reservoir. With all registration fees going towards RUN, this is one meaningful race you won't want to miss.
When: 9 November
Distance: 14km, 19km, 3km, 1.5km
Good for: Charity
Pink Heels Race
Put on your brightest, pinkest heels boys and girls (yes, boys too!) because it's time to start running. With the aim of raising awareness of hereditary diseases such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and support cancer patients as well as their struggling families, the annual
Pink Heels Race is open for all to join. There will be a 100m fun race where all participants are required to wear a minimum of 1.5 inch pink heels, and two 5km races for those who are up for a challenge around the jagged hills and paths of Stanley. Even if you're not running the mile yourself, you can head over to Stanley on the day and show your support by adding a splash of pink to your outfit.
When: TBC
Distance: 1km, 5km
Good for: athlete / charity / fun
Oxfam Trailwalker
One of the largest fundraising events in our city's sporting calendar,
Oxfam Trailwalker challenges teams of four and above to tackle a 100km trail. With just 48 hours to cross the finish line, you will be amazed at the close bond you will form with your teammates.
When: TBC
Distance: 100km
Good for: athlete
Stride for a Cure
Enjoy a fun day out in nature and join the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Stride for a Cure walkathon this November 25. With the options of either a 5km route, or a more challenging 10km route to choose from, this family-friendly event offers each participant exclusive goodie bags, free shuttle buses to and from Central Ferry Pier, and a huge variety of post-walk activities such as live music, magic shows, face painting, game booths, and more. The number of participants is limited, so
sign up now to avoid disappointment.
When: TBC
Distance: 5km, 10km
Good for: charity / family
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[su_spoiler title="February" style="fancy"]
December
Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity
Now in its 14th year, the
Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity raises record amounts for different charities every year. With the 10km route wrapping around the outskirts of Lantau island's picturesque Discovery Bay coastline, the race offers stunning views and this year, money raised will go towards supporting local charity
ImpactHK.
When: TBC
Distance: 10km
Good for: athlete / charity / family
SHKP Vertical Run for Charity
Held at Hong Kong's iconic International Commercial Centre, the
SHKP Vertical Run for Charity challenges runners to climb 2,120 steps up to the tallest building in Hong Kong and crossing the finish line on the 100th floor, where they can be rewarded with incredible views of the city on the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. Relay teams are more than welcome to sign up – after all, 2,120 steps is quite a steep figure!
When: TBC
Distance: 2,120 steps
Good for: athlete / family
Win Win Run
Sponsored by Pocari Sweat and the promise of a tasty drink when you cross the finish line,
Win Win Run is an aptly named race because hey, running is a win-win situation. Touring the harbour town of Ma On Shan up in the New Territories, the run is a good opportunity to explore an outlying area of Hong Kong while keeping your body in shape. There will also be a 2.6km course for wheelchair users, so it's game on for everyone.
When: TBC
Distance:2km, 10km, 21km (half marathon), 42km (marathon)
Good for: athlete
Santa Con
Although the exact details of the epic Santa themed annual bar crawl have not yet been confirmed, it's safe to say that the popular drinking areas of Wan Chai and Central will be turning red this December 2 as a sea of festive drinkers, donning the classic red and white outfit, meander through the streets for
Santa Con. Just make sure you have a substantial breakfast before embarking on this 12-hour long party!
When: TBC
Distance: TBC
Good for: fun
Santa Hash
If simply running isn't enough of a challenge for you, then take on the additional challenge of clues, symbols, and wrong turns at the annual
Santa Hash. Raising money for Operation Santa Claus, this cross-country trail welcomes walkers and runners of all ages and fitness levels to navigate their way to the finish line before joining the post-hash festivities. In addition to a well-deserved buffet, Christmas raffle, and fancy dress prizes, there will be a circle of punishments (it's a light-hearted affair, we promise) for corner-cutters and other offenders. You've been warned!
When: TBC
Distance: TBC
Good for: charity / family / fun
Hope Worldwide Great Santa Run
They say "t
he best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear", but we reckon seeing thousands of Santas running along the Pak Shek Kok Promenade is a pretty good option too. Raising awareness and funds for the underprivileged children of Hong Kong, the
HOPE Worldwide Great Santa Run welcomes families, individuals, and corporate companies to join the pack. As an added bonus, all participants will receive a complimentary Santa suit too.
When: TBC
Distance: 1km, 3km, and 8km
Good for: charity / family / fun
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Read more! Find out
All You Need to Know About Sport Cycling in Hong Kong or check out
Your Guide to Charity Work in Hong Kong.
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