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Testimonials from ‘’Youth.ROC’’ and ‘’Youth.ONE’’ programs

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Our school has participated in street running for over five years, witnessing the growth of many students. They have transformed from staying indoors to running all over Hong Kong and Kowloon, from being glued to their devices to running day and night. The training from street running has provided teenagers with a healthier growth experience. At the same time, it has prompted me to reflect. Looking back, I realize that past training may have focused too much on achieving time breakthroughs, overlooking the joy that running brings us. Now, through street running training, we are addressing these past shortcomings, allowing students to love running more and feel more motivated to push their limits.

Mr. Yau, Teacher from Hong Kong & Kowloon Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College

UCC

Encouraged by the principal, I decided to participate in the street marathon. Besides challenging my physical limits, I also hope to inspire the sixth-form students to maintain their momentum and run straight towards their goal (DSE)! The atmosphere at the event was lively and uplifting! It was heartwarming to see teachers and students encouraging each other along the way! I hope this spirit of the street marathon can continue within the school.

Mr. Wong Wai Ming, Vice Principal from United Christian College

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I used to be someone who easily lost interest in things, often quitting halfway through whatever I started. Street running training has been a turning point for me. Before participating, I had zero knowledge and experience with running. The training not only deepened my understanding of running but also helped me gradually discover that I could run longer distances than I thought. I went from struggling to run 200 meters to completing 10 kilometers without a break. Beyond my progress in running, I also found that I am less likely to give up when faced with difficulties; instead, I can rise to the challenge. Street running training has made me passionate about running, and I find great satisfaction in it.

Miss Zhu, F.4 Student from Hong Kong & Kowloon Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College

Runners Testimonials from JC Fit City – City Runners

Alfred
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TKO Alfred

I am Alfred, a member of the “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad ” Running Group. I’m in my early 40s and started my running journey two years ago.

My motivation to start running came when my basketball buddies migrated. Without friends to play basketball with, I found a little gap in my life that was affecting my health. Moreover, as I entered my forties, I wanted to make some positive changes. I had always heard people say that everyone should run a marathon at least once in their life. Therefore, I set a goal on my 40th birthday to run a marathon and made a smart choice—I bought my first pair of running shoes.

When I first started running, I thought it would be as simple as putting on my shoes and running down the street. Full of excitement, I ran almost every day and saw quick progress, thanks to the “beginner’s benefits.” However, after a month or two, I faced challenges. I haven’t made any progress, and I even experienced knee pain during long runs, which made me doubt whether I could complete a marathon. Lucky, I joined a training session organized by RunOurCity, where the coach helped me understand the importance of proper running form.

Running has had a great positive impact on both my physical and mental health. Physically, I have lost 20 pounds and feel more energetic. Mentally, running allows me to clear my mind, focus on my breathing and running form, and clear out my thoughts. Achieving each training goal boosts my confidence. Every race itself feels like a microcosm of life; facing the “wall” and tiredness, I have learned to encourage myself and persist without giving up easily.

One of my greatest rewards has been joining the “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad” Running Group. Initially drawn by the food at The Hong Kong Streetathon, I decided to join their free running sessions. There, I met the coach and a group of good friends who share the same interests. We all wanted to continue this new friendship. Thanks for the support of CITY RUNNERS, they formed the running group in Tseung Kwan O. As one of the first members, I witnessed the growth of the group (my member number is 1!).

When one door closes, another opens. My friends’ migration led me to running, and running introduced me to CITY RUNNERS, where I met many new friends who I see at least once a week. Together, we have improved and shared the joy of running. This experience has been irreplaceable.

The most memorable event for me was the “Flash Rabbit Mid-Autumn Festival Run” we recently completed. Alongside several core members, we planned this group run with nearly 80 participants. Everyone adjusted their schedules, balancing work, studies, and training to support the event. When we reached the finish line and saw the smiles and sense of achievement on everyone’s faces, showcasing the rabbit shapes on the map, it was priceless. This truly embodied the spirit of “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

全城街馬「RunOurCity – CITY RUNNERS is part of the JC Fit City, initiated and funded by Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It aims to encourage Hong Kong citizens to incorporate sports and exercise into their daily lives with the aim of achieving the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly level of physical activity

Alfred – My Journey with RunOurCity “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad”

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I’m Mandy, around thirty years old, a member of RunOurCity “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad ” running group. I’ve been running for a year now.

My mother, who relies on a wheelchair due to mobility challenges, requires a significant portion of my time and care. Striving to stay healthy has always been important to me. I wanted to ensure that I could take care of myself and my family when I got older.

Initially, I ran alone and lacked motivation, which led to inconsistency and limited endurance. The turning point came when I discovered the “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad” running group and started joining their regular weekly running sessions.

Running with the group brought a new level of motivation. It allowed me to meet other runners with similar goals. Together, we encouraged each other. Now, I can run much further than I initially thought possible.

At first, my running form was incorrect, and my legs were constantly sore. However, I kept reminding myself why I started running and decided to continue. To improve, I sought out a professional coach who educated me on proper running techniques and posture.

Now I really enjoy running. It is my hobby. I feel healthier and experience an indescribable sense of satisfaction and accomplishment every time I complete a run with my group. I’ve gone from not participating in any races to joining different competitions and street marathons. My life has completely changed.

One of the most memorable events was the “Flash Rabbit Mid-Autumn Festival Run l” organized by our running group. Not only did I break my longest running distance, but I also witnessed the selfless dedication of our group members who planned the event. All participants had a fantastic time, and we created unforgettable memories.

I hope to continue expanding my running knowledge, improving my posture, and running for years to come. Joining the running group has been life-changing, and I look forward to many more miles with my fellow runners.

RunOurCity – CITY RUNNERS is part of the JC Fit City, initiated and funded by Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It aims to encourage Hong Kong citizens to incorporate sports and exercise into their daily lives with the aim of achieving the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly level of physical activity

Mandy – Run with RunOurCity “CITY-RUNNERS – TKO Dash Squad”

Keith

RunOurCity “CITY RUNNERS – Hong Kong Island Fearless Dragon Running Team” is a diverse running group that brings together individuals of various abilities. The name “Dragons” resonates with the Cantonese words for “blind” and “deaf,” highlighting its inclusive nature. The team includes visually impaired, hearing impaired, those with combined sight and hearing impairments, as well as runners with full sight and hearing, fast runners, and slower ones—all brought together by their love for running and the fun of team street runs.

Keith Ho, a newer runner with just around six months of experience, has already found a special spot as a guide runner on the team. “I never had a habit of running and didn’t know about guide runners,” Keith recalls. “It was only after watching the film called I Still Remember – that I learned about this role, and I was really touched by its meaningfulness. By chance, I found out about the Hong Kong Island Fearless Dragon Running Team and started running with them.”

For Keith, guiding is all about syncing with his partner, paying keen attention to their pace and direction, and coordinating smoothly. Unlike regular runners, He needs to be aware of distant and varied road conditions, communicating immediately with his partner if there are uneven surfaces or unusual obstacles. “Guiding isn’t always easy,” Keith admits. “There’s a lot to learn, and you must always be alert. Every run has new challenges. Once, while running with Bing Yip, a few people ahead were hooked on their mobile. I shouted out, ‘Watch out!’ but Bing Yip thought I was talking to him and stopped suddenly. Communication is indeed an art.”

Despite these challenges, Keith finds huge satisfaction in his role. “The seniors in the running team are very supportive, teaching me a lot and boosting my confidence to continue. I enjoy the friendship of running together, sharing laughs and finishing a session almost without realizing. Although I’m new to running, I’ve learnt so much from the team. I’m particularly impressed by Bing Yip; he has to lift his knees higher when running and is always in tune with the tiniest movements of our guiding band while listening for my instructions and responding accordingly. It’s truly not easy!”

Bing Yip, who has been running for almost ten years, joined the team at the end of 2023. He speaks highly of Keith, “Keith is super dedicated, always willing to guide me on our runs. Beyond running, we’ve become great friends where we discuss everything.” Bing Yip highlights that their mutual trust is built through open communication, which is crucial for safety and avoiding injuries. Whether there are hazards ahead, turns, steps, or narrow passages, they ensure safety by maintaining physical contact. One time, they both slipped while wiping sweat due to a moment of inattention, fortunately without harm. For them, safety is paramount, and it strengthens their bond. Despite the added effort required, Bing Yip consistently sticks to his running routine because he is really enjoying it. “It’s a beautiful part of enjoying life. I especially love participating in marathons abroad, as it combines the joy of long-distance running with the joy of exploring different cultures and landscapes while traveling.”

RunOurCity – CITY RUNNERS is part of the JC Fit City, initiated and funded by Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It aims to encourage Hong Kong citizens to incorporate sports and exercise into their daily lives with the aim of achieving the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly level of physical activity

Keith HO – Running Together—The Inspiring Journey of Visually Impaired Runner Bing Yip and His Guide Runner Keith Ho

Running Leader Testimonials

“After a long day at work, many people feel fatigued and tend to neglect exercise. The JC Fit City initiative promotes the concept of community sports, which I find inspiring. This motivated me to enroll in the leadership class, where I learned about organizational skills, interpersonal relationships, psychology, injuries, and more. After discussing with friends, we formed a team called ‘Run Fire Hearted’ that meets every Monday evening. This team has significantly boosted my confidence and leadership skills, and it has also encouraged friends who rarely exercise to take their first steps in exploring the community on foot. While running alone can feel liberating, running with a group brings even greater joy and fulfillment!”

Alice, Deep Fire Relay

“I successfully completed the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon! The weather was fantastic, warmer than expected, and I felt comfortable throughout the run. While I didn’t achieve a personal best, my performance improved compared to my previous street runs. I found it easier to run this time, and as I approached the final 5 km, I realized I had a chance to finish under 5 hours. I still had energy for a sprint at the end, but I started too late and couldn’t quite make it, leaving room for improvement. This experience highlights the rewards of this year’s ‘City Running Team’ activities, as the encouragement and support from my teammates helped me stay committed to weekly running sessions. The best part was cheering each other on and witnessing fellow runners over 65 successfully complete their first marathon!”

Lawrence, Siu Sai Wan Chill 2 Run

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“After joining the TKO Dash Squad running group, I have established a consistent exercise routine that has not only improved my fitness but also strengthened my perseverance. Participating in the running team alongside my wife has allowed us to work together and deepen our relationship. I’ve also met many like-minded friends in the team, and by sharing their running experiences, I’ve found new motivation and inspiration. This has made my life feel more fulfilling and positive.”

Sam, TKO Dash Squad

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“Hello everyone! I’m James, the leader of the Deep Motion Running Team. I want to express my gratitude to the Jockey Club for sponsoring the street running workshop, which has allowed us to share the joy of running with friends in our community. In the past, my understanding of running was primarily focused on personal performance and results. When I faced injuries or didn’t achieve my goals, I often felt disappointed and discouraged. However, after attending the workshop, I realized that my role can shift from self-focus to supporting others. Now, I can share my insights and passion for running with my teammates. When I see them achieving breakthroughs and making progress, I am proud to be their encourager and supporter, motivating us all to strive and improve together.”

James Ip, Sparkling Spirit Pulse

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“Since forming the running team, the greatest reward for me has been seeing my friends become more motivated to tackle daily life challenges due to the development of a running habit. Every time we talk, learning about their progress fills me with joy and strengthens my sense of responsibility to the team. We truly enjoy running together and grow alongside one another.”

Elaine, 9 Run Run Team

Participant Testimonials

“Thanks to the Jockey Club for offering free trial classes! This initiative enables participants to explore various activities without any cost, helping them discover the right sport and incorporate exercise into their daily lives. It’s a valuable program that deserves widespread promotion!”

Au Yeung Po-Shan (Participant)

“I think the ‘trial class’ is excellent. It caters to students who are new to running. Regular running classes often don’t focus on newcomers. In the first class, we immediately started running laps, which can be discouraging (based on personal experience). But the trial class allows for a gradual approach. The coach even arranged for us to run outside, which was much more fun and engaging 🥳🥳🥳 The class was well-organized, and the coach provided great guidance. The information and answers to our questions were very helpful. I look forward to the next basic class taught by the coach 🥳🥳”

Shek Siu-Ching (Participant)

“I have never liked running, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I joined this trial class. Thank you, coach, for constantly providing us with encouragement, which boosted my confidence and helped me understand running better, allowing me to experience its joy. After the trial class ended, I felt a bit reluctant to leave. Thank you to the coach and all staff for their hard work!”

Hui Wing-Yan (Participant)

“Thank you, Roy Sir. I look forward to every class because you are the motivation for us students. You don’t push us; instead, you encourage us to enjoy and work within our limits, making us fall in love with running and appreciate the process. You also take photos to capture beautiful memories. I hope to see you again. I will continue running and have already signed up for the 10k street race. See you all then!”

Yiu Suk-Fong (Participant)

“I have never liked running, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I joined this trial class. Thank you, coach, for constantly providing us with encouragement, which boosted my confidence and helped me understand running better, allowing me to experience its joy. After the trial class ended, I felt a bit reluctant to leave. Thank you to the coach and all staff for their hard work!”

Hui Wing-Yan (Participant)

“The warm-up exercises were quite challenging for me due to foot issues, but after four training sessions, I have noticed significant improvement in my mobility. I’m very happy and grateful for this progress. As I get older, I set more health goals, but often find it difficult to know where to start. Just because an activity suits someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for me. I am very thankful to all the staff behind the scenes organizing the classes and to HKJC. Through these experiences, I’ve discovered activities that fit my abilities. I hope to have the opportunity to join other activities in the near future. Thank you 🙏🏻”

Au Wai-Yi (Participant)

“First, I want to thank you Coach Concord for the guidance. I only started running in October and then participated in this Jockey Club event shortly after. During the event, the coach provided valuable feedback on my running posture, which led to significant improvement. I went from struggling to finish 3 kilometers to comfortably running 6 kilometers. Achieving this in just four sessions surprised me, and I truly appreciate the coach’s instruction. Unfortunately, there were only four classes, and I wish I could learn more running techniques. I hope to have the chance to attend the coach’s classes again in the future.”

Kam Kwong-Chuen (Participant)