Organized by RunOurCity and title sponsored by AXA Hong Kong, and being one of the sports events under “Appreciate Hong Kong”, the third “AXA HONG KONG STREETATHON@kowloon east 2016” was held today. The race began at Kai Tai Cruise Terminal, passing along Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade, Kwun Tong industrial and commercial area, and Kowloon Bay residential area. Around 9,000 runners participated in its 10km and half marathon races. “Hong Kong Streetathon Carnival” was also held concurrently.

The race kicked off with starting pistols fired by Chief Secretary for Administration Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet Ngor, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Hong Kong Mr. Stuart Harrison, and Founder and Chairman of RunOurCity Limited Mr. Leong Cheung.

Due to the amber rainstorm and the thunderstorm warning in force, the organizer, in consideration of the safety of the runners, decided to stop the half marathon race which passes through the Kwun Tong Bypass, Among the 4,700 half marathon race runners and 4,100 10 km race runners, over 90% completed the race and around 80 runners were affected. 53 injury cases were reported.

STREETATHON – a new direction in charitable fund-raising

Stuart Harrison, CEO of AXA Hong Kong, said: “AXA Hong Kong is proud to be the title-sponsor of this meaningful in-city run for the third time in a row, promoting healthy living to the wider audience of the community. Through AXA HONG KONG STREETATHON@kowloon east 2016, we take our mission of “Born to Protect” beyond our business, and give back to our community by enhancing people’s awareness on health, motivating them to exercise and stay fit, and more importantly, injecting positive spirit to our city.”

New charitable elements have been added in this year’s race. The runners’ quota has been increased so that more funds can be raised for charitable organizations; runners are also encouraged to donate their spare running tees (new or washed) which will then be distributed to the socially impaired in China via local societies for the blind by the “HK Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society Ltd”.

Since its establishment, RunOurCity has been organizing races such as AXA HONG KONG STREETATHON@kowloon east and has raised funds for over 14 charitable organizations. CEO and Co-founder of RunOurCity, Andes Leung, said: “The six cities that hold the World Marathon Majors, including Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo, have raised funds for different charitable organizations and created huge social effects. We at RunOurCity will strive towards this direction. We will raise funds for organizations in need through organizing races. As we create a memorable running experience for runners, we are also creating value to society. Here I would like to thank the Hong Kong government and all our supporters for their valuable efforts.”

Self-Service Water Station to promote Go Green

To increase the awareness of going green, the organizer has partnered with social enterprise “BottLess” to set up self-service water stations around the arena and a huge BottLess EXP water station to minimize the usage of disposable plastic or paper cups. Meanwhile, many collection boxes for plastic bottles were provided to let everyone help save the earth.

Adding art into running: Let’s have fun in Kowloon East

In line with its fun-filled theme, AXA HONG KONG STREETATHON@kowloon east 2016 has combined street running with art to achieve social inclusion. One of the race’s beneficiaries, “Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADA)”, sent its disabled artists to perform and cheer for runners along the racecourse. The “Funniest Outfit Award” also let runners release their creativity by dressing up in fun costumes as they enjoy their run.

The event was also for runners’ families and friends and the general public. The “Hong Kong STREETATHON Carnival” was held concurrently at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. An array of games for all ages were available, such as the Hong Kong STREETATHON Obstacle Race, THEi creative booth games, and face painting and wrist bands by disabled artists.

Proceeds from the event will benefit “Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADA)” and RunOurCity Foundation’s “Youth･ROC” program. ADA promotes social inclusion through art appreciation and creative activities with its vision “Arts for Everyone”. On the other hand, Youth･ROC brings changes to the lives of young people through its running program. The general public is welcome to participate in this meaningful event by making a donation to http://www.cloudonate.org/ItemList.aspx?stamp=201509.