The 2025 Hong Kong Marathon took place on February 9, showcasing the incredible spirit of the local running community as well as several famous figures. Chief among them was renowned actor Chow Yun-fat, who participated in the half marathon, impressing onlookers with his dedication and enthusiasm.
Chow, affectionately known as 'Fat Gor' among fans, completed the race with a time of approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. After crossing the finish line, he expressed satisfaction with his performance, using terms like 'very comfortable' to describe his experience. Despite missing his ambitious goal of under two hours this time—having completed it last year with 2 hours and 19 minutes—he remains optimistic about future improvements. He stated, 'I hope to finish the race under two hours when I am 80,' laughing off suggestions of entering full marathons, explaining, 'I will stick to half marathons.' Chow's presence added excitement to the event, prompting many participants to ask for selfies, which he graciously fulfilled amid the cheerful atmosphere.
The weather conditions during the marathon contributed to the enjoyable setting; Chow noted the temperatures were cool and pleasant, enhancing the running experience. He also took the opportunity to highlight his love for local delicacies, stating, 'I prefer running here because after the race, I can indulge in some dim sum.' This sentiment reflects how the marathon is more than just competition; it includes elements of culture and community.
While Chow's participation garnered significant media attention, the race also saw notable performances from other runners. The women's half marathon champion was Yiu Kit-ching, who clocked 1 hour and 15 minutes—an anticipated victory as she had performed well previously. Yiu, expressing her elation, mentioned the favorable weather as key to her success and was optimistic for her future competitions, even as she prepares to undergo minor surgery.
On the men’s side, Lin Yingzhang finished first among local runners, yet there was some surprising news. Initially, the top two places were claimed by mainland runners He Yingbing and Sun Xiaoyang, both of whom were later disqualified for violating race rules. Lin was informed of his elevation to first place post-race and said he was shocked but pleased, recalling, 'I didn't expect to win because I was not feeling my best this year.' He achieved his time of 1 hour and 07 minutes, almost one minute faster than his previous year's mark, thanks to extensive training.
The disqualifications drew attention during the marathon's aftermath. The event's organizers held a press conference to clarify the situation. They revealed the disqualified athletes had not attached their respective bib numbers correctly, which led to complications during the verification process. The Hong Kong Athletics Association's executive director, Wu Yuhao, emphasized the importance of identity verification, stating, 'We need to understand how this happened, as it creates issues for the integrity of the sport.'
Chow Yun-fat’s enthusiasm and uplifting remarks not only captivated the crowd but also underscored the importance of community spirit within events like the Hong Kong Marathon. Other celebrities, such as Liang Nuoyan, also participated, with Liang finishing her race within her expected time, showcasing her readiness and determination. Many runners shared their experiences via social media, reflecting the camaraderie felt at this annual event.
Once the festivities ended, Chow expressed his hopes for the marathon's future as it might move to Kai Tak, as planned, for the next year. 'I look forward to trying the new course; it's exciting to have changes,' he suggested. This enthusiasm was shared by thousands of runners and fans who participated or attended the event.
The 2025 Hong Kong Marathon not only highlighted personal achievements but also the essence of competitive spirit mixed with community celebration. Chow Yun-fat's warmth and narrative, intertwined with the victories and lessons from the races, leaves participants eager for the next chapter—whether it’s about improving personal bests, embracing cultural flavors, or fostering friendships. Naturally, this event reiterates the concept of not just running, but also nurturing life’s shared moments.