Record turnout for Jockey Club Special Marathon to promote social inclusion

The TWGHs “iRun” – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026 (iRun) took place today (11 January) along the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road. This year, the event, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, saw a record turnout of over 5,500 runners of varying abilities and their pair-up partners joined the fun while promoting social inclusion.

Over 5,500 runners, including participants of varying abilities and their pair-up partners, participated in iRun 2026 to promote social inclusion within the community.

Among the officiating guests cheering on the runners were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, Club Steward Philip Lo and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (3rd left), Club Steward Philip Lo (3rd right) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng (2nd left) officiate at the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Club Steward Philip Lo (centre) receives a souvenir from HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (left), accompanied by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee Jason Lee (right).

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (centre), Club Steward Philip Lo (right) and iRun ambassador So Wa-wai (left).

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Philip Lo emphasised that the significance of iRun extends beyond a single day of competition. The initiative provides diverse support to improve participants’ physical health and foster social inclusion. The Club has always placed great emphasis on the community’s needs, with “Health” being one of the strategic priorities of its Charity’s Trust. It consistently supports various organisations, including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), to launch initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance citizens’ overall quality of life.

Club Steward Philip Lo delivers a speech at the starting ceremony of the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Organised by TWGHs and supported by the Trust since 2012, iRun aims to give people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sports and become more involved with the community. 

A member of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team and runner pose for a photo.

This year’s event welcomed participants not only from Hong Kong but also Beijing, Guangdong Province and Macau. Runners with intellectual disabilities were paired with volunteers in a 3km challenge race, with pre-race training sessions arranged to help pairs get to know each other. The winning teams will receive sponsorship to participate in marathons outside Hong Kong, broadening their horizons and boosting their self-esteem.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.

This year, the event once again hosted the 1km “iRun for Family”, giving children aged six to 11 with intellectual disabilities and their families the chance to enjoy sporting fun together. To further promote social inclusion, a new “1km iRun Group” race was introduced to include participants with disabilities such as visually impairment, hearing impairment or those undergoing mental rehabilitation. About 800 volunteers, including members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, participated as pair-up runners or helpers to share the joy of running.

CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners receive the trophy for the Corporate Social Inclusion Tournament.

Additionally, the “i-Runners’ Club” provides regular training for participants under the guidance of professional coaches, while “Green Marathon” elements remain integral to the event to encourage waste reduction and recycling, and advocate for environmental awareness.

The Club’s support for iRun, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.

One City; Two Passions. This April, a landmark partnership between The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) will unite Hong Kong’s two greatest sporting passions – horse racing and rugby – for the very first time, showcasing our city’s world-class sport and entertainment and strong community spirit.

Racing and rugby, two iconic sports, have been rooted in Hong Kong for over 100 years. Their success on the international stage has brought pride to our city and attracted fans and tourists from all over the world. “Racing with Rugby” offers the unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s two world-class sports in one epic celebration, reinforcing our city’s position as Asia’s events capital.

Racing with Rugby” – Jockey Club celebrates Hong Kong’s two iconic sports.

Tailor-made ticket packages are available at Klook for“Racing with Rugby” experiences at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses. Ticketing details: https://www.klook.com/zh-HK/activity/97423-cathay-pacific-hsbc-hong-kong-sevens/?spm=LanguageCurrencySelectionPopup.SelectLanguage&clickId=f030ea73d9 (choose “Combo deals” under Package options)

“Racing with Rugby” highlights include:

Launch of “Racing with Rugby” and Announcement of the Hong Kong China Rugby Sevens Team (Sha Tin Racecourse, Sunday 12 April). “Racing with Rugby” will be launched at a special ceremony in the Parade Ring at Sha Tin Racecourse. A highlight will be the announcement of the line up for the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams. This will be followed by a thrilling day of horse racing and entertainment, with opportunities to meet and greet rugby stars. Book a “Genso Fudo Town package offer” (while stocks last) to meet the Hong Kong China Rugby players and to join interactive games for a chance to win a special edition signed horse plush! Booking website: https://bit.ly/4d6S4Jw

Rugby-themed Happy Wednesday (Happy Valley Racecourse, Wednesday 15 April). For the first time, Happy Wednesday’s legendary race night party will celebrate rugby week, coinciding with the HKFC 10s, the world’s premier ten-a-side competition held at HKFC in Happy Valley from 14 - 16 April. Sports fans will be able to enjoy a day of top-class rugby before heading over to the racecourse for Hong Kong’s world-famous night races in the heart of the city. Famous singer Jason Donovan and music group BABBA will bring spectacular racecourse entertainment.

Pre-sale of Team Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby-themed merchandise. Ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens, racing and rugby fans will be able to purchase Hong Kong, China jerseys and rugby merchandise at specific locations in Sha Tin Racecourse on 12 April and Happy Valley Racecourse on 15 April (while stocks last).

 Community engagement. Building on its long-running role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens, the HKJC is extending this commitment to the HKFC 10s this year. The HKJC Volunteer Team will host a booth in the fan village of the Hong Kong Sevens (17-19 April) at Kai Tak Stadium and at the HKFC 10s (14–16 April) at the Hong Kong Football Club, offering sports and interactive activities. The HKJC has expanded its booth at the Hong Kong Sevens this year, where its Volunteer Team will deliver live band performances on stage. As always, the HKJC is supporting outreach programmes and youth rugby competitions and providing tickets to students, the elderly and the underprivileged so they can experience the thrill of rugby both on and off the pitch.

For more event information, please visit the Club’s website and Instagram pages.
- Racecourse Events: https://entertainment.hkjc.com/zh-hk/index
- Happy Wednesday: https://happywednesday.hkjc.com/zhHK/parties/S2526RacingWithRugby/
- IG @hkjcentertainment: https://www.instagram.com/HKJCEntertainment
- IG @hkjcracingsports: https://www.instagram.com/hkjcracingsports/
- IG @hkjc_community: https://www.instagram.com/hkjc_community/
 
Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has promoted sports at both community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports. The support for community sports, sports development and participation, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.