The Northern Metropolis Marathon, organised by the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories, was held on Sunday (Nov 1). The event featured four categories: full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre and 1,600-metre races, with a total of around 15,000 participants, creating a lively atmosphere.
The Northern Metropolis Marathon. Photo source: FB image
The full marathon started at 6:30 am at the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories Building. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Miss Alice Mak and Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories Mr Kenneth Lau officiated at the starting gun ceremony, after which runners set off in batches.
The Northern Metropolis Marathon. Photo source: FB image
Regarding some runners’ comments that November weather is unsuitable for running a marathon, Mr Kenneth Lau said that future marathon events would be considered for December to February, when the weather is cooler, there are no typhoons, and temperatures are more suitable for running.
The Northern Metropolis Marathon. Photo source: FB image
In addition, he also said that the core areas of the Northern Metropolis are the San Tin Technopole and the Hetao area, and that future running routes might be considered for extension to Yuen Long, the San Tin Technopole, and even Shenzhen.
CAS stages concert to celebrate its band's 50th anniversary
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Aid Service (CAS) Band, the CAS today (November1) held the "CAS Band 50th Anniversary Concert" at the Academic Community Hall of HongKong Baptist University (HKBU). The concert featured the premiere of the CAS song "United We Stand", showcasing the spirit of "Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment". More than a thousand serving and retired CAS members, together with their family members, attended the event to mark this important milestone.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk,expressed gratitude to the Organising Committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the CAS Band for their careful planning and efforts, which contributed to the success of the event. He remarked that over the past half-century, the CAS Band has grown from a small-scale unit into a music group widely recognised by society today. This journey has been forged by the dedication of successive members, bears testimony to the passing of the torch within the Band, and reflects the CAS's steadfast belief in serving society and caring for the community.
Other guests attending the event included the Interim Provost of HKBU, Professor Liu Jiming; the Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Victor Pang; and the Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong.
The concert featured a rich and diverse programme. The CAS Band, together with HKBU students, performed a series of wellknown pieces, including "only you cannot be replaced", "The Brave Chinese" and "My People, My Country".
Members of the CAS Cadet Corps also presented "You Raise Me Up" and a Chinese drum performance. HKBU students gave performances including piano solos, flute and clarinet duets, as well as Chinese dance. The concert concluded with all performers joining in a mass choir rendition of classic songs, such as "Ode to the Motherland" and "Beneath The Lion Rock", bringing the event to a successful close.
Source: AI-found images
