Nearly 4,700 runners with intellectual disabilities and their pair-up partners participated in the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2025 today (12 January), setting a new record for the event.
This is the 14th year The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported the iRun. Funded by the Trust and organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (“TWGHs”), the iRun brings together individuals with special needs and the community to enjoy sport and promote social inclusion.
The event took place at the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road. Among officiating guests cheering on the runners were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, Club Steward Philip Lo and TWGHs Chairman Mandy Tang.
Club Steward Philip Lo said the Club’s Charities Trust has supported the iRun since 2012, aiming to enhance public awareness and understanding of individuals with special needs through sport. He noted that volunteers from the Club's CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team were eagerly helping out, either as pair-up runners or on-site helpers. He added that the Club has long been committed to building a healthy community by supporting initiatives designed to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Taking part in the iRun, were runners from Hong Kong, Beijing, Macau and Guangdong Province. In the 3km challenge race, runners with intellectual disabilities paired up with volunteers, the pairs having previously joined pre-race training activities together. In the 1.5km “iRun for Family”, children aged 6 to 11 with intellectual disabilities and their families enjoying sporting fun together. A record of more than 200 families took part. Over 700 volunteers, including members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, joined as pair-up runners or helpers to share the joy of running.
In support of the iRun, the Club also funded several programmes. These include the “Inclusion in School” programme, which invites students from 25 secondary schools and higher education institutions to join as pair-up runners, promoting the concept of social inclusion within schools; the “i-Runners’ Club”, which provides regular training for participating runners under the guidance of professional coaches; and waste reduction and recycling initiatives to promote environmental awareness during the event.
The Club’s support for the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of society. The Club has a unique integrated business model comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
Picture 1:
HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (4th left), Club Steward Philip Lo (centre) and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Chairman Mandy Tang (3rd left) officiate at the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2025.
Picture 2:
Club Steward Philip Lo (2nd right) receives a souvenir from Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (2nd left), accompanied by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Chairman Mandy Tang (1st right), and the 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of the Community Services Committee Jonathan Ng (1st left).
Picture 3:
Club Steward Philip Lo said that the Club’s Charities Trust has supported the iRun since 2012, aiming to enhance public awareness and understanding of individuals with special needs through sport.
Picture 4:
Club Steward Philip Lo (front row, centre) with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.