Running On a High Note

From strangers to friends – this is the kind of heartwarming tale that is flourishing in the Run 21 challenge taking place for the second year. And there’s even a specially composed song to commemorate this new friendship! YHK spoke to 13 youth and their training consultant to find out more.

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Run 21 challenge is back with a bang this year end! 13 youth who did not originally know one another, only have one mission in mind when they signed up for this long-distance run, ie. completing a total distance of 123 kilometers to raise funds for subsequent youth sports development organised by the Federation.

These participants comprise of students and working professionals aged between 16 and 24 years old. With national trail runner, Mr. Wong Ho-Chung roped in as the running consultant this year, the youth would have to cover 21 destinations across Hong Kong, where these 21 touchpoints are actually the HKFYG’s Youth S.P.O.T locations. Locations include Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, Fanling, Tai Po, Sha Tin, and then to Lok Fu, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Island East and other places in Kowloon, and finally ends at Tseung Kwan O, with a total distance of 123 kilometers completed. Mr. Wong further explained unlike last year, this year’s training was divided into three phases, from the initial training of personal discipline, speed and physical strength; and then learning to run long courses, and finally to the third stage of trying to run the entire 123 kilometers. He was pleased to observe some of the younger participants who ran as supporters last year became participants this year. He adds, “If they can complete the entire race, I believe their future is limitless, and they can even surpass many professional runners’ current achievement to hit long-distance running. “

Running 123 kilometers is indeed a test of will and endurance, but it has been more manageable as the 13 youth formed a great spirit of camaraderie over the three-month training programme. Terry Chan, a Form Five student, has two years of long-distance running experience. He ran 60 kilometers

as a “supporter” and realized he was physically fit to complete the run challenge last year. He decided to sign up as a participant after hitting the minimum age requirement of 16 years old. Terry firmly believes running with a group is always more fun and endurable, compared to running alone.

21-year-old Amy Tsang feels that running has become part of her life. She puts two of her interests, running and music together to compose an original song to express her heartfelt sentiments and gratitude for this great experience. The entire team sang with her when they learnt about her composition! Amy shares, “I did not receive formal training in running or music composing. But the team’s congenial spirit has rubbed off on me positive and made me motivated.”

19-year-old Sunnie Lam who is studying medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong used to give sole priority to studying. She became fond of sport when her father took her hiking. Her initial thought about running was boring, but that changed over time. “My teammates talked and laughed when we ran 60-kilometers, covering Hong Kong Island East; New Territories East, to name a few. I also learnt about local food specialties in various districts. It felt like a well-deserved trip.”

As for 22-year-old David Lam, he usually runs alone, walks alone, and doesn’t have many friends. He was hoping to find like-minded people through this training. “It is a rare experience for a group of people to run, come together and get along well with one another. I am reluctant to part with my teammates now. I hope that I can complete the Run 21 challenge successfully.”

More About Run 21

HKFYG launched the inaugural Run 21 challenge in 2021, to great reception from our stakeholders and participants. It was rehashed this year again, starting at 00:00 hour on 3 December 2022. Funds raised will be channeld to youth sport development, so that more youth in the community will also have the opportunities to participate in sports training and competitions. For details, please visit the donation website giving.hkfyg.org.hk.