Running for Good

Over 4,000 runners with intellectual disabilities and their pair-up partners took part in the TWGHs “iRun” - Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2024 (iRun) on 14 January. This annual event, now in its 13th year, is organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and has been funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust since 2012. With substantially increased participation this year, the iRun is becoming a popular way to raise awareness of healthy lifestyles and social inclusion.

In addition to participants from Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province, this year’s event saw runners and their pair-up partners from Beijing take part for the first time in the 3km challenge race. Meanwhile, over 130 families joined the 1.5km Family Run, including children aged six to 11 with intellectual disabilities. More than 700 volunteers, including members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, joined as pair-up runners or on-site helpers to share the joy of running.

Programmes have also been established to encourage and support the event. The i-Runner Club provides regular training guided by coaches. The Inclusion in School initiative encourages students to participate as pair-up runners. The iRun award scheme provides opportunities for local winners to compete in overseas competitions, while international runners are sponsored to join the Hong Kong iRun.

A further iRun initiative by the Club is its support for Tung Wah College’s Vitality Programme. This two-year research project aims to develop exercise programmes for people with intellectual disabilities, particularly those in residential care. It will also provide training to front-line personnel from rehabilitation organisations, special schools and vocational training centres, helping them implement new and innovative exercise programmes for people with intellectual disabilities.