More than 3,000 runners flooded the Kai Tak Sports Ground on Sunday morning, marking the debut of the Kai Tak Run and christening the city’s newest athletic hub with sweat and celebration. The event, a vibrant showcase of the recently opened venue, saw participants weaving through its standout facilities, including the striking Kai Tak Arena, as they soaked in both innovative design and scenic surroundings.
Organizers touted the run as a unique opportunity for athletes to experience the sprawling sports complex firsthand. The course offered a front-row view of the modern architecture and nearby vistas, a departure from Hong Kong’s typical urban race routes. With over eight races on the roster—including elite and open categories—the event drew a diverse crowd of competitors, from seasoned runners to enthusiastic newcomers.
Yiu Hong-lai, who clinched victory in the five-kilometer elite race, couldn’t contain her excitement about the fresh setting. “It’s very innovative, and it’s something new,” she told reporters, her breath still catching from the finish line. “For us runners, we usually run through the streets during marathons, Tolo Harbour, or along cycling tracks in Tai Po. It’s the first time for me to run in a large sports facility, and seeing the view from inside is a new experience.”
Yiu also highlighted the course’s demanding twists—slopes and sharp u-turns that challenged runners’ endurance and agility. “It tests your strength and ability to change directions,” she said, grinning as she reflected on the win.
Beyond the competition, the event sparked calls for greater inclusivity. Wheelchair user Matthew Yu, who took part in the run, praised the venue but urged organizers to rethink how participants with disabilities are integrated. “I think it would be better to allow us to participate alongside people in the other races, such as by having both groups start together,” Yu said. “We could then enjoy the atmosphere together. I also think this would help promote disability inclusion.”
Yu’s suggestion underscored a broader hope that the Kai Tak Sports Ground could set a new standard for accessibility in Hong Kong’s sporting scene.
The event also caught the eye of local lawmaker Vincent Cheng, who mingled with runners and reporters alike. With the Rugby Sevens slated to kick off later this month, Cheng saw an opportunity to spotlight the Kai Tak community on the global stage. “I hope organizers can provide more information to tourists on where to visit and the tourist spots nearby, so they could consume more in Hong Kong,” he said, nodding to the economic boost international visitors could bring.
Cheng also pitched the venue as a future hub for youth athletics. “The new sports ground can host more school sports competitions,” he added, envisioning a legacy of activity for the site.
For now, Sunday’s run was a triumphant first step. As the last runners crossed the finish line and the crowd dispersed, the Kai Tak Sports Ground stood quiet but buzzing with potential—a gleaming new player in Hong Kong’s athletic landscape, ready for its next challenge.
