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Raising Awareness of SDG3 Good Health and Well-being HK$ 7.65 Million Raised for Global Children Rights-related Work

HONG KONG, 5 November 2023 – UNICEF Charity Run 2023, organized by Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (“UNICEF HK”), returned triumphantly to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay today. The iconic running charity event made a momentous comeback after a hiatus since 2018, dedicated to realizing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. Recent international conflicts and disasters had fuelled the determination of Hong Kong passionate runners, inspiring them to take part in the event and run for every child. UNICEF Charity Run 2023 has raised HK$ 7.65 million in total, with proceeds contributing to UNICEF global efforts in areas of health, nutrition, water and hygiene, and other children rights related initiatives, forging a brighter future for children in need.

Mr. Christopher Hui, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, was glad to see those active participants in this meaningful event during the holiday to support the work of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.  He believed such compassion could help arouse public awareness about the physical and mental health of our next generation, as well as other issues related to the rights of the child.

Since its inauguration in 2006, UNICEF Charity Run has engaged close to 160,000 participants and raised nearly HK$ 140 million. Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, emphasized this year's UNICEF Charity Run’s focus on SDG 3, driven by recent tragic global events and the profound impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents over the past 3 years. Recognizing the transformative power of sports in enhancing physical and mental health, she hoped the event could serve as a catalyst for an environment conducive to children’s growth and development, thus helping to transform Hong Kong into a child-friendly city.

Mr. Liang Sen Lin, Chairman of China Cinda (HK) Holdings Company Limited, expressed pride in supporting UNICEF Charity Run as Lead Partner. This heartwarming event was particularly meaningful, allowing them to promote SDG 3 while contributing to a better future for children in need.

The classic 15km Run made a grand return as elite runners achieved outstanding results

The classic 15-km Run, a hallmark of the inaugural UNICEF Charity Run in 2006, made a grand return this year to mark the event’s stepping into its 15th year. Alongside this celebrated race, participants also engaged in a diverse array of other runs, including the 10km Run, 5km Run, and 3km Fun Run (Youth / Family race). The competition across different races was intense, with Mr. Wong Wan Chun, the current Hong Kong marathon record holder, emerging victorious in the 15km Run, setting a new official record by completing the race in 49 minutes and 11 seconds. In the Women's 15km Run, Ms. Yiu Kit Ching claimed the title, crossing the finish line in 57 minutes and 22 seconds. In the 10km Run (Challenge Group), Mr. Vincent Chan secured the top spot among male runners with a remarkable 32 minutes and 42 seconds, while Ms. Wong Wing Yee emerged as the fastest female runner with an outstanding 39 minutes and 42 seconds. What is worth noting is that the event’s 5km Run is the first 5-km race where participants are ranked by the Hong Kong China Association of Athletics Affiliates(HKAAA). Consequently, Mr. Tse Chun Yin and Ms. Kwong Tsz Yu, who won the Men's and Women's titles in the 5km Run with the results of 15 minutes and 34 seconds and 19 minutes and 42 seconds respectively, are now Hong Kong’s top-ranked 5km runners.

Guo Jingjing and Wong Kam Po’s Support Shine Bright

The UNICEF Charity Run 2023 received resounding support from UNICEF HK ambassadors and celebrity runners, all taking part to raise awareness of the good health and well-being of children. UNICEF HK Ambassador Ms. Guo Jingjing participated in the 3km Run (Family) alongside her husband, Hon. Kenneth Fok, and their children. Another UNICEF HK ambassador, Mr. Wong Kam Po, also ran together with his son in the same event. Ms. Guo Jingjing and Mr. Wong Kam Po expressed their excitement about participating in the physical UNICEF Charity Run, hoping that the event would foster public awareness of the importance of good children’s health and well-being.

Raising Awareness of Children and Adolescents’ Mental Health

The escalating global conflicts and natural disasters pose a significant threat to the well-being of children worldwide; whereas in Hong Kong, concerns about the mental health of children and adolescents have become pressing, with the number of youth suicides nearly doubling in less than a decade. To address this challenge, this year’s UNICEF Charity Run was dedicated to making United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being a reality for every child. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives for all and to avoid preventable deaths. UNICEF Charity Run 2023 encouraged daily moderate exercise to enhance resilience, physical, and mental health of both adults and children, as well as to create a supportive environment for the development of children and adolescents.

The resounding success of UNICEF Charity Run 2023 was made possible by the generous support from the event’s Lead Partner China Cinda (HK) Holdings Company Limited; Gold Sponsors Kerry Logistics Network Limited and Cathay Pacific Airways Limited; Official Sportswear moodytiger; and Official Medal Sponsor Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, Venue Sponsor Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Partner SINO Group and a number of supporting organizations.

Mr. Christopher Hui, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK; Mr. Liang Sen Lin, Chairman of China Cinda (HK) Holdings Company Limited and other guests.

Group photo of Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK; UNICEF HK Ambassadors Ms. Guo Jingjing and Mr. Wong Kam Po; and UNICEF HK Council Members at the starting line before the 3km Leadership Run.

UNICEF HK Ambassadors Ms. Guo Jingjing and Mr. Wong Kam Po and their respective family at the starting line before the 3km Family Fun Run.

Passionate runners running for every child.