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HONG KONG, 17 September 2026 —  One of Hong Kong's largest charity events, UNICEF Charity Run 2026/27 – HERO RUN, officially kicks off! Guided by the vision of ‘Better Childhood, Better Future,’ HERO RUN brings communities together to turn every stride into tangible support for children – accelerating progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and helping to build a world that is fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable, where every child can thrive. HERO RUN kick-off ceremony was held today at ‘Runnovation’, with representatives from across the community showing their support.

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, said: "Children are the most vulnerable in times of crisis, and the ones who most need us to stand together to safeguard them. UNICEF HK has been working alongside the community for 40 years – '40 Years of Real Journeys, Real Impacts' – from helping UNICEF deliver humanitarian relief to advancing child well-being, changing countless young lives along the way. Funds raised through previous HERO RUN events have not only supported UNICEF's work for children around the world, but have also assisted local children's programmes in Hong Kong. Last year, public donations from ‘WondeRun’ were dedicated to launching a series of mental health workshops for secondary school students in Tai Po, following the fire tragedy.”

Ms. Vivian Kong, UNICEF HK Ambassador, also attended the ceremony and said: "Sport taught me that every step forward is built on years of perseverance and belief. Today, that same spirit can serve a greater purpose — standing up for children. Whether you are a professional runner or taking on your first HERO RUN, every step brings a child closer to hope, and helps secure the rights and opportunities they deserve. I hope more people will join us, take that first step, and run for a 'Better Childhood, Better Future’.”

This year's HERO RUN is supported by a team of dedicated Star Heroes, including long-distance runners and steadfast UNICEF Charity Run supporters Mr. Chan Ka Ho and Ms. Christy Yiu, as well as renowned artist couple Mr. Benjamin Yuen and Ms. Bowie Cheung.

Mr. Chan Ka Ho and Ms. Christy Yiu said: "We have been running all our lives, but what keeps us coming back to the UNICEF Charity Run is what running makes possible. Over the years, we have watched UNICEF turn every start line into something bigger — children vaccinated, families with clean water, kids back in classrooms. This year, we will be back on familiar ground at PoweRun, and we are hoping to bring our daughters along to WondeRun too. We want them to grow up knowing that you don't have to win to make a difference — you just have to show up. That's the lesson we hope they carry with them."

Mr. Benjamin Yuen and Ms. Bowie Cheung shared: "Everything changes when you have kids. You are always thinking about what's best for them. Then you look at your own child, growing up healthy and happy, and you start wishing the same for every kid out there — good health, a decent classroom, a home where they can sleep easy at night. That's what UNICEF Charity Run does: it takes that wish and actually does something with it, reaching the children who need it most. This year, we're hoping to run HERO RUN with the family, and use our steps to run towards a 'Better Childhood, Better Future.' We'd love more runners and families to join us, and keep it going."

To rally more ‘Heroes’ to take action for children’s futures, HERO RUN will span across two event days. ‘HERO RUN — WondeRun,’ will be held on 13 December 2026 at the park east of Fan Kam Road, offering a family-friendly day of sports, games and interactive learning for all ages. Sports and kids lover Kala EE will also be joining, bringing her passion for active living and inspiring young participants to get moving for a meaningful cause.‘HERO RUN — PoweRun,’ will take place on 3 January 2027 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, featuring professional races certified by AIMS and supported by HKAAA —a must-attend event for running enthusiasts.

True heroes don't need capes or superpowers. They show up when it matters most. Public registration for UNICEF Charity Run 2026/27 HERO RUN is now open. Let’s sign up and run for a Better Childhood, Better Future!

UNICEF Charity Run 2026/27 HERO RUN kick-off ceremony was held at ‘Runnovation’. Officiating guests including Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK (forth from right); Ms. Vivian Kong, UNICEF HK Ambassador (third from left); Mr. Dennis Ng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (third from right); and Star Heroes Mr. Chan Ka Ho (first from left), Ms. Christy Yiu (second from left), Mr. Benjamin Yuen (first from right), Ms. Bowie Cheung (second from right). 

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, hopes HERO RUN will rally the strength of Hong Kong to bring the SDGs within reach and help children become the most hopeful generation for the future. 

Ms. Vivian Kong, UNICEF HK Ambassador (left), also attended the ceremony and called on more people to join HERO RUN and run for a ‘Better Childhood, Better Future.’ 

HERO RUN Star Heroes Mr. Chan Ka Ho and Ms. Christy Yiu have supported the UNICEF charity run for many years. 

HERO RUN Star Heroes Mr. Benjamin Yuen and Ms. Bowie Cheung would love to run the HERO RUN course with the family. 

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK (right), and Ms. Vivian Kong, UNICEF HK Ambassador (left), present a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Dennis Ng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (middle), in recognition of HKAAA's longstanding support for UNICEF Charity Run. 

UNICEF Charity Run 2026/27 HERO RUN kick-off ceremony was attended by representatives from supporting organisations and sponsors, including: Ms. Alice Poon, Digital Product Manager of VISTRA, Diamond Sponsor (seventh from right); Ms. Tang Ni, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs Department, Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch, Gold Sponsor (seventh from left); Ms. Zoe Ng, Founder & CEO of moodytiger, Official Sportswear (sixth from left); Ms. Vivian Lee, Group General Manager (Corporate Marketing, Communications & Sustainability) of Sino Group (sixth from right), Partner; Mr. Bosco Leung, Social Responsibility Lead of MTR Corporation, Partner (fifth from right); Mr. Dennis Ng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates; Supporting Organisation (tenth from right): Mr. Alex Jenkins, Director of Communications of Hong Kong Golf Club, WondeRun Venue Sponsor (forth from right); Mr. Zhang Wei, Chairman of China Resources Longdation Company Limited, Press Conference Venue Sponsor (fifth from left); as well as UNICEF HK Chairman, Ms. Judy Chen(eleventh from right); UNICEF HK Ambassador, Ms. Vivian Kong(tenth from left); Star Heroes Mr. Chan Ka Ho (eighth from left), Ms. Christy Yiu (ninth from left), Mr. Benjamin Yuen (eighth from right), Ms. Bowie Cheung (ninth from right); UNICEF HK Council Member Mr. Ellis Cheng (forth from left), Dr. Barbara Lam (third from left) and Mr. Richard Tsang (third from right); UNICEF HK Fundraising Committee member Mr. William Lo (second from left) and Ms. Jennifer Ma (second from right); UNICEF HK Communications and Media Relations Committee members Mr. Francis Cheng (first from left) and Ms. May Chiu, Executive Director of UNICEF HK (first from right) for a group photo.