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© UNICEF HK/2018

HONG KONG, 12 September 2018 – Organized by the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK),the UNICEF Charity Run, the largest road-running charity event in Hong Kong, today called for the public to participate and run for every child in the world. New this year is a mechanism for runners to select or bid for their unique bib numbers. In addition, 10km runners having finished their race within the official time limit would be given a finisher medal.

Upon reaching designated donation amount or above (for each race group, Individual / Youth runners: HK$1,000 or above and Family runners HK$2,500 or above), enrolled runner will be entitled to customize the last 3-digit of the race bib number. Across all races, a total of 150 quotas are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Enrolled runner can choose a 3-digit number between 001 and 999 (except 13 special numbers). Runners can fill-in the online application form on the UNICEF Charity Run website.  Moreover, to commemorate the 13th UNICEF Charity Run, 13 specially selected bib numbers – 007, 123, 128, 138, 148, 168, 228, 288, 520, 669, 818, 888 and 999 – will be available for Charity Bidding. The upset price is HK$3,500 for each number, and the desired bib number goes to the highest bidder.

A stellar group of elite athletes and KOLs attended today’s press iefing, including UNICEF HK Ambassador Ms. Sarah Lee Wai-sze, Mr. Shek Wai-hung, the 2018 Asian Games Gymnastics Gold Medallist; Mr. Lam Hin-chung, the 2018 Asian Games Fencing Bronze Medallist; Ms. Lam Hin-wai, Lam Hin-chung’s sister and a fencer; Mr. Ngai Kang, 2018 Hong Kong Marathon Highest Local Finisher; and Mr. Walter Cheung, a veteran marathon runner and public relations guru. They were joined by long-time UNICEF Charity Run participants Ms. Maggie So and Ms. Pamela Mar, as well as UNICEF HK Chief Executive Ms. Jane Lau.

In the iefing, the guests shared the stories behind their unique bib numbers. UNICEF HK Ambassador Sarah Lee Wai-see said that her number, 937, is the same as her room number at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and it represents her journey of growing up. “As a UNICEF HK Ambassador, I will continue to drum up support for children around the world, so that each and every one of them can thrive and reach their full potential,” Ms. Lee said.

Shek Wai-hung selected 210 as his number. He explained that it means two sets of 10, which correspond to 10 October, his date of birth. He noted that UNICEF is well-known for its work for children. “UNICEF works to protect children across the globe, and it requires our support,” Mr. Shek added.

Lam Hin-chung’s number is 823, representing 23 August, the day he won his last Asian Games onze medal. Not only does it signify the end of a stage in his life but also a new beginning, as he successfully proposed to his girlfriend on that day. “The support from my girlfriend and family has a great impact on me. I believe we can influence a lot of things by supporting each other, and I hope all of us can run for the well-being of children,” Mr. Lam said.

Lam Hin-chung’s sister, Lam Hin-wai, is also a member of the Hong Kong Fencing Team. Her pick is 084, representing April 2008, the date she started competing at senior level and became a full-time athlete. “My other has always been accompanying me in my life, professionally and personally, and this has given me plenty of positive energy. I hope more people can take part in the UNCIEF Charity Run and support UNICEF’s work for children, so that with our full support, UNCIEF can work harder for children,” Ms Lam commented.

“This will be my fifth time participating in the UNICEF Charity Run.  I look forward to raising funds again for UNICEF to support children in need,” Walter Cheung said.  “I picked 100 as my bib number to encourage myself to achieve my goal of running 100 marathons within the next three years.”

The 2018 Hong Kong Marathon - Full Marathon Chinese champion - Ngai Kang also said this year he will participate in the UNICEF charity run half marathon, hoping to do his best and win the championship; hence selecting the bib number 001.

Organized by UNICEF HK, the UNICEF Charity Run has entered its 13th year in 2018. The Half Marathon and 10km (Challenge) races are sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA).

UNICEF HK Chief Executive Jane Lau said, “This year, participating in the UNICEF Charity Run means that one can support UNICEF’s global efforts in fighting against AIDS as well as creating a special memory of the event through the personalized bib number. Every year, the UNCIEF Charity Run gathers likeminded individuals who want to contribute to the protection of children. I hope everyone can continue to run for every child and create a better future for them.”

Since the launch of the UNICEF Charity Run in 2006, we have engaged over 120,000 runners from different sectors and raised over HK$120 million to support UNICEF’s ‘For Every Child, End AIDS’ campaign, aiming to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

This year, the UNICEF Charity Run is made possible by Principal Sponsor China Cinda (HK) Holdings Company Limited. Other sponsors include Diamond Sponsors Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited and S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited, Gold Sponsors Asia Miles Limited and New World Development Company Limited, and a number of supporting partners. Official Sportswear adidas Hong Kong Limited will provide event souvenir T-shirts and training workshops for runners.

The UNICEF Charity Run will be held on Sunday, 25 November 2018 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay. Enrolment has begun, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. The organizer reserves the right to make an early termination of enrolment without prior notice. Please visit run.unicef.org.hk for details.

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For more information please contact:

Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF