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The TWGHs “iRun” – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon (iRun) took place on the Central and Western District Promenade on 23 October, marking the 11th year The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported the event. Athletes with intellectual disabilities and their pair-up runners joined the fun while promoting social inclusion.

Among those cheering for the runners were HKSAR Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Club Deputy Chairman Dr Eric Li and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Chairman Philip Ma.

Dr Li thanked the participants for joining and encouraged them to overcome adversity and run for social inclusion. He also noted that the Club had supported the popular event for many years as part of its focus on building a healthy community and in accordance with its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club’s support for iRun, like all of its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model, through which racing and wagering generate tax and charity support for the community.

iRun has been supported by the Trust since 2012. Runners with intellectual disabilities are paired up with volunteers in a 2 km challenge race. Pre-race training sessions were organised for paired participants to get to know each other.

With the Club’s support, members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc team also joined the event, serving as pair-up runners or on-site helpers to promote social inclusion, awareness and understanding. To further these aims, several features have been added to iRun. They include:

• The “iRunners’ Club”. This brings together individuals with intellectual disabilities and those interested in running. Qualified coaching experts provide regular training to participants. Training has continued even during the pandemic with online sessions.
• The Evaluation Study on the Effectiveness of an Exercise Training Programme for People with Intellectual Disability (ActivPID). Physical assessments are conducted to design appropriate fitness training programmes for participants with intellectual disabilities. 
• The “Inclusion in School” Programme. This invites and encourages secondary students to join the event as pair-up runners.
• The Waste Reduction and Recycling Programme. Recycling bins were set up at the event to sort and separate waste. Participants were also encouraged to bring their own bottles.