Introducing Harbour Runners: Exploring Hong Kong on Foot
Harbour Runners is a community of like-minded individuals who came together in 2010 to explore and run the vibrant city of Hong Kong. What began as a stress-relief activity for a few creative and design professionals has now evolved into a diverse, community-driven group of runners. HR was founded to be a platform for an alternative running ideas and explorations, led by rotating captains who help chart the weekly routes. Harbour Runners has been community-driven since its inception, and its members strive to make it an open and all-welcoming group. They aim to unite runners and promote the joy of running while exploring the city together.
The Harbour Runners Logo
The Harbour Runners logo, like the city and community, has depth. At first glance, it appears as a simple monogram of the community name ‘HR.’ However, on closer inspection, the character 快, meaning ‘fast’ in English, becomes apparent. This character reflects the city’s energy and the communities it is composed of.
A Transient City with Boundless Energy
Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. With its constant ebb and flow of cultures and people, it is a city that is always in motion. The city’s energy is boundless, and HR members strive to keep pace. The HR community is open to everyone, regardless of background or skill level. Members come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, creating a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity is what makes HR unique and welcoming.
Exploring the City of Hong Kong with Harbour Runners
As Harbour Runners members run through the city, they discover the hidden gems and lesser-known areas that most people miss. HR believes in using running as a tool for urban exploration, and its community-driven approach encourages members to share their experiences of the city and its culture.
With its deep sheltered harbour, Hong Kong has a rich history and culture. Its cityscape is adorned with towering skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, and ancient temples. HR’s initial routes were designed to hug around the harbour to remind themselves of the city’s deep connection to the water and pay tribute to its many faces. The routes have since evolved to explore different parts of the city, using the #cityasourplayground.
Harbour Runners – In A Nutshell
Harbour Runners is a community-driven running crew that explores the city of Hong Kong on foot. HR’s philosophy of using running as a tool for urban exploration has enabled its members to discover the city’s hidden gems and lesser-known areas. The group’s approach to running is inclusive and welcoming, and its members come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The group’s dedication to promoting the sport of running and exploring the city has made it a valuable addition to the running community in Hong Kong.
Running Events in Hong Kong
Hong Kong hosts several running events throughout the year. These events are attended by runners from all over the world and provide an opportunity to experience the city uniquely. Some popular events include the Hong Kong Marathon, the Oxfam Trailwalker, and the Lantau 50 Trail. These events are a testament to the city’s love for running and willingness to embrace the sport in all its forms.
Hong Kong Marathon
The Hong Kong Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the city, attracting runners from all over the world. The annual event features a full marathon, half marathon, 10k, and wheelchair races, catering to runners of all levels. The race takes place in late January or early February, offering runners a unique opportunity to take in the sights of Hong Kong, including the Victoria Harbour and the stunning skyline. The event is known for its festive atmosphere, with spectators cheering on runners and live entertainment along the route. The Hong Kong Marathon is not just a race but a celebration of the city’s spirit of unity and resilience, making it a must-attend event for locals and tourists alike.
Oxfam Trailwalker
The Oxfam Trailwalker is a challenging endurance event that takes place annually in Hong Kong to raise funds to alleviate poverty in the region. The event features teams of four participants who must complete a 100-kilometre trail within 48 hours. The trail covers some of Hong Kong’s most scenic and challenging terrain, including hills, mountains, and rugged country parks. The event has a strong reputation for promoting teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit, with participants and supporters coming together to raise funds for a noble cause. The Oxfam Trailwalker is a unique opportunity to challenge oneself physically and mentally, all while making a positive difference in the world.
Other Running Crews in Hong Kong
Harbour Runners is not the only running crew in Hong Kong. The city is home to many other running groups, including the Prism Runners, the Harbour Runners, SD Runners, Foodsport, and Madone Crew; these crews offer different running experiences and are a great way to connect with other runners in the area.
Prism Runners is just one of the many running crews in Hong Kong. Prism Runners believes in building a stronger, more inclusive running community in Hong Kong by supporting and collaborating with other crews. The city boasts a vibrant running community with crews such as:
Wazup Running is a diverse and inclusive crew meeting every Tuesday and Thursday night in Kowloon Park. They have a strong focus on socializing and building a sense of community among their members while also pushing each other to reach their running goals.
SD Runners is a running crew that meets every Monday and Wednesday night in various locations across Hong Kong Island. They have a diverse group of runners, from casual joggers to marathon runners, and they welcome anyone who wants to join them for a run.
Foodsport is a running crew that combines their love of food and running. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday night to run around the city and organize food-related events for their members. They are a fun and social crew that welcomes anyone who wants to run and eat through Hong Kong.
MadOne Crew was founded in April 2014 in Hong Kong. The story began with a short-lived run crew named MotorRunner to help Nike for promoting their gear in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2013.
Allied Shadow Unit (ASU) is a running crew that was formed in 2017 in Hong Kong. With a focus on accumulating achievements through hard work, ASU is a team of dedicated athletes who support and motivate each other to reach their goals.