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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (January 15) that, following an overwhelming public response, the 3,800 places for the 3-kilometre and 8km run categories of the first 5th Hong Kong Games (HKG) Vitality Run have been filled.
Noting that the Vitality Run aims to promote participation by all, a spokesman for the LCSD said that enrolment for the run, which began today, reflected great enthusiasm. The spokesman thanked the public for their support, and called on local residents and those who failed to sign up for the run to support and cheer for the participants along the route, or join the carnival to be staged at the nearby Yuen Wo Playground on the event day.
The Vitality Run is scheduled for the morning of March 8 (Sunday) beside the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. Members of the public who have enrolled for the run are advised to attend the event on time. Each participant will get a souvenir T-shirt and a gift pack. Those who complete the run within the time limit will also receive a certificate and a souvenir medal. Participants can also compete for champion, first runner-up and second runner-up of the Most Creative Costume Prize, as well as the Overall Best Team Costume Prize.
The 3km run will start at 8.45am. The route will begin at Sha Tin Sports Ground and pass along the traffic lane towards Yuen Wo Road (southbound), through Sha Tin Rural Committee Road (Sand Martin Bridge eastbound), Tai Chung Kiu Road (northbound), Fo Tan Road (Banyan Bridge westbound) and Yuen Wo Road (southbound) and finish at Sha Tin Sports Ground.
The 8km run will commence at 8.30am. The course will also start at Sha Tin Sports Ground and pass along the traffic lane towards Yuen Wo Road (southbound). After arriving at Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre, participants will switch to the jogging and cycling tracks along the Shing Mun River via the Hong Kong Sports Institute campus and sports ground, then turn around before Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (without entering the Hong Kong Sports Institute) and finish at Sha Tin Sports Ground.
A carnival with stage performances, game booths, a family area, a photo corner and more will also be held at the nearby Yuen Wo Playground on the day to let the runners and supporting crowds share the fun of sports and embrace the city's upcoming major sport event, the 5th HKG.
The HKG is a territory-wide major multi-sport event held biennially with the 18 District Councils (DCs) as participating units. It will cover eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. The 5th HKG will be held from April 25 to May 31. Athletes are now being selected to represent each district to join the competitions.
Details about the HKG and other community involvement activities are available at the 5th HKG dedicated website (www.hongkonggames.hk).
Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01
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