Cross-sector leaders Join the BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024 Charity Race Promoting Employee Wellness and Raising Funds For Hong Kong’s Youth Development and STEAM Education

The “BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024”(The Marathon), the first-ever harbour marathon in Hong Kong title sponsored by BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited (BOC Life), was held successfully on 13th April 2024.  The event is fully supported by the Harbourfront Commission and Energizing Kowloon East Office, Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, with dozens of heavy-weight cross-sector leaders participated to support the charity race. The Marathon raised funds for RunOurCity Foundation and St. James’ Settlement’s youth development and STEAM education projects respectively.

The Marathon started with the “CEO Run” from HarbourChill in Wanchai with participants including Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life; Vincent Cheng, Legislative Councillor and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Sports Institute; Vincent Ng, Chairman of the Harbourfront Commission; April Kun, Head of Energizing Kowloon East Office, Development Bureau; Dr Fung Hong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the CUHK Medical Centre; Francis Ngai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SVhk; Andes Leung, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RunOurCity, Elton Ng, Founder and CEO of CORES, and Alex Ko, COO of Ming Pao Newspapers Limited. The Marathon showcased the cross-sector collaboration comprising the HKSAR government, commercial and social sectors, creating synergies and win-win while injecting positive energy into the society.

BOC Life formed 14 corporate teams from its staff members and also colleagues of BOC Hong Kong to run for the youth development and STEAM education in Hong Kong. Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life shared, “BOC Life is delighted to be the title sponsor of the first-ever harbour marathon in Hong Kong, embodying cross-sector collaboration from the HKSAR government, commercial and NGO sectors to create social value and win-win for all parties in the society. BOC Life is committed to delivering its brand promise of being the trusted life partner of its stakeholders. We work with different sectors to create greater social impact. This Marathon encourages employees to strengthen their physical wellness and enhances their resilience and team spirit, promoting the ‘Wellness Ecosystem’ and injecting positive energy to benefit the individuals, the corporations and the society at large.”

Francis Ngai, Founder and CEO of the organizer SVhk said, “BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024 is dedicated to facilitate employee wellness and promote the corporate culture of ‘Business with Purpose’, offering a practical platform for companies to show their commitment in social responsibility of ESG aspect. This year, we introduce the element of relay into the Marathon. With the CEO Run, we encourage corporate leaders to be the first baton of the relay, motivating their employees to run for a good cause together while staff members participating in other batons to complete the race as a team effort. This event not only reflects the dual commitment of the company to employee wellness and social responsibility, but also presents a mutual beneficial solution that integrates corporate mission with societal progress.”

Andes Leung, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RunOurCity, the event co-organiser & beneficiary, pointed out, “RunOurCity has consistently transformed lives through running, and in recent years, we have organised projects focusing on holistic physical and mental health. We are now dedicated to promoting the physical and mental wellness of employees and highlighting the importance of employee wellness through BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024. This Marathon actively encourages companies to participate, raising their staff’s awareness on wellness and fostering team spirit through completing the Marathon in a relay format. It is truly meaningful as it also helps those in need in the society.”

Josephine Lee, Chief Executive Officer of St. James’ Settlement, another benefiting organisation, stated, “On behalf of St. James’ Settlement, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Marathon as we are selected to be one of the beneficiaries of the BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024. BOC Life generously increases the sponsorship for the new cohort of ‘BOC Life New Generation Financial and Technology Designers’ Programme’, and with matching grant from the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged under Social Welfare Department, the number of students benefiting from the programme has increased by over 50% as compared to the previous cohort. Together, we continue to cultivate the students’ knowledge in technology, environmental protection and financial management, enhancing their creativity, integration and application of knowledge and skills to face future challenges.”

The course of the “BOC Life Hong Kong Harbour Marathon 2024” started from the HarbourChill in Wanchai and was divided into eight checkpoints, with participating corporate teams engaging in relay running. The routes covered various harbour front areas across different districts of Hong Kong, allowing participants to run into the community and enjoy the stunning Harbour scenery. The Marathon also featured support stations along the routes, providing participants with cheering and supplies. The on-site atmosphere was filled with joy and the exhilarating energy of enthusiasm. A carnival was held concurrently with corporate booths and fun-filled activities supported by various organisations. There were also performances by youth groups, making it a delightful and meaningful weekend for all participants.