Syncing Steps, Linking Hearts: Run for Education Futures
The 2026 Hong Kong Marathon event was never just about speed or distance. For alumni of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), the 10-km course became a stage for something larger: a transmission of spirit, a declaration of belief. Though their lives had diverged – now anchored in careers, families and new pursuits – they returned to the road with perspiration and steady strides, carrying with them a message of resilience and community. They ran for themselves, their alma mater, and for a city they hoped to inspire.
Each runner, hailing from a different background, shared a conviction: that sport is more than physical exertion. It is a force that reshapes the self and radiates outward, influencing those around it.
Wong Kam-po: The Cyclist Who Found Another Path
Wong Kam-po, once celebrated as the ‘Asian Cycling King’, remains a legend in Hong Kong sport. His CV is dazzling: five Olympic appearances, three Asian Games gold medals and, in 2007, the distinction of becoming Hong Kong’s first cycling world champion.
In 2010, Wong enrolled in EdUHK’s Bachelor of Health Education programme, balancing the rigors of competition with study. A decade later, he graduated, embodying the University’s vision of an ‘Elite Athlete-Friendly’ institution. Retirement did not slow him. He opened a specialist bicycle shop, weaving cycling culture into the fabric of the community, part commerce, part education.
“Sport is not just about results,” Wong reflects. “It’s a life attitude.” For him, cycling’s demand for speed and precision mirrors efficiency in daily life, while the marathon’s long grind symbolises enduring goals. Both teach the same lesson: persistence in difficulty, growth through challenge, and solidarity in teamwork. Even now, no longer a full-time sportsman, he maintains his exercise habit, citing its power to relieve stress, shape character, and forge friendships.
Yuen Sin-ying: from Racquet to Road
Yuen Sin-ying, once a Hong Kong badminton player specialising in the women’s doubles, knows the discipline of focus. With partner Ng Wing-yung, she achieved excellent results on the international stage, including representing Hong Kong, China at the 2018 Asian Games.
Her academic journey at EdUHK was equally rigorous: a bachelor’s in Health Education followed by a master’s in Sport Coaching and Management. She, too, became an ambassador of EdUHK’s ‘Elite Athlete-Friendly University’ initiative.
For Yuen, the parallels between badminton and marathon running are evident. “When you’re losing, you grit your teeth and play one shot at a time. When you’re tired in a race, you keep moving step by step. In badminton, you focus on every shot; in a marathon, you steady every stride.” Her advice to younger students is pragmatic: success lies in time management. Preparation, not procrastination, is the key.
Cheng Sui-man: from Anchor Desk to Running Track
Cheng Sui-man once delivered the news to Hong Kong as a TVB anchor. In 2016, she became a mother to twin sons, and soon after shifted to freelance work: hosting television and radio programmes, emceeing events, and pursuing her passion for family education. In 2022, she enrolled in EdUHK’s Master of Arts in Child and Family Education, blending professional ambition with personal devotion.
Running has long been her ritual. Twice a week, she trained between seven and 10 km, preparing for the marathon. What struck her most during the race was not the distance, but the sight of EdUHK’s cheering team near the finish line. “That moment was thrilling,” she recalls with a smile. For Cheng, running is not merely a challenge but a lifestyle: it encourages earlier nights, healthier meals, and a lighter body attuned to balance. She urges others to “walk around the city, appreciate the scenery along the way,” and to weave exercise into daily life.
EdUHK: Running towards Futures
For EdUHK alumni, the 10-km run was more than a race. It was a road that connected education, sport, and community.
Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, expressed gratitude for the University’s collective participation. “2026 marks the 10th anniversary of EdUHK’s retitling,” he said. “Joining the marathon is one of the best ways to celebrate. Our slogan, ‘Run for Education Futures,’ represents our commitment to educational heritage while also running toward professionalism and innovation.”
Vice President (Administration) Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho noted that more than 500 members of the EdUHK community registered, with 280 ultimately selected. Many students joined the cheering team, lining the route with encouragement. “Through collective effort,” he said, “sport becomes a bridge for social connection, spreading positive influence through action.”
As the runners dispersed and the city’s streets returned to their usual rhythm, what remained was the steady pace of EdUHK’s mission. From supporting elite athletes to cultivating a campus-wide sports culture, the University has shown that true education is not confined to classrooms. It lives in perspiration, perseverance, and the quiet triumph of crossing finish lines
—Ends—
Syncing Steps, Linking Hearts: Run for Education Futures
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