Over 9000 Runners Take Part In The Hong Kong Disneyland 10K Weekend
The inaugural “Hong Kong Disneyland 10K Weekend Presented by AIA Vitality” has received an enthusiastic response, as close to 9,000 runners of all ages enrolled in the event over the weekend of September 10 and 11, 2016. Runners enjoyed a fun, safe and eco-friendly event in the same spirit as how Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is operated, cheered on by Mickey and Friends along the magical course of the first-ever park run.
Officiating the event, Secretary for Food and Health of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ko Wing-man, kicked off the Mickey and Minnie 3K Family Run with the start pistol, as well as presented awards to the Mickey 10K Run winners this morning. “It is vital to maintain a balanced lifestyle by undertaking adequate safe outdoor activities that contribute to our health and overall well-being,” said Ko, “I’m delighted to see Hong Kong Disneyland Resort taking the social initiative in organizing a healthy outdoor event that is unique and fun, bringing together families and diverse segments of the population.”
Four race categories including Mickey 10K Run, Duffy 5K Fun Run, Mickey & Minnie 3K Family Run and Kids Races (100m & 200m) were organized, catering to runners of different ages. Among the four categories, the Mickey & Minnie 3K Family Run received the most enthusiastic response. Family runners were able to run in the various themed lands throughout the park for the first time. Along the route, runners stopped and gleefully took photos with their favorite Disney Characters including Mickey and friends, Duffy, ShellieMay and Gelatoni, Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Disney Princesses, as well as Star Wars and many others who were cheering along the route.
The Duffy 5K Fun Run and Mickey 10K Run spanned across two days respectively, taking guests through the seven themed lands in the park – Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point. The 10K Run was joined by famous Hong Kong runner and coach Gi Ka- Man. Runners were cheered on by more Disney Friends including Chip ‘n’ Dale, Timon, Lotso, Woody and Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Alice and White Rabbit, as well as various performers, musicians and the Hong Kong Disneyland band. Some participants even brought along their friends and family as their own cheering team, adding joy to the special day of fun. Part of the event proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation to support children in need, of which some of the beneficiaries participated in the 3K Family Run.
“This first-ever official running event at Hong Kong Disneyland achieved the objectives of promoting health-enhancing outdoor activities while having fun with family and friends,” said Samuel Lau, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. “What’s more, it marks the first time that Mickey and Friends hosted a park run along such a magical course. We organized the run in the same spirit the park is operated on a daily basis – that is, always placing safety first for our guests and cast members. We also encouraged runners to be eco-friendly in line with the park’s green ethos of carbon-reduction and waste management. Local environmental groups were invited to help recycle the waste collected in the event and help make it a carbon-neutral event, allowing us to do our part in protecting the environment.”
“The inaugural event has laid a solid foundation for future events. We look forward to even greater participation and magic for all runners next time,” said Lau.
Jacky Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau said, “This fun-run and race presented by ‘AIA Vitality’ gives participants a truly new and exciting experience of running by taking them into and around Hong Kong Disneyland for the very first time. This sponsorship underscores AIA’s commitment to our brand promise as ‘The Real Life Company.’ We will continue our efforts to bring the message of healthy living to every corner of our community and help people live healthier and happier lives.”
The event was also co-organized by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, and the results of the 10K Run were recognized in the Hong Kong rankings. All runners passing the finish line were awarded an exclusive Disney-themed medal to applaud their triumph in challenging themselves. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort also presented special accommodation and dining rewards to winners. The three fastest runners of each of the four age groups in the 10K Run were awarded one-night accommodation at one of the resort’s hotels or a buffet in one of the hotels’ restaurants.