From pre-race prep to final performance, members of the University once again showed how seriously they took the annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.
On January 18, a crisp and clear, sunny Sunday, they delivered outstanding feats of endurance and athleticism in the marathon, half marathon and 10km events. HKU staff and student-athletes representing the University in the University Challenge Cup delivered strong performances across the full and half marathon races, securing the overall championship. The University also celebrated a series of exceptional individual results by its staff, students and alumni.
In the lead up to the race, the Centre for Sports and Exercise and HKUMed jointly organised a comprehensive marathon preparation programme for HKU participants, bringing together sports scientists, medical experts and experienced coaches to provide professional advice and guided physical training.
The ‘Team HKU Marathon – Wishing Success Kick-off and Photo Event’ took place on January 15, where HKU representatives received their Runner’s Packs. Mrs Cherry Tse, Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance); Professor David Joseph Srolovitz, Dean of Engineering; Professor Kelvin Yeung, Dean of Student Affairs; and Dr Michael Tse, Director of the Centre for Sports and Exercise, attended the event to encourage and uplift the spirits of the competitors.
On race day, a dedicated HKU booth served as a central hub for encouragement and care – all HKU racers could visit for a full spectrum of recovery support, ranging from simple foam-rolling and stretching guidance to innovative high-tech pneumatic compression boots, helping them recover safely and comfortably after their efforts.
Clearly, all this prep and support paid off, with Team HKU members excelling across events. At the top of the podium was Ms Candy Tsang Hiu-tung, claiming first place in the Women’s 10km Race and securing the title for the third consecutive year. Ms Tsang is an HKU alumna, HKU Run coach, and former HKU Cross Country Team Captain, and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Athletic Meet organised by the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China in 2020–21.
HKU student-athletes also excelled in the Women’s Half Marathon Challenge (Junior), where the University achieved a remarkable sweep of the podium:
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1st Place: Nicole Chau Lok
2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Triathlon)
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, Year 1 -
2nd Place: Fion Chow Wing-lam
2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Cross Country)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Year 1
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3rd Place: Meri Yau Man-hei
2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Orienteering)
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, Year 1
Reflecting on her victory, Nicole said: “I learned that when you‘re nervous and your heart races, it’s known as your ‘inner applause’ – a reminder that your body is cheering you on. Remembering that helped me at the starting line!”
Mr James Leung, a fourth-year LLB student, Half Marathon representative and Captain of the HKU Cross Country Team, highlighted the importance of teamwork and community support, “I’m grateful to have been able to run the race with my fellow teammates, and we are ecstatic to be awarded the University Challenge Cup. This year’s race was relatively tough given the warmer weather and headwind, but the support from the crowd along the way carried me through the finish line.”
Full Marathon representative Mr Yu Wing-ho, Chris, Assistant Sports and Recreation Officer at the Centre for Sports and Exercise, also emphasised how the event brought the HKU community together, noting, “The course pushed me to my limits, but the incredible support from the HKU community – their cheers truly carried me through the final miles. This achievement belongs to all of us.”
These accomplishments highlight the depth of talent within the HKU community and the University’s commitment to nurturing student-athletes who excel both academically and in high-performance sport. HKU will further strengthen collaboration between sports science, medicine and education, expand support for student-athletes, and promote even broader participation in physical activity as part of its long-term commitment to campus well-being.
