Run Together in Hong Kong — Harbour Runners, Chasing the City's Night Streets

Run Together in Hong Kong! — Harbour Runners, Chasing the City’s Night Streets

Hong Kong is famous for its glittering nightlife, yet some people here find their happiness out on the streets rather than in the bars. Every Wednesday evening, they bring locals and travelers together through running and show off the night views of Hong Kong they love. We met the organizers of Harbour Runners *.

Interviewer Parc Jinmyoung
Interviewee Dawn Chan, Ivan Chan
* Most questions were answered by both of them together; where they answered individually, it is noted.

You share the same surname, Chan. Are you siblings?
Dawn No (laughs). In Hong Kong, “Chan” is like “Kim” in Korea.

Please give us a quick introduction to Harbour Runners.
Founded in 2010, Harbour Runners is a running crew community for people who want to share the joy of running and explore vibrant Hong Kong. It began when a few designers and creators started running to relieve stress, and it has grown into a community-based running group of people from many different fields.
Our seven core members each contribute to the crew with their own strengths. The two of us mainly handle promotion. For the Wednesday run, every member takes turns in a variety of roles, such as planning the route, leading the warm-up and cool-down, running the overall event, taking photos, and promoting on social media. We work to spread the joy of running while exploring the city together. “#CityIsOurPlayGround” is our guiding principle and our key hashtag.

How did Harbour Runners get started?
In the early 2010s, running wasn’t a common activity in Hong Kong. There weren’t many running crews, either. As I mentioned, a group of creators and designers agreed to run together every Wednesday to relieve stress. We chose Wednesday because it falls in the middle of the week, a good moment to shake off all the pressure from work or study. *“Hump Day, Run Day” is our slogan.
* “Hump day” compares Wednesday, the middle of the week, to a hill; it means that by running, you’ve gotten over the hump of the week.

What kind of people usually take part?
Harbour Runners is an open platform, and no registration is required. Anyone can join, regardless of level or affiliation. Our only goal is to bring runners together, discover Hong Kong’s beautiful cityscapes side by side, and spread the joy of running. We welcome every runner visiting Hong Kong, and we’re delighted to meet them through running.

How can someone run with Harbour Runners?
Every Wednesday evening, 60 to 80 people run 6 to 8 kilometers together. About 20 percent of them are foreigners. We post details of that week’s run and route every Monday on social media (Instagram and Facebook). All you have to do is show up at the meeting spot at the set time and run with us!

How has your life changed since you started running?
Dawn I used to be someone who, when taking on a challenge, quickly spotted what was impossible about it and gave up. Ten years ago, I thought finishing a full marathon was something I could never do in my lifetime. I never expected running to change me like this. Now I won’t give up so easily.
Ivan Running gave me a can-do spirit and perseverance. That change carries over into everyday life, too.

What’s the appeal of running together?
Running with like-minded people is much more fun, and it pushes you to grow into a better runner. Some interesting scientific studies suggest that running alongside others gives you a real drive to keep going. There’s also research showing that people take part in sports more when they do so together than when they exercise alone. When you can connect with people while running, why would you say no?

Is there a memorable episode from running Harbour Runners?
Dawn When I first joined Harbour Runners ten years ago, I was the slowest in the crew. The whole way, the other runners cheered me on and helped me enjoy the run more. I’m especially struck by the sight of so many runners soaking up the positive energy as we cross the Cross Harbour Tunnel near the end of the route.
Ivan We once ran a volunteer project for teenagers. Most of them had low self-esteem because they had been abandoned or had difficult family relationships. Our crew members and the kids trained together for ten weeks. As a result, every one of them, none of whom had ever run before, completed a 10-kilometer run. It was a very meaningful experience in which we grew together, too.

What’s your favorite running route?
Dawn Bowen Road *, of course! Running along a flat course with a fantastic view is always a joy.
Ivan I like West Kowloon Cultural District. You can run along the promenade and enjoy the great views of Victoria Harbour.
* A road on the slopes above Wan Chai and Happy Valley Racecourse, built on top of a 1800s aqueduct that carried water from a reservoir.

In Korea, it’s common to get together after a run. What about in Hong Kong?
Dawn A beer after a run! We love that, too.
Ivan In Hong Kong, too, we often relax and bond over coffee or a meal after a run. These gatherings strengthen the community and let us share experiences and stories.

Are there any activities or sights you would recommend to travelers?
I highly recommend taking in the breathtaking views of the city and harbor from Victoria Peak. Ride the Peak Tram to the summit, where you’ll find fantastic views and a circular walking trail. If you want a taste of local culture, I suggest Mongkok. You can enjoy street foods like egg waffles, stinky tofu, and pineapple buns. Nearby are the Ladies’ Market, great for shopping, and the Temple Street Night Market, which has a lively atmosphere and tasty seafood stalls. In Central, visit Hong Kong Park for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Another good way to spend your time is wandering the historic streets of Sheung Wan, where traditional Chinese medicine shops and local cafés sit side by side.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you have to go to Dragon’s Back. The trek isn’t very difficult, so you can enjoy wonderful coastal views without much effort. Best of all, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I also recommend the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and the picturesque waterfront paths of West Kowloon Cultural District. They’re great places for a relaxed walk or run, especially in the evening when the skyline lights up.

What is Harbour Runners’ ultimate goal?
Our ultimate goal is to build a vibrant, inclusive community while living healthy lives through running. We want to inspire people to lead active lifestyles, build friendships, and enjoy the beauty of Hong Kong.