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Hong Kong, 8 October 2025 — Millions of children are out of school due to poverty, conflict, disease, extreme weather and other challenges, losing their chance to change their future. According to the latest data from UNICEF, in 2024 alone, at least 242 million students had their schooling disrupted simply because of extreme climate events. In response to this global education crisis, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) is calling on the city to run for the millions of children worldwide who are denied an education through the UNICEF Charity Run 2025/2026.

The kick-off ceremony, held today at WINDSOR in Causeway Bay, unveiled the theme “Everyone Can Be a HERO” and introduced a lineup of sporting legends and celebrity supporters. The ceremony was officiated by Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, alongside UNICEF HK Ambassador and "Asian Cycling Legend" Mr. Wong Kam Po. They were joined by a group of 'Star Heroes,' including long-distance elite athletes Mr. Chan Ka Ho and Ms. Yiu Kit Ching (Hong Kong Women’s Marathon record-holder), actress Ms. Lai Wai Ling, actor Mr. Cheung Tat Lun, artist and running enthusiast Ms. Sham Lok Yi, and former Hong Kong National Cycling Team member Ms. Ma Wing Yu.

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, stated: “True heroes aren’t those with superpowers but those who choose to act and protect the future of children with love and commitment. This year’s HERO RUN supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on Quality Education, urging the community to take action for the hundreds of millions of children around the world who are denied an inclusive and equitable education.”

The two-day HERO RUN is designed to unite participants of all ages, from aspiring young heroes to dedicated adult runners. Kicking off the season is the “HERO RUN – WondeRun” on 14 December 2025, a day of family fun that blends playful learning with various activities. This year’s event introduces the brand new “Dreamy Bazaar,” a creative charity marketplace where children become “little shopkeepers.” Guided by their parents, they will design and manage their own booths, nurturing creativity, responsibility, and compassion through the spirit of “Children Helping Children.” Following this is the “HERO RUN – PoweRun” on 4 January 2026, which challenges seasoned and amateur runners alike to achieve their personal best. The Half Marathon and 10km races are certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

UNICEF HK Ambassador and “Asian Cycling Legend” Mr. Wong Kam Po shared, “It’s truly an honour to once again support the UNICEF Charity Run – HERO RUN. Both sports and education need the backing of the public, and HERO RUN offers a powerful platform to raise awareness of children’s rights while encouraging healthy living. It’s a meaningful and impactful initiative.”

Star Hero and long-distance elite athlete Mr. Chan Ka Ho will once again participate alongside his wife, Hong Kong Women’s Marathon record-holder Ms. Yiu Kit Ching, and their daughters. The couple are long-time supporters of UNICEF Charity Run. Mr. Chan said, “My wife and I have been part of the Charity Run for over a decade. We truly believe in UNICEF’s mission, and this event has become a meaningful annual tradition for our family. We’ll be joining the WondeRun in December with our daughters, and then aiming for great results in the PoweRun in January. I am excited and will start getting myself prepared for the Half Marathon.”

Ms. Yiu Kit Ching added, “I have signed up for the 10km Run (Challenge) in the PoweRun and hope to achieve a strong result. The UNICEF Charity Run isn’t just a race – it’s an opportunity to use running to help children around the world. WondeRun, introduced last year, is a great way for kids to learn through play alongside their parents.”

Actress and “Super Mom” Ms. Lai Wai Ling shared, “WondeRun is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and grow through play. It helps them develop a sense of responsibility and care for the world – becoming little heroes in the process. The newly added ‘Dreamy Bazaar’ also allows kids to unleash their creativity and take action to raise funds for children in need around the globe. It's a truly meaningful initiative.”

Actor and “Cool Dad” Mr. Cheung Tat Lun said, “I’ve always had a habit of exercising, and I believe in nurturing that habit in kids from an early age. Being a father has made me appreciate education even more. That’s why I’ll be taking part in the HERO RUN with my son — using our strength to help children in need around the world.”

Running enthusiast Ms. Sham Lok Yi (Ah Mui) commented, “It’s a great honour to be one of this year’s HERO RUN Star Heroes. I’m especially excited that PoweRun will take place at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort! Running in such a magical setting while supporting children globally is truly a dream come true.”

Former Hong Kong representative cyclist Ms. Ma Wing Yu shared, “I’m thrilled to take part in this year’s UNICEF HK Charity Run, especially with “Asian Cycling Legend”, Mr. Wong Kam Po. With this year’s theme focused on quality education, I’m proud to contribute to a meaningful cause that supports children in need around the world. To me, sports and charity share the same spirit — regardless of age, background, or ability, everyone can be a hero!”

UNICEF HK believes that anyone can be a hero regardless of age or background. Together, let’s run with purpose, sweat with joy, and take a bold step forward for children in need around the world.

UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN kick-off ceremony was held at WINDSOR in Causeway Bay, officiated by Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK (fourth from left), and Mr. Wong Kam Po, UNICEF HK Ambassador (fourth from right). They were joined by Star Heroes including long-distance elite athletes Mr. Chan Ka Ho (second from left) and Ms. Yiu Kit Ching (third from left), former Hong Kong representative cyclist Ms. Ma Wing Yu (third from right), and celebrity runners Mr. Cheung Tat Lun (first from left), Ms. Lai Wai Ling (second from right), and Ms. Sham Lok Yi (first from right) to unveil the event.

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, called upon all sectors of society to advocate for children worldwide who are denied an education and to promote inclusive and equitable education.

UNICEF HK Ambassador Mr. Wong Kam Po attended the kick-off ceremony to support the event. He stated that HERO RUN provides an excellent opportunity to exercise whilst raising awareness of children's rights, calling it a truly powerful initiative.

Star Heroes of UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN, long-distance elite athletes Mr. Chan Ka Ho and Ms. Yiu Kit Ching, will participate in the Half Marathon and 10km Challenge respectively in HERO RUN – PoweRun. The couple will then participate in HERO RUN - WondeRun with their two daughters in December.

Former Hong Kong representative cyclist Ms. Ma Wing Yu, Star Hero for UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN, expressed pride in supporting a meaningful cause alongside fellow cycling legend Mr. Wong Kam Po, highlighting that everyone — regardless of age or background — can be a hero for children in need.

Celebrity runner Ms. Sham Lok Yi, serving as a Star Hero for UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN, commented that running within the Disneyland resort feels truly magical.

Celebrity runner Ms. Lai Wai Ling, Star Hero for UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN, shared that the new “Dreamy Bazaar” allows children to unleash their creativity while learning to care for others — helping them become little heroes through play.

Celebrity runner Mr. Cheung Tat Lun, Star Hero for UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN, hopes his participation in the HERO RUN - WondeRun with his son will help support children in need around the world.

UNICEF Charity Run 2025/26 HERO RUN kick-off ceremony was attended by representatives from supporting organizations and sponsors, including: Ms. Emily Kwan, Director of Corporate Communications, KLN Logistics Group Limited (eighth from left); Mr. Wang Li, Assistant General Manager, ⁠Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch (seventh from right); Mr. William John Gurry, Executive Vice President, Funds Finance, Global, Vistra (seventh from left); Mr. Marc Fancy, Head of Community Engagement, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (sixth from right); Ms. Zoe Ng, Co-founder and Co-CEO, moodytiger (sixth from left); Mr. Ian Gardner, General Manager, Hong Kong Golf Club (fifth from right); Mr. Austin Lam, Account Manager, POAD (fifth from left); together with Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK (twelfth from left), Mr. Wong Kam Po, UNICEF HK Ambassador (eleventh from right), Star Heroes Mr. Chan Ka Ho (tenth from left), Ms. Yiu Kit Ching (eleventh from left), Ms. Ma Wing Yu (tenth from right), Mr. Cheung Tat Lun (ninth from left), Ms. Lai Wai Ling (ninth from right), Ms. Sham Lok Yi (eighth from right); as well as UNICEF HK Committee members Mr. Ellis Cheng (fourth from right), Dr. Barbara Lam (third from left) and Mr. Richard Tsang (fourth from left); UNICEF HK Finance and Administration Committee member Mr. Armstrong Lee (second from left), UNICEF HK Fundraising Committee member Mr. William Lo (first from right), UNICEF HK Communications and Media Relations Committee members Ms. Lorraine Chan (third from right) and Mr. Francis Cheng (first from left); and Ms. May Chiu, Executive Director of UNICEF HK (second from right) for a group photo.