The 2009 Standard Charter Hong Kong Marathon is an event that unites many, bringing them together to accomplish a common goal. People from all around the world and different backgrounds attend this annual event held at the very heart of Hong Kong. Our Department, although small in numbers in comparison to all others in CUHK, participate yearly. Around 70 SPE students, staff and alumni ran the 10km challenge whilst some took part in the half-marathon and full marathon. I, being a first timer to this wonderful event, ran the 10km challenge along with about 40 others. It was a wonderful experience, not to say, I have probably never woken up so early in my life! Getting into Causeway Bay at 4:15 am is something that is rare in my book. On the way to the venue, I see the young napping on their parents, whilst the adults looked eager and excited for the run. Not much feeling ran through my veins to be honest, maybe it was too early. However, many thoughts did run through my mind, the journey sparked up so many memories from my time abroad in England. I remember how early I used to arrive at the airport in England, after a long 12-hour flight, making my way through terminals and packed train stations to school in London. Never before have I seen so many people in sports gear around Causeway Bay, let alone the time of day. And slowly, SPE students showed up in patches, and we made our way to Victoria Park to deposit our belongings and to the starting line. Most people dressed in their smart running gears, some had a fancy dress code to bring a sense of humor and tranquility to the occasion. Feet trampling on others, we shuffled our way to the starting line. Some people were moaning, yet some people just focused of what is to come. The run itself was routine for the SPE students of course, 10km was nothing. But to me, it wasn't about the run, it was about the experience to be part of an occasion which many people respect and enjoy. It was about seeing the beautiful scenery along the run, the pink blue color of dawn with a full view of the Victoria harbor and Tsim Sha Tsui coast. It was about sending the right message, the emphasis on the importance of sport and how sporting events can be a motivation to many, and its essence behind. And having experienced sports participation in England, I'd love to see Hong Kong to develop her own sporting atmosphere, raising every citizen's participation rate, leading them to a multi-dimensional healthy lifestyle.