Yip Tung Hoi
Year 1 SPE Student
Many students and alumni, as well as professors from the Department of Sports
Science and Physical Education, participated in the Standard Chartered Marathon,
an annual international running race, which was held on 28 February 2010.
Dressed in Sports Science and Physical Education (SPE) shirts, many joined
different race routes, including the 10-kilometer run, half-marathon, and full
marathon. Students who did not register in the race similarly felt excited and
cheered for us. A kick off ceremony was held at the Department on 25 February,
signifying that all SPE family members have united to accomplish a mission.
Undeniably, I am proud to be one of the SPE representative runners for the said
event.
The weather was especially hot and humid this year, and would pose probably a huge challenge for running. However, the bad weather did not stop people from participating actively in this popular event. In fact, I was touched to see thousands of runners standing up with me at the starting point— people pursuing a common goal, that is, to accomplish the 42-kilometer run. It was as if an amazing magical power brought together 60,000 in a single event, a testament of the "marathon spirit". Admittedly, I enjoyed the running more than the awards presentation ceremony. More so, I was pleased to learn that I would cross the Tsing-Ma Bridge, a place normally prohibited by foot. Then, with the newly opened Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct, an added route this year, we saw even more locations with attractive spots.
It was a tough day for the marathon-goers. Many even called it one of the most challenging races in the world. My legs were exhausted and my energy seemed to drain quickly, especially when I reached the 35-kilometer mark. It was at this grueling moment that I followed Prof. Wong Heung Sang Stephen's advice: Drink water in every water station to maintain sports performance and to avoid dehydration, and exercise good mental ability to conquer pain and difficulty. Luckily, I was one of the Top 10 runners from Hong Kong to reach the finish line— this, despite my strenuous condition. Even if my running time was slower compared to last year, I still felt the excitement from completing my fifth set of marathon, especially having been among many of my peers.
Marathons had never been an easy task for me since I suffered from asthma when I was younger, yet I never gave up easily. By proving that I am capable of joining a tough marathon, I am sure I can now overcome any of life's challenges despite many of its difficulties. Participating in the full marathon has inspired me to achieve not only physical strength, but also willpower.
I hope that the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon does not focus on being an annual international event alone, but a way to provide a healthy activity for everyone who wishes to become active, and even to instill interest in sports as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
