18th January 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon returned today with an estimated 74,000 participants, but much of the spotlight fell on screen icon Chow Yun‑fat, making his fourth appearance. Now 70, Chow first joined the event in 2023 over 10km before stepping up to the half marathon in 2024 and 2025, posting a personal best last year of 2:24:33. Although he had hinted at another half‑marathon bid with a two‑hour‑twenty target, he opted to “step down” to the 10km this year, setting off in the seventh wave.
Chow crossed the line in a relaxed 2:00:23, arriving around 9.10am alongside fellow actors Paw Hee‑ching and Kent Cheng, joking about their combined years. Emphasising completion over pace, he said the aim was to enjoy the day, greet supporters and set an example that running is for every age. According to the event tracker, his official time matched his own watch, comfortably within his expectations.
In his trademark upbeat manner, Chow praised the breezy, sunny weather and shared his simple “secret” with clubmates: don’t rush, keep it easy and savour the experience. Confronted with inclines, he advised his group to walk rather than strain. His coach noted that Chow encouraged friends to sign up to show that older runners can participate together.
Responding to the athletics association’s idea of splitting the marathon across two days, Chow quipped that an extra day simply means many more happy runners. Asked about 2027, he said he might return to 21km if his friends feel ready to handle the 10km on their own, while joking that a full marathon can wait “another twenty years.”