Running together: how a running club in Tai Po is bringing the community closer

Ng Po-ki, the 34-year-old star with boy band Error, was not performing at Tai Po Sports Ground on a recent Tuesday evening. Dressed in a blue T-shirt bearing "Tai Po Running Club", Ng was seen warming up with a crowd of more than 60 runners in the club that he founded.

Hands clapping, runners changed their stretching poses from left to right. After the warm-up session, the pacers divided people by skill level, tightening their shoelaces before the run. From urban pavement to sports tracks, the area soon resonates with the sound of determined footsteps as runners begin their run.

“I am here to support these people on their running journeys, whether it’s for health or personal best," said Ng who founded the club in 2023 with former TV journalist, Lau Chun-kong, following a local TV sports reality show that documented celebrities training for a marathon.

Amid Hong Kong’s growing fitness enthusiasm, the running club is more than a place to sweat, it is a hub for social bonds. It has helped transform Tai Po, a district framed by valleys and rivers, into a vibrant destination for both seasoned athletes and casual joggers.

Tai Po, a suburban district in northeastern Hong Kong overlooking the Tolo Harbour with a growing population of 300,000, has been highly favoured by runners and cyclists along its tree-lined coastal walkways.

Ng recalled the club’s beginning with only a dozen participants. 

“When more people join the running, some members come up with different plans and set the levels of intensity based on each individual’s ability. Some groups stay in the sports grounds, some have street running," Ng said.

The club now holds free running sessions every Tuesday evening and Sunday morning. Welcoming all fitness levels, it has drawn over 21,000 members to its Facebook group.

“I want to motivate and encourage locals to run more,” said Ng. “We do not have a specific aim, we are just running for pure enjoyment.”

The number of participants in recreation and sport activities has nearly doubled in the past two years, according to Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s data. This surge shows a growing exercise trend in the city.

Suki Lau Yun-kei, a 35-year-old flight attendant who lived in Tai Po since she was born, said anyone who joins the club would find it very enjoyable and welcoming.

“Running and training are very demanding, but when I have so many friends supporting me along the way, it makes me feel much happier,”  Lau said.

As an enthusiastic runner who has been part of the club for more than a year, Lau not only joins the regular running, but also represents the club in competitions, including a 4.5km mountain racing competition at Tai Mo Shan in June.

“I remember when my teammates and I were in the mountain racing competition, many members came to cheer for us and provide resources. I feel like a big family here,” she said.

This running club is not exclusive to Tai Po residents. 

Tong Ka-shing, 19, a student trail runner who lives in Kowloon and spends half an hour travelling to Tai Po every Tuesday, just to run with the groups.

“Everyone here has different ages and abilities, but we are all very passionate about pursuing our goals, like we really want to represent our team in various competitions,” said Tong.

Tong said the environment in Tai Po also enriched his running experience.

“The overall environment at Tai Po Sports Ground is very comfortable because there are only a few buildings surrounding. Compared to Kowloon where it is crowded, I feel like it’s harder to breathe when running,” said Tong.

Anson Cheng Fu-on, 44, who moved to Tai Po from Kwun Tong four years ago, said he appreciated the accessibility. 

“In Kwun Tong, running along the waterfront is difficult because it’s so crowded. But Tai Po offers a more convenient experience where I can simply head downstairs to enjoy a run,  whether it is to the waterfront park, the sports ground, or even to Tai Mei Tuk,” Cheng said.

Wong Wai-tung, a district councillor in Tai Po, said as demand for exercise among residents continues to grow, more venues and support are needed.

“There were some fragmented jogging paths where the surfaces are rocky. As some sections are managed by different departments, these problems may be left for a long time and not be fixed,” said Wong.

To enhance residents’ running experiences in the long term, Wong said building water fountains, benches, and stretching facilities could encourage locals to engage in more sports activities.

As a Tai Po’s newcomer, Cheng is still exploring this district with his running shoes.

“When I first moved to Tai Po, I was surprised by how polite the community is,” Cheng said. “Everyone thanks the minibus driver when getting off, and neighbours greet each other warmly, which is something I seldom experienced in Kwun Tong.”

Living in Tai Po for more than 30 years, Ng, the running club’s founder, said the close bonds in the neighbourhood have made the district a special place in his heart.

“When I was a kid, I played sports with neighbours together, and I could feel lots of love. This kind of warmth and connection is something the online world cannot offer,” he said.  

“If you're feeling down, exercise and go running with others, because real connections are formed when people interact in person.”