Hong Kong Streetathon & The Backstreet Run

Project Period

2014 – ongoing

Location

Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

Project Lead

RunOurCity

Project Background & Inspiration

RunOurCity has dedicated itself to changing lives through running since its beginning in 2013. At the same time, runners are encouraged to use running as a medium to connect themselves with the community at large. In collaboration with the Energizing Kowloon East Office, RunOurCity has been organizing the Hong Kong Streetathon and the Backstreet Run to enable citizens to experience backstreets of Kwun Tong’s fast-evolving Industrial/Commercial area while discovering its unique culture and community stories through the joy of graffiti and running.

What happened in the project?

The Backstreet Run

Local artists and students were invited to share their visions for the Kwun Tong district through co-creating murals to revitalize the walls of industrial buildings located in alleyways
Combining the elements of street-run and street-art, RunOurCity organized a night run party; activities included a guided art run through the revitalized alleyways across the Kwun Tong district, street music performances and a stencil workshop

Hong Kong Streetathon

As the first marathon that is located at the heart of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Streetathon has brought running into streets and highways of Kwun Tong since its inception
Proceeds of the streetathon goes to RunOurCity for its Youth.ROC programme and various charitable organizations in Kowloon East
The 2023 rendition of Streeathon will pioneer a fundraising platform for 7 nonprofit organizations in Hong Kong that seek to empower various vulnerable populations in the city, including those from socio-economic disadvantaged, with a physical disability etc.

Project Impact and Key Takeaway

Through co-creating murals in the alleyways, community members had the opportunity to share their visions for and contribute to improving their neighbourhood, while the revitalized alleyways and art runs encouraged them to explore the utilization of alleyways in their daily routes as an alternative to the congested main roads

Provided a new medium for citizens to stay fit while doing good and learning more about their community by combining running with fundraising for local causes