HONG KONG—Screen icon Chow Yun-Fat, affectionately known as “Fat Gor,” once again stole the spotlight at the Standard Chartered Marathon today, January 18, 2026. After tackling the half-marathon last year, the veteran actor shifted his focus to the 10-kilometre challenge, running alongside fellow cinematic veterans Paw Hee-Ching and Kent Cheng, forming a highly popular celebrity team. The group crossed the finish line in a respectable 2 hours and 23 seconds, emphasizing camaraderie and completion over competitive timing.
Chow’s participation in marathon events has become an annual fixture, drawing immense public attention. This year’s switch to the shorter distance was driven by a heartwarming commitment to his mentor, the celebrated actress Paw Hee-Ching.
“My teacher is turning 80 this year, and this is the biggest gift we could give her; we ran to accompany her,” Chow explained post-race, radiating energy despite the effort. He jested about the collective age of their running cohort, stating the team members “add up to several hundred years.” Chow noted that he and Paw have been running these events together for six years.
A Focus on Completion, Not Competition
The star emphasized that for his team, which includes award-winning actors Paw and Cheng, the goal was not performance but participation and public interaction. “The most important thing in a marathon is finishing it,” Chow noted, expressing pure joy at the experience.
Their team embraced the social aspect of the race, chatting along the route and engaging with spectators. Chow described the weather conditions as ideal, with both sun and a cool breeze. He laughingly admitted that their strategy wasn’t highly technical. “We were ‘chatting all the way’ down the route, it wasn’t tough to run.” When asked about his personal running secret, Chow humorously divulged a pragmatic approach: he reverts to walking whenever he encounters an incline.
The presence of the three legends—whose careers span decades and include countless acclaimed films—epitomized the enduring appeal of physical wellness across generations. Their participation served as a potent visible inspiration for older adults considering taking up running or similar fitness challenges.
Inspiration and Future Goals
Paw Hee-Ching, a renowned actress in her own right and the focus of Chow’s gesture this year, has consistently demonstrated fitness well into her later years. Chow’s commitment underscored the deep respect and lasting mentorship within the Hong Kong film industry.
Looking ahead, Chow indicated that his running distance next year would remain flexible and follow the lead of his team. “If they decide to lead the charge for 20-odd kilometres, then I will return to the 20-odd kilometres,” he stated, confirming that his running goals are intrinsically tied to supporting his friends and mentors.
The Standard Chartered Marathon is one of Hong Kong’s most significant annual sporting events, attracting thousands of runners and spectators. Chow Yun-Fat’s continued enthusiastic participation ensures the race garners international media visibility, showcasing both the city’s vibrant sporting culture and the inspirational efforts of its most revered public figures. His annual appearance transforms a traditional endurance event into a beloved communal celebration of health, friendship, and enduring star power.
