Hong Kong stars Priscilla Wong and Edwin Siu successfully crossed the finish line at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2024 yesterday, participating side-by-side in the 10-kilometer race. The celebrity couple immediately shared reflections on their social media platforms, emphasizing how running has profoundly impacted their physical health and personal well-being, attributing their fitness journey to the guidance of veteran actor Chow Yun-Fat.
The couple’s participation, announced shortly after completing the high-profile run, highlighted a personal transformation years in the making. Wong, in particular, noted that the achievement was significant, marking a stark contrast to her previous struggles with ill health.
From Fragility to Fitness: A Journey of Shared Dedication
Writing reflectively after the event, Priscilla Wong expressed deep gratitude for the physical changes running has instigated in her life. She recounted moving from being “frail and sickly” to capable of successfully completing a 10K event.
“Running has gifted me transformation,” Wong remarked, detailing how the consistent training had restored her health and happiness over the past four-and-a-half years.
Wong specifically thanked cinema legend Chow Yun-Fat, often referred to informally as “Fat Gor,” recognizing him as a pivotal mentor. “He led a group of us ‘old and weak soldiers’ back to health,” she noted.
Wong also acknowledged her running companions, including 80-year-old actor Lau Kong, emphasizing the communal spirit that underpinned their training group. She concluded her reflective post by mentioning her husband, Edwin Siu, affectionately calling him “Siu Ha Ha,” symbolizing the renewed joy and shared experiences the journey brought.
Running Together Builds Trust and Security
Edwin Siu, a prominent actor in his own right, also shared insights into their joint commitment. Siu revealed that his initial plan was to wait at the finish line with their son to cheer Wong on. However, he quickly realized that participating alongside her provided a greater sense of security and assurance.
“I thought the safest thing was to personally run with you,” Siu stated, underscoring the trust and emotional support inherent in their shared challenge. Siu echoed Wong’s sentiment regarding the emotional benefits of the sport, concluding, “Running truly brings so much happiness. We must continue running together in the future.” He also extended his appreciation to Chow Yun-Fat for spearheading the running group.
The Power of Celebrity Endorsement in Promoting Public Health
The public participation and vocal advocacy by high-profile figures like Wong and Siu underscore a broader trend in Hong Kong where celebrities leverage their platforms to promote active lifestyles. Chow Yun-Fat, known for his dedication to long-distance running, has informally mentored numerous peers and friends, inspiring many in the entertainment industry to take up endurance sports.
The couple’s narrative serves as powerful anecdotal evidence that commitment and guidance can lead to significant personal health breakthroughs, regardless of an individual’s past physical condition. For fans and the wider public, their shared journey highlights that fitness goals are often more attainable and rewarding when pursued with a supportive partner or community.
As the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon remains one of the region’s largest annual sporting events, stories like Siu and Wong’s reinforce its role not just as a competition but as a catalyst for widespread positive lifestyle change. The focus now shifts toward continued improvement, with the pair vowing to maintain their shared commitment to the sport.
