Race organizers announced a new event aimed at getting Hong Kong people off the couch and on to the roads.
 
The MTR Hong Kong Race Walking 2005 is scheduled to be held on April 3 in the densely urbanized region and is being staged in an effort to encourage mass participation in a sport that is winning new fans around the world.

Hundreds of local walkers are expected to participate in the walk, which starts and finishes along Chater Road. The annual meet could grow to become an international event, featuring top walkers from around the world.

The men's and women's elite walkers will compete over a distance of 3 kilometers, while the rest of the walkers from the different categories will walk just 1 kilometers.

Jointly organized with the MTR Corporation, the event will stage both competition and a "fun walk" to help raise money for public health promotion.

The full day program will include competitive races in the morning, followed by fun walks for corporate teams, families and senior citizens in the afternoon.

All proceeds raised by participants will be donated to the Hospital Authority Health Infoworld's "Better Health for a Better Hong Kong" campaign.

Statistics released by the research organization found that 80 per cent of Hong Kong people are physically inactive.

(CRI January 24, 2005)