HKU clinches University Challenge Cup and sweeps Women's Junior Half Marathon podium at Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) delivered an outstanding performance at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026, capturing the University Challenge Cup and celebrating a series of exceptional individual results by its staff, students and alumni.
In the Women's 10km Race, Ms Tsang Hiu Tung, Candy claimed 1st place, securing the title for the third consecutive year. An HKU alumna and HKU Run coach, Tsang is a former HKU Cross Country Team Captain and was named 2020/21 USFHK MVP in the university athletic meet.
HKU Sports Scholars also excelled in the Women's Half Marathon Challenge (Junior), where the University achieved a remarkable clean sweep of the podium:
- 1st Place – Ms Chau Lok, Nicole – 2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Triathlon) – Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, Year 1
- 2nd Place – Ms Chow Wing Lam, Fion – 2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Cross Country) – Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Year 1
- 3rd Place – Ms Yau Man Hei, Meri – 2025–26 HKU Sports Scholar (Orienteering) – Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, Year 1
Reflecting on her winning run in the Women's Half Marathon Challenge (Junior), Year 1 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences student and triathlon scholar Ms Chau Lok, Nicole shared how she reframed pre race nerves into a source of strength, "I read somewhere that when you're nervous and your heart beats faster, it's called your 'inner applause' because your body is cheering you on. Ever since, I've loved that idea and on race day I used it on the start line."
Cliches the University Challenge Cup: performance and teamwork
HKU student athletes representing the University in the University Challenge Cup delivered strong performances across the full and half marathon races, securing the overall championship.
Mr James Leung, a Year 4 LLB student, Half Marathon representative and Captain of the HKU Cross Country Team, highlighted the importance of teamwork and community support, "I'm grateful to have been able to run the race with my fellow teammates, and we are ecstatic to be awarded University Challenge Cup champions. This year's race was relatively tough given the warmer weather and headwind, but the support from the crowd along the way carried me through the finish line. I can't wait for next year to come and to take on the half marathon again."
Full Marathon representative Mr Yu Wing Ho, Chris, Assistant Sports and Recreation Officer at the Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE), also emphasised how the event brought the HKU community together, "Thank you for the honour of representing Team HKU in the University Challenge. Completing the full marathon at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon was a powerful test of body and mind. The course pushed me to my limits, but the incredible support from HKU's CSE and Med community — their cheers truly carried me through the final miles. This achievement belongs to all of us. I hope to join again and represent HKU next year."
Strengthening HKU's Health and Sports Community
In the lead up to the race, the Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE) and the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) jointly ran a marathon preparation programme for HKU participants, bringing together sports scientists, medical experts and coaches to offer evidence based training and health advice. On race day, a dedicated HKU booth provided runners with recovery support – from foam rolling and stretching to high tech pneumatic compression boots – as well as a focal point for encouragement and care.
Dr Michael Tse, Director of CSE, noted that the booth was not only for post race recovery, but also "a powerful community building platform", enabling staff, students and alumni to connect "through the positivity of sport and challenge". This spirit was underlined by the participation of Professor Chak Sing Lau, Dean of HKUMed and Vice President (Health), and Dr Tse themselves in the half marathon, alongside a large HKU contingent across all race categories.
Building on this year's experience, HKU will further strengthen collaboration between sports science, medicine and education, expand support for student athletes through its Sports Scholarship Programme, and promote even broader participation in physical activity as part of its long term commitment to campus wellbeing. The University congratulates all runners who represented HKU at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 and looks forward to carrying this momentum into future sports and health promotion initiatives.
