Love-run's star quality

STARS of the political stage joined those of the entertainment world yesterday on a ''love run'' along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to launch a 30-hour charity event.

Politicians taking part in ''Jogging for Love 30'' were the Liberal Party's Allen Lee Peng-fei, the United Democrats of Hongkong's Martin Lee Chu-ming, and the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hongkong's Tam Yiu-chung.

But the presence of Veronica Yip Yuk-hing and Leon Lai Ming drew crowds and gave the start of the event the atmosphere of a pop concert.

Surrounded by admirers and wearing hot pants and high-heeled shoes, Yip could not quite manage to break into a jog.

But her composed stroll along the promenade provided a striking contrast to the huffing politicians.

For once, political adversaries were united in wearing T-shirts, running shoes and beaming smiles.

Spectators were treated to the sight of all three party leaders gathered round a ''second stove'', where they lit torches and proceeded to run holding them aloft.

In the fitness stakes the streamlined Mr Martin Lee, was far ahead of his competitors.

Sporting a look of relief, Mr Allen Lee was pleased to call it a day after only one lap. ''I thought I wouldn't have to run after donating money,'' he confessed.

The race, which is due to end at 4 pm today, was organised by a group of volunteers who hope to raise $1 million for Project Orbis and Sowers' Action.

Project Orbis is a flying eye care hospital which has worked extensively in China, and Sowers' Action is a Hongkong-based initiative for promoting primary education in rural China.