Race to success: J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge held in Hong Kong for the first time
The running event blends fitness, competition and camaraderie, offering the city’s business community an unparalleled team-building experience
As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work, and at the heart of this lie strong relationships. Some companies build these bonds with annual dinners or parties. Then, there are events like the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge.
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, the world’s largest corporate running event, is set up for everyone. From fresh graduates and seasoned C-suite executives to start-up entrepreneurs and employees of large corporations, anyone is welcome to join the fun in teams of four or more, including leisurely walkers and experienced runners.
Running for a purpose
The Challenge aims to strengthen the connection between work and wellness while providing companies with a unique opportunity for a team-building experience focused on fitness, competition and celebration.
Beyond the run itself, employees can bond by supporting one another as they train for the big day, while the entire company can cheer on the runners at the race. And, after crossing the finishing line, runners can unwind with post-race food and drinks, enjoy networking and share stories from the race.
Hong Kong debut
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge was launched in 1977 in New York City. The series is now held in 16 locations around the world and draws more than 220,000 participants from 7,000 companies annually. This year, the series made its way to Hong Kong for the first time as the firm marks its 100th anniversary in the city. On November 21, more than 4,750 participants took part in the 5.6km run through the West Kowloon Cultural District – making it one of the biggest debuts for the Corporate Challenge in recent years. A donation is made on behalf of all participants to the event beneficiary, LoveXpress, a local charity that supports individuals with autism.
Onwards to victory
For any company competing in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, choosing a team captain is essential for success. The captain takes on the responsibilities of organiser and supporter, registering the company and participants, coordinating race day materials and hospitality arrangements, and encouraging their team through training sessions and – crucially – on the race day itself.
Josephine Kwok, vice-president of business management at J.P. Morgan, and one of this year’s team captains, believes one of the most important tasks is helping employees understand the Challenge. “The question I get asked the most is ‘Do I have to run super-fast?’” she says. “I think most of the role is letting people know that the Corporate Challenge is made up of many elements and has something for everyone, no matter your fitness level.” However, she says generating enthusiasm is also important. “The essence of the team captain is to build excitement. It’s important for people to understand that this is all about having fun.”
Ready to run
Qiaolin Hu, vice-president of Local Market Sales in Hong Kong at the bank, first competed in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in 2014 as part of a client team in Frankfurt – an event that now attracts more than 70,000 participants annually. He had never participated in an event like this before but was encouraged by the support of fellow runners and colleagues. He remembers the crowds cheering him on. “After the event there’s a big celebration, usually a barbecue, where we celebrate the end of the race, which was great fun,” he says.
Now, Hu runs regularly for stress relief and has participated in several Corporate Challenges in cities including Frankfurt and Shanghai. “Leading up to the challenge, I intensify my preparation… but generally, the company promotes fitness, health and wellness, so every week we have lots of social running activities and sports initiatives we can choose from,” he says.
Having moved to Hong Kong in 2020, Hu has participated in nine J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenges, including the city’s inaugural event in November. He completed the race in 28 minutes.
The finish line
The Hong Kong debut of the Corporate Challenge also marks a first for Kelly Wen, head of Hong Kong China Equity Sales at J.P. Morgan. She completed the challenge – and her first ever event run. “My first time at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge was nothing short of amazing,” she says. “It was fantastic to see so many colleagues and clients come together to support each other and celebrate fitness. I loved the positive energy and buzz.”
Hong Kong is the final location in the 2024 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge series. The event will return to the city’s West Kowloon Cultural District in 2025.