Marathon marks another mile in lifelong friendship for Hong Kong’s ‘Running Babes’
Members fly in from around the world for China Coast Marathon and to support friend’s 88th long-distance race
From Paris, Miami, Washington and all places in between, they came, ready to celebrate a friend’s landmark marathon in Hong Kong and continue a partnership 25 years in the making.
The “Running Babes” reunited at the Road Scholars China Coast Marathon (CCM) on Sunday, taking to the roads around High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung as they have countless times before.
With member Ming Chen competing in her 88th race over the distance, the 12-strong group also decided to sponsor the city’s oldest marathon this year, picking a name that played on the Rhodes Scholar award “because we solve problems while running”.
Ming finished in five hours and 19 seconds, and once again members of the group were there to cheer her across the line.
“My first CCM was all about backing Ming on her 50th marathon milestone [in 2014], a feat that felt extraordinary back then,” Mark Stimson said. “To be here now, celebrating her lucky 88th, is something special.”
Ming calls the group, which started decades ago on Bowen Road, a popular running route in Hong Kong, “the run club before run clubs”.