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Results and Photos of the 2024 China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon
Thank you to all the runners for supporting both races.
Special thanks to Dave Smith and Catherine Leonard as Race Directors for putting on a wonderful event. Thank you to all the AVOHK volunteers and all the other volunteers without whom it would not be possible to put these races on.
2024 China Coast Marathon Results
2024 China Coast Half Marathon Results
Message from the Chair – Nov 23
AVOHK’s big event of the year the 2024 China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sun 4th Feb 2024 under the careful eye of Race Directors, Catherine Leonard and Dave Smith. This is an AIM’s certified course and this historic event was first held in 1981. I would like to highlight this is a wonderful opportunity to take part as an AVOHK Club Member and wear your AVOHK Club vest. If you are entered in the Marathon you will also be competing for the John Lane trophy, which is presented to the first AVOHK runner home. This is the only Marathon and Half Marathon in Hong Kong that offers the full range of 5 year Masters age categories from 35+ upwards and allows you to compete within your age group. Being an AVOHK Club Member you get the entry fee discount. Support your club, AVOHK by entering here https://avohk.org/index.php/2023/11/16/welcome-back-to-the-china-coast-4-feb-2024/
AVOHK Christmas Party 7pm on Thursday 14th Dec 2023 at Museum Cafe8 (Above Pier 8). Thanks to those that have signed up already. There are still places available and a great opportunity to catch up with other club members. Zenneth the Magician will be keeping us entertained. This event is subsidized by the club and is a bargain at HKD 250 for members and HKD 350 for guests which includes 2 drinks, a sumptuous buffet and a raffle. See the flyer in the newsletter and names to me please at chair@avohk.org .
The Four Trails documentary a Private viewing for AVOHK members and their guests is due to be held at Museum Cafe8 on Wed 29th Nov 2023. It is now sold out. A big thank you to Catherine Leonard for organizing this club event.
AVOHK Athletes have been very busy in the last month, first at the 8th Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships held at Wan Chai Stadium where AVOHK had a great showing coming away with 21 Golds, 8 Silvers and 3 bronze medals. Special mention goes to Aldo Kriel M40 who also won his age category overall, Frank McNamara M70 who won 4 Golds and Mick Wong M50 with 3 Golds. AVOHK Ladies acquitted themselves well with Glory Yau W45 coming away with 2 Golds and a great victory by the AVOHK Ladies in the W40 4 x 100m. A big thank you to Aldo Kriel for volunteering as the Team Manager and rounding everyone up. A big thank you also to the Pacers Club and other volunteers for putting these championships on.
Secondly in early November 12 AVOHK Members out of a team of 46 went to Clark in the Philippines to represent the Hong Kong, China Masters team in the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships. A report is in this month’s newsletter and a very nice review of these championships by Bill Purves.
AVOHK Swimmers, Andrew Waters and Ronald Thompson recently competed in the Round the Island swim. Yes, 45km and Ronald did this solo and Andrew as part of a team relay. All for a very worthy cause and both raising substantial donations. Andrew has written about his experience in this month’s newsletter. A big congratulations to Andrew and Ronald for this amazing achievement to our community in Hong Kong and putting the AVOHK name out there.
On 11th Nov 2023 AVOHK held their first Reservoir race for over 3 ½ years at Aberdeen. A relatively small field of runners but everyone enjoyed themselves and hopefully the club will consider putting more reservoir races on in the future. Well done to the Race Director Phil Booth and thank you to the many club volunteers that came out to make the Aberdeen Reservoir race a success.
Our 2 club Honorary Members have been in the news recently. A special celebration was held at the 2023 New York City Marathon to mark the occasion 40 years ago that Rod Dixon won the race in dramatic style. A finish that has been replayed thousands of times over the years. Rod of course graced AVOHK with his presence as our Guest of Honor for the 2019 China Coast Marathon. Dave Bedford OBE was invited back to Crystal Palace recently to the venue where just over 50 years ago in 1973 Dave made history by breaking the 10,000m World Record by over 8 seconds. Crystal Palace has been in decline in recent year’s but plans are afoot to restore Crystal Palace back as a centre of Athletics excellence. Dave was AVOHK’s Guest of Honor for the 2017 China Coast Marathon.
Membership renewal. No increase in Club membership fees yet again. For those on an annual membership renewal, now is the time to renew for 2024. Please try and renew early. RENEW Here: https://app.joinit.com/o/athletic-veterans-of-hong-kong/members
The AVOHK Club monthly Social run is held on the first Wednesday in the month. Next one is at 7pm on Weds 6th Dec 2023. Meeting outside the BMW Shop (formerly, HSBC) for further details, contact Norman 9249 1452 or Frank 9423 5422.
On a couple of final notes, last Friday, I was supporting Team green at Trailwalker at a point between stages 2 and 3. Club member Mark Redfern pacing another team came past wearing his AVOHK Club vest. A vest for all terrains and distances. Thank you, Mark. Just a reminder to all members the new AVOHK Club vest is available. https://avohk.org/index.php/avohk-merchandise/
Well done to club member Gi Ka Man on being the first Hong Kong runner home in the inaugural Macau Bridge Half marathon in a time of 1hr 9 mins 23 secs.
Yours in running.
AVOHK Athletes shine at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships – Clark, Philippines
46 (29 men and 17 women) Hong Kong Masters athletes made the 2 hour flight from Hong Kong to Clark to compete in the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships hosted by the Philippines and held in New Clark City, from 8th to 12th Nov 2023. Within the Hong Kong Masters team there were 12 AVOHK Club Members. There were 3 venues all close by with the main stadium being of international standard. The Hong Kong team came away with an amazing 42 medals ( 13 Gold, 18 Silver and 11 Bronze) with the team finishing 13th out of 22 countries in the overall medal table. AVOHK athletes contributed to this total:
M55 – Mike Capper – Silver 10K Road
M50 – Mick Wong – 4 Silvers (200m, 400m, 4 x 100m relay and 4 x 400m relay)
M50 – Israel Valcarcel – Silver 800m
W45 – Glory Yau – 2 Silvers (200m & 400m) and 1 Bronze 100m
M45 – Chan Siu Hin – Bronze 10K Road
M40 – Aldo Kriel – Silver 4 x 100m Relay
Within the overall Hong Kong Masters team there were many stunning performances, to highlight a few. 3 Gold Medals each for M55 Pancy Chu and M60 Willy Kung, 2 Gold medals each for W70 Wendy Choi, W65 Catherine Kwan, M65 Jackie Ho, W60 Lai Yin Mei and M60 Alex Yip. The relays on the final day were really the icing on the cake. Hong Kong were entered in 7 team relays and came away with medals in 5 of these.
Gold M60 – 4 x100m
Gold W55 – 4 x100m
Silver M40 – 4 x 100m
Silver M50 – 4 x100m
Silver M50 – 4 x 400m
Great relay team management and selection by Ceci Tse and Therry Wong. After the M50 4x400m relay the team literally left the track and headed for Clark Airport for the 6.30pm flight back to Hong Kong. Such was the quality of opposition the M50 Japan team set a World Age Group record in the M50 4x100m in 44.43s (Hong Kong were 2nd). A number of new Hong Kong Masters age group records were set and an update on these will appear in the next AVOHK newsletter. Ever present at these championships and always cheering the team on was Hong Kong Masters athlete and legend, Bill Purves.
Well done to the Hong Kong Masters team on a great performance at the 22nd Asia Masters Athletic Championships. Further details can be found here https://amacphilippines2023.com/at/medals
The 2025 Asia Masters Athletics Championships will be held at Solo, Indonesia.
AVOHK swimmers swim 45km to raise funds for the Splash foundation
Here in Hong Kong, we enjoy having the longest coastline of any city in the world and an abundance of swimming pools. However, almost half of Hong Kongers and over 70% of foreign domestic workers do not know how to swim. Globally, swim illiteracy impacts women and low-income communities disproportionately, leaving 55% of the world’s population barred from the safety and wellbeing benefits of having fundamental swim skills.
On November 4th, teams of elite swimmers and business leaders will relay swim around Hong Kong Island to raise $2.5 million to address this chronic swimming illiteracy in the city. Participants of this event bring together the likes of Hong Kong Olympic swimmers Camille Cheng, educationalist and investor Philip Sohmen, and Andrew Waters, a swimmer member of the AVOHK and HK Masters swim championship competitor. Alongside the relay swimmers will be another AVOHK member, Ron Thompson who will be doing the swim solo as his original date was rescheduled to a typhoon in early October.
Funds raised will go to Splash Foundation, a local charity that has taught over 6000 children and adults from under-resourced communities to swim since 2015. Their programmes are free of cost to beneficiaries and focus on water comfort, safety and swim fundamentals. 90% of beneficiaries who start Splash programmes finish them and 81% can perform all assessment skills independently.
The marathon swim will start in the early morning hours of November 4th, going clockwise from Sandy Bay and is expected to take 11-13 hours to complete. The first four hours of the swim will be in the dark in an effort to avoid the busiest marine traffic and the swimmers will test their endurance as they take on the tides and potential jellyfish. Splash looks forward to building this iconic swim into an annual event.
Support Andrew’s team at https://www.give.asia/campaign/makewavespurple and Ron’s solo venture at https://give.asia/…/ron-thompson-swimming-hk360-for…
When more people know how to swim, the safer, stronger and healthier communities become.
THE ABERDEEN RESERVOIR RACE IS BACK
Entry is now open for this well loved and well missed race.
It is primarily a trail race and will take place Saturday
11th November starting at 9.00 at the Aberdeen country park entrance closest to Aberdeen town.
There are full age categories from Open to over 80 for both men and women.
Medals will be awarded for the first three in each age group and all entrants will receive a souvenir t-shirt.
Entry fee is $200 for AVOHK members and $250 for non members.
Entries will be accepted on a first come first served.
Looking forward to seeing old faces and new as AVOHK builds up its portfolio of races once more.
At the Malaysian Championships
Hong Kong had a team of 7 at the Malaysia veterans’ championships September 16 & 17, and they brought home 12 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze. The Malaysians attracted about 500 athletes from 12 countries. It was the usual Malaysian setup: hot all day with a tropical downpour in the late afternoon, no pork and expensive beer. This was the 35th revival of the championships.
Mick Wong was our star performer with gold in the 100, 200 and 400. Aldo Kriel was surprised to be beaten into second in the 100m but revenged himself on the same opponent by winning the 200. Shirley Wong brought home silvers in the same two events. Dominic Wong is in Mick’s M50 category, so he could earn only a silver in the 400, but he came back with an impressive win in the 100 hurdles, beating the second-place finisher by fully two barriers. Our other medallist was yet another Wong: Wong Kee-lam, who took bronze in the 100, 200 and javelin throw.
Hong Kong had a team of 7 at the Malaysia veterans’ championships September 16 & 17, and they brought home 12 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze. The Malaysians attracted about 500 athletes from 12 countries. It was the usual Malaysian setup: hot all day with a tropical downpour in the late afternoon, no pork and expensive beer. This was the 35th revival of the championships, and it set a record by being the first to provide toilet paper in the washrooms. Everything looked well-prepared on Friday before the meet, but on Saturday morning one of the two sets of washrooms was locked. It was the set near where the stadium staff have their offices and pantry. The remaining set were insufficient for 500 athletes and we were directed to a set of latrines in an adjacent field.
Shirley opened our account with silver in the 100 on Saturday morning. She was closing fast on the winner at the line, but just couldn’t get there. The same opponent did it to her again in the 200 on Sunday morning when she finished one step behind and again had to settle for the silver medal.
Mick and Aldo both had timed finals in their 100m races. Each won his section easily, but when the section results were merged Mick had won but Aldo was edged into second by a policeman from India. Aldo vowed revenge, which he took on Sunday when he and the copper were drawn in the same section of the 200 with Aldo in lane 8 and the flatfoot in 2. Aldo beat him relatively easily. Unfortunately, Constable Plod won’t be in Manila for a rematch.
Wong Kee-lam is now living in KL, but he says it’s only temporary. He’s studying comparative religion. In Malaysia everything will be compared with Islam, so don’t offer him char siu. This was Phoebe Kriel’s return to competition after leading her Phoebe’s Phast Pheet team (Phoebe, Aldo and their two kids) in the family relay at the Thai championships several years ago. She didn’t win a medal, but it was she who selected the restaurant for the memorable crab feast on Saturday evening that was our team dinner.
There seems to be some dissention in Singapore. Unusually, they had two teams in KL: the usual Singapore team led by AMA Secretary Kannan and a Singapore Track and Field Association team organised by Jason Wong. There were two veterans’ meets in Singapore this year, so someone seems dissatisfied with Kannan’s decades-long stewardship.
No dissention on our team. On to Japan!
Bill Purves
(Full version in AVOHK Newsletter)
Message from the Chair – Sep 23
September was a turbulent month for weather with a super typhoon and black rainstorms to contend with. This resulted in AVOHK having to postpone the first race in the AVOHK 5K series. Good news was to follow and AVOHK held the rearranged Bowen Road 5km on Saturday, 23 September 2023. Freeman Lee, the Race Director, rounded up the volunteer helpers (thank you to all) to make the race a success. One hundred and seventy runners toed the line for an 8am start. Some very credible results in all age categories which can be found here:
Thank you to Watsons Water for sponsoring the series and to Freeman Lee for nailing the race organization. Just confirmed Race 2 of the 5k series will be held at Tai Tam Tuk on Saturday, 7 October 2023. 8am start.
Last shoutout to represent AVOHK at the 2023 Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships which are being held at Wan Chai Sports Ground from 27 to 29 October 2023. Entries need to be in by Friday, 29 September 2023. Contact Aldo Kriel, the club captain, for this event at vicechair@avohk.org. 20+ club members have signed up.
Enter now and get training for the 2024 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon which is being held on Sunday, 4 February 2024. The usual early-bird discounts and club discounts apply. Please enter and support AVOHKs biggest event of the year which was first held in 1981. Enter online here: https://avohk.org/index.php/2023/09/15/welcome-back-to-the-china-coast-4-feb-2024/. Dave Smith and Catherine Leonard are the co-race directors.
Details on the new AVOHK Club Vest and availability will be announced shortly. A big thank you to Phil Booth for seeing this project through.
AVOHK are looking at the possibility of holding a reservoir race at Aberdeen Reservoir on Sunday, 11 November 2023. Watch out for further details.
Date for your diary. The AVOHK Christmas Party will be held at Museum Café (old Café 8) at 7pm on Thursday, 14 December 2023. We plan to arrange some entertainment and the usual Lucky Draw, HKD 250 for Club members and HKD 350 for guests. This includes 2 drinks and a sumptuous buffet. Thank you to Aldo Kriel who has volunteered to co-ordinate.
Rod Dixon, an AVOHK honorary Club member, 4-time Olympian and running legend, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his heroic 1983 New York City Marathon win on Sunday, 5 November 2023. Described in many running magazines as one of the greatest ever marathon victories, Rod lives out his accomplishments through his Rod Dixon Kids marathon foundation, taking his programme to many schools in the US and his home country of New Zealand. You can contribute here: https://www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org/tcs-new-york-city-marathon-2023.
Social Events
The monthly Club Social Run is held on the first Wednesday in the month. Next one is at 7pm on Wednesday, 4 October 2023. Meeting at the Hopewell Centre outside BMW Shop (formerly, HSBC). For further details, contact Norman 9249 1452 or Frank 9423 5422.
An AVOHK Club Social Gathering for members to relax and chat about running and athletics will be held at “Bobby’s Rabble” at 46 Wyndham Street. Starting at 6pm on Thursday, 19 October 2023. For further details, contact Aldo Kriel 6125 7913 or vice-chair@avohk.org .
Committee
The next AVOHK Committee meeting will take place on Monday, 16 October 2023, at 7pm.
Yours in running
Colin Whittington
AVOHK Chair
RUN’s Charity Trail Race 2023
The RUN Race 2023 returns for the first time since 2019!
This event features an 8km trail race for individuals & family pairs, and a 1.5km kids race!
At RUN, we support vulnerable refugees, particularly women, to build resilience and nurture self-reliance for a more hopeful future. With sport as the springboard and education as the foundation, we help refugees to create a life of safety and dignity, in Hong Kong and beyond.
Our Race is an opportunity for you to experience first-hand the diversity of talents that our participants bring to our community – For many this race represents another challenge on their journey to healing, freedom, and advancement. They each work tirelessly to reach their goals and we are excited to see them test themselves on the trails. If you see them out there, make sure to cheer them on and give them a high-five!
Registration & Race Start: Tai Tam BBQ Area Site 2
8km race: Individual age18+
8km race: Individual Youth (age 11-13)
8km race: Individual Youth (age 14-17)
8km race: Family pairs (1 adult+1 youth)
1.5km kids race: 6-8yrs (accompanied)
1.5km kids race: 9-10yrs (unaccompanied)
Each entry includes a minimum suggested donation. You’re welcome to give more, begin a new monthly donation, or donate on event day. Every donation, no matter the size, helps to support the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong.
**Waiver**
I assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident, which may occur while I am traveling to or from the event, during the event, or while I am on the premises of the event. I also am aware of and assume all risks associated with participating in this event, including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, effect of weather, traffic, and conditions of the road. I hereby waive, release and forever discharge the event organizers, sponsors, promoters for all my liabilities, claims, actions, or damages in any way connected with my participation in this event.
See below for more details
https://runhongkong.kindful.com/e/runs-charity-trail-race-2023
Message from the Chair – Aug 23
Yes, AVOHK does have an active swimming section. Congratulations to Club member Doug Woodring who competed in the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Fukuoka earlier this month. Setting four Hong Kong M55 age group records. Read more about Doug’s achievements in this month’s newsletter.
RACES AND COMPETITIONS
Sign up now: The 2023 AVOHK 5K Series. Online Entry is live with over 250 runners already signed up. The first race will be held at Bowen Road at 8am on Saturday, 9 September 2023. This series has the full age range with masters categories in 5-year age groups from 35 years up to 80 years+. For the youngsters, you must be at least 12 years of age to enter. The series is sponsored by Watsons Water. Race Director is Freeman Lee.
https://mylaps-registrations.com/w/1689/p2e265050baa31e025caf218e38722b9d
Final call: The 2023 Asia Masters Athletics Championships will take place at New Clark City in the Philippines from 7th to 12th November 2023. Historically, Hong Kong have always had a large team for this event. There are no qualifying times/distance.
This is “Sport for All”. So far, 37 have signed up. AVOHK requires entry and payment by 31st August 2023. An email went out recently with details. If anyone is still interested in taking part, please email me soonest at chair@avohk.org.
Get Ready: The 2023 Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships are due to take place at the Wanchai Sports Ground from 27th to 29th October 2023. Details at http://hkmac.org/2023HKMAC_DraftR4.pdf (English is at the back). Entry will be open from 1st September 2023. Aldo Kriel (vice-chair@avohk.org) will be the AVOHK Club Captain for this event and will be contacting Club members shortly.
2023 World 24hr Masters Championships in Taipei, 1st/2nd December 2023. Details are here:
http://www.ctau.org.tw/news/2023-12-01-02-iau-wma-24h-world-championships/.
Contact: chair@avohk.org if interested in entering.
2023 World Masters 50k Championships in Hyderabad, India, 5th November 2023. Details are here: https://nebsports.in/iau-50k/.
Contact: chair@avohk.org if interested in entering.
SOCIAL EVENTS
The Monthly Club Social Run is held on the first Wednesday in the month. Next one is at 7pm on Wednesday, 6th September. Meeting at the Hopewell Centre outside BMW Shop. For further details, contact Norman (9249 1452) or Frank (9423 5422).
An AVOHK Club Social Gathering for members to relax and chat about running and athletics will be held at Bobby’s Rabble, 46 Wyndham Street. Starting at 6pm on Wednesday, 20th September 2023. For further details, contact Aldo Kriel 6125 7913. August’s gathering was well attended and even “The Railbird” put in an appearance.
COMMITTEE
The next AVOHK Committee Meeting will take place on Monday, 11th September 2023, at 7pm.
Good luck to all those athletes competing for Hong Kong, China, in the upcoming 2022 Asian Games being held in Hangzhou.
Yours in running
Colin Whittington
AVOHK Chair