“I’ve never learnt something just for fun in my entire life! I never imagined that, at my age, I would still have the opportunity like this…” These heartfelt words came from an old lady. As she took part in the running programme, her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. 

Having been rooted in Fanling for more than 30 years, the YWCA Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre has long provided a wide range of daytime services for local seniors. Social workers noticed that while these elderly have quietly dedicated their lives to their families and society, they often forget to live for themselves. In response, the Centre launched the Silver-Haired Runners Programme in July, encouraging seniors to break out of their routines and inject vitality into both body and mind. 

The programme boasts a stellar coaching line-up. It is led by Head Coach Eric Wong, an IAAF Level 1 coach and current member of the Hong Kong Athletics Team, alongside the elite coaching team from Trail Blazer, the running club he founded. The team also features prominent local runners, such as marathon champion Virginia Lo and Tse Chun Yin Michael, the men’s 10,000-metre record holder. Taking a scientific approach, the coaches guide participants step-by-step, starting with proper running posture, cadence and stride length, followed by core muscles training and low-intensity aerobic fitness. This systematic training gradually enhances participants’ physical fitness, helping them turn their running dreams into reality.

The programme currently has 44 participants, all aged 50 or above, with some even in their seventies. Most had no regular exercise habits, let alone any long-distance running experience. Their journey began in June with a comprehensive physical fitness assessment, including the single-leg stance and calf-raise endurance test. They now gather at least twice a month at the North District Sports Ground for endurance training, practicing consistently under pacing and hydration strategies tailored by their coaches. Their short-term goal is to participate in a 3-kilometre or 5-kilometre community race by the end of this year, with the long-term ambition of tackling the 10-kilometre or half-marathon events at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Throughout this journey, the social work team is right by their side, documenting their progress and fostering a supportive team culture where everyone lifts each other up.

The Association hopes the newly formed running team can inspire others, championing sports and active living for the silver generation. The ultimate goal is to encourage seniors to take part in overseas marathon, truly living out a fulfilling retirement.

The Association sincerely invites members of the community to become supporting partners. You can stand alongside our silver-haired runners by sponsoring race registration and coaching fees, or by donating essential gear such as team uniforms, running shoes and energy gels. We also welcome corporate volunteers to join the training sessions, supporting the seniors as they progress and witnessing inspiring stories.