Hong Kong

with Jeffrey Yu, Founder of Participation Co & Shelter Athletics

Jeffrey is the founder of Participation Co and a key part of the team at Shelter Athletics. He’s spent time across North America and beyond, and that wide lens shows up in everything he builds.

His focus is sharp: creating well-designed, functional run gear that doesn’t break the bank. Practical, thoughtful, and quietly ambitious, Jeffrey brings a grounded approach to running culture—one centered on access, community, and doing things with purpose.

Running Routes

A few of Jeffrey’s go-to routes across the city:

Hong Kong Island

Kowloon

New Territories

  • https://strava.app.link/IjTsVWAR9Tb
    Maclehose Trail Section 1 (return). A strong long run option with rolling hills (~10km each way), finishing at a dam overlooking the ocean. A bit harder to access, but worth the effort.

Coffee

Rootdown

Where to Eat

Food in Hong Kong is exceptional across the board. For variety, head to the SOHO/Central area—there’s something for everyone.

For a more local experience, spend time in Sham Shui Po.

Community

Run Clubs & Groups
Shelter Athletics — Sunday Service runs happen every week along the harbour.

Community Spaces
Rootdown is welcoming, but The Station (https://www.instagram.com/thestation.hk/) is one of the most popular running cafés in the city.

Local Race

Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon

What Makes Hong Kong Special

Hong Kong is a runner’s paradise. Everything you need is within an hour—trails, roads, and tracks are all easily accessible from wherever you are.

You can hit the trails in the morning and be back for lunch, or fit in track intervals between meetings. The variety isn’t just available—it’s effortless. That accessibility is what makes running here feel unique.

What the Community Needs More Of

Stronger government support to better coordinate the race calendar and unlock the full potential of the running community.

Right now, bureaucratic barriers limit what run clubs can organize. There’s a desire to create more unique events, routes, and experiences, but it’s harder than it should be.

With better support, Hong Kong could become a true global destination for runners.

Local Notes

Summers in Hong Kong are intense—late May through early October brings serious heat and humidity. Plan accordingly.

That said, the city more than makes up for it. The food and nightlife scene is exceptional and worth the trip alone.

And if you’re traveling from North America, Hong Kong is an ideal base to explore the region—Tokyo, Bangkok, Shenzhen, and beyond are all within reach.