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
https://www.strava.com/segments/33656053
A waterfront run along Victoria Harbour on the island side. Easy ~7km with plenty of evening run clubs.https://strava.app.link/q5aIi9aR9Tb
A short uphill into a great trail route within the city. Easy access via Quarry Bay MTR.
Kowloon
https://www.strava.com/segments/25056152
A harbour route with one of the best views of the Hong Kong skyline. Expect crowds, but it’s worth it.
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.