Marathon Reunion Celebrates 25 Years of Friendship for Hong Kong’s Running Babes

From cities across Europe, North America and Asia, a group of long time friends travelled to Hong Kong this weekend to celebrate both a personal milestone and a shared passion that has bound them together for a quarter of a century. Known as the Running Babes, the group reunited for the Road Scholars China Coast Marathon on Sunday, turning the race into a celebration of endurance, friendship and commitment.

The marathon took place around High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, a route familiar to the runners after years of training and competing together. For the twelve women, many of whom now live in different countries, the event was about far more than finishing times. It marked another chapter in a partnership that began 25 years ago and has endured life changes, relocations and demanding careers.

The focal point of the reunion was Ming Chen, one of the founding members, who completed her 88th marathon at the event. Fellow runners described the achievement as symbolic of the group’s philosophy of consistency and mutual support rather than individual glory. They said Ming’s dedication reflects the spirit that has kept the group connected across continents and decades.

The Road Scholars China Coast Marathon also carried added meaning this year because the Running Babes chose to sponsor the event. Considered Hong Kong’s oldest marathon, the race holds a special place in the city’s running community. By supporting it, the group aimed to give back to a sport and a local event that had shaped their shared journey.

Their sponsor name was intentionally playful. Drawing inspiration from the Rhodes Scholar title, the group adopted Road Scholars to reflect their belief that running is not just physical exercise but a space for reflection and problem solving. Members joked that many of their life decisions, from career moves to personal challenges, had been talked through while running side by side.

Over the years, the Running Babes have trained together in Hong Kong and abroad, adapting to different time zones and schedules while keeping their bond alive. Some members now live in Paris, Miami, Washington and other cities, but regular reunions around races have helped maintain their sense of community. They describe running as the constant thread that has made distance less relevant.

Participants said the Hong Kong race felt especially emotional, given the city’s changing landscape and the marathon’s long history. Running through familiar terrain brought back memories of early training sessions and races completed together in their younger years. For newer runners and spectators, the group’s presence offered a reminder that sport can foster lifelong relationships.

Organisers of the China Coast Marathon welcomed the group’s involvement, noting that their sponsorship highlighted the grassroots spirit that has sustained the race for decades. In a sporting world increasingly dominated by large commercial events, such gestures were seen as reinforcing the importance of community driven competitions.

As the runners crossed the finish line, there was no focus on rankings or medals. Instead, there were hugs, photographs and shared laughter. For the Running Babes, the marathon was another milestone in an ongoing journey, one defined not by speed but by friendship, resilience and the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other together.