Dowman Road Race draws over 2,200 runners
The Dowman Road Race once again proved to be a major event of the season with 2,220 runners taking part. It took place on the chilly morning of January 26, and many a competitor's waking thoughts were of a cold run ahead.
Nevertheless, the turnout was definitely a positive proof that more and more police officers and civilian staff are taking a keen interest in keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.
At 10 am sharp, New Territories North (NTN) Regional Commander Cheung Siu-wah, who is Chairman of the Police Sports Council, started the race at Man Yi Road amid cheers from the runners and many spectators.
Super fast Police Constable (PC) Lai Hok-yan from Emergency Unit Kowloon East prevailed with a time of 43:57, leaving most of the pack behind him, to capture the title of Men Open event.
Second crossing the line was Kowloon City District's Sergeant (SGT) Maudy Ching Ying-wai, who finished the course in 44:13. This also earned him the title of Men Senior event.
In Men Master I event, Sergeant Wun Yiu-ki from Police Tactical Unit (PTU) NTN retained his championship, whilst Senior Police Constable Leung Chung-ho from Narcotics Bureau won Men Master II event. Station Sergeant Lo Wai-keung from Police Headquarters also retained the title of Men Master III.
In Women Open event, WPC Man Wai-shan from Cheung Sha Wan Division won the title in 50:49, whilst tireless WSGT Wong Yin-yee from Ta Kwu Ling Division clinched Women Senior title in 56:34.
In the category for retired officers, Mr Ko Fuk-ming passed the finish line first at 51:11, and Mr Cheung Chi-ying, a retired Sergeant still in very good shape at the age of 71, completed the course to take the trophy for the oldest retired officer. Their extraordinary energy and stamina were exemplary to others.
In the event for civilian officers, Mr Wong Nai-hon from PTU HQ won the trophy for the oldest officer completing the course.
Acting Commissioner Yam Tat-wing and former Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen were on hand to cheer the winners at the finish line, alongside Senior Directorate Group members.
Mr Yam and Mr Fung presented trophies to Chief Superintendent (Conditions of Service and Discipline) from Personnel Wing, Mr Richard Morgan, for being the fastest directorate officer in the race, Senior Superintendent Leung Fui for being the oldest serving senior officer completing the race, and to Tuen Mun District for fielding the fastest ladies' team comprising Chow Pui-yan, Lee Ka-man and Wong Hei-man.
Trophies were also presented to Kowloon City District for fielding the fastest Formation team formed by Ching Ying-wai, Choy Chun-kit, Eddie Chan and Tsang Wai-ming, and to Airport District again for clinching the Specialist Training Formation title with a team comprising Cheung Chi-hung, Fong Chi-on, Kwok Tsz-kin, Cheung Kam-tong, Leung Wai-ho and Chan Kwok-wai.
The Chairman of the Police Athletics Club (PAC), Chief Superintendent Chau Kwok-leung, thanked all PAC volunteers and the Police Football Referee's Club for their valuable support for the race. Thanks also went to the staff of PTU HQ, Police College and Auxiliary Medical Service for their contributions to a very successful event.
Mr Chau also took the opportunity to remind Force members that the annual Police Athletics Championships 2008 will be held on April 11 at the Wanchai Sports Ground. Enrolment for the event can be made through Training and Staff Relations Offices on PAC website, www.hkpac.com.
The race attracts many women runners
Warming up for a tough race
DCP (OPS) Yam Tat-wing and the overall champion team
Chilly weather has not dampened runners' enthusiasm