Hong Kong has canceled the highly anticipated Oxfam Trailwalker endurance race, scheduled for the weekend of November 28–30, and is reconsidering other competitive events, following a devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that killed at least 44 people and injured 62. The decision, officially announced by organizer Oxfam, allows critical government and emergency resources to focus entirely on rescue and recovery efforts, underscoring a commitment to public safety and community solidarity during a profound tragedy that has gripped the city.
The cancellation of the three-day Oxfam Trailwalker 2025, a significant fixture on the local sporting calendar, was made preemptively. Oxfam issued a social media statement expressing profound condolences to the families affected and stressed that its priority was supporting the immediate emergency response. Furthermore, Oxfam confirmed that all public donations raised for the event, alongside designated physical supplies, will be immediately redirected to assist residents displaced and affected by the massive blaze. The organization activated its own emergency support mechanism to facilitate this relief.
Resource Allocation Prioritizes Recovery Efforts
The decision reflects a unified community response, ensuring frontline relief services and essential departments are not strained by managing large-scale public events simultaneously. Oxfam explicitly thanked the public for their understanding and urged participants, volunteers, and partners to unite in support of the victims. Further logistical details and follow-up arrangements for the canceled Trailwalker will be communicated soon.
The deadly fire’s proximity and scale also cast a shadow over other major weekend sporting events. Attention has turned to the Pocari Sweat Run Fest 2025, which was set to feature races, workshops, and performances at the Hong Kong Science Park on Sunday, November 30. The event included 3km, 5km, and 10km individual races, as well as a 3km obstacle course starting within the Science Park complex.
Community Calls for Postponement of Science Park Race
Concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of proceeding with the Run Fest, particularly as the 10-kilometer route’s turning point is situated close to the Wang Fuk Court disaster site. Many runners and community members have taken to social media, pressing organizers to postpone or cancel the event out of respect for the victims and to avoid placing further stress on local infrastructure and first responders. An official update regarding the status of the Pocari Sweat Run Fest is anticipated shortly.
The immediate cancellation of major public sports events highlights the severity of the Tai Po fire and the necessity of allocating all available resources toward recovery and supporting the impacted community, demonstrating a coordinated philanthropic and governmental response to the disaster. These actions signal that mourning and recovery take precedence over recreation during this difficult period for Hong Kong.