Oxfam, a leading international relief organization, announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated Oxfam Trailwalker 2025 in Hong Kong, originally scheduled for November 28–30. The decision comes as a direct response to a devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in significant casualties—at least 44 fatalities and 62 injuries. Organizers cited the profound impact of the tragedy and the need to free up critical government and emergency resources for ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, redirecting event proceeds to aid affected residents.
Prioritizing Emergency Response Over Public Events
The Trailwalker, a grueling three-day endurance event, was set to take place throughout the weekend. Following the catastrophic fire, Oxfam issued a statement via social media expressing deep sorrow and extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and those injured.
The primary rationale for the immediate cancellation was to ensure that essential government departments and rescue services could dedicate their full attention and operational capacity to the emergency operations underway in Tai Po. Oxfam confirmed that all public donations collected for the 2025 event, along with applicable supplies allocated for the trail run, would be entirely redirected to assist the community affected by the apartment block blaze.
The organization acknowledged the abrupt nature of the decision and apologized to the thousands of participants, dedicated volunteers, partners, and public supporters. They concluded their statement by thanking the community for its understanding and urging collective solidarity during this difficult time. Further official communications detailing follow-up arrangements for the 2025 registered teams are expected soon.
Other Weekend Races Under Community Scrutiny
The cancellation of the Oxfam event highlights broader community sensitivity regarding scheduled public gatherings following the tragedy. Attention has now turned to the Pocari Sweat Run Fest 2025, which was set to proceed on Sunday, November 30, at the Hong Kong Science Park.
The Run Fest, centered around the iconic Charles K. Kao Auditorium (the “Golden Egg”), was planned as an all-day affair featuring various races (3km, 5km, and 10km individual events, plus a 3km obstacle course), sports workshops, and performances. A key point of contention for this event is the geographic proximity of some race routes to the disaster site. The 10-kilometer course, which starts and finishes within Science Park, features a turn-back point close to Wang Fuk Court.
Runners across local social media platforms have voiced concerns regarding the appropriateness of holding a celebratory sporting event so near the site of mass bereavement and injury. Many participants have publicly called for a postponement or outright cancellation, emphasizing respect for the victims and acknowledgment of the public grief overshadowing the proposed athletic competition. An official update regarding the status of the Pocari Sweat Run Fest is anticipated shortly.
The immediate repurposing of resources by Oxfam sets a precedent for how large-scale, private events must adapt quickly in the face of local emergencies, demonstrating a commitment to supporting civic recovery above recreational endeavors. Organizations involved in upcoming public events are now under pressure to assess not only the logistical feasibility but also the moral appropriateness of proceeding during a period of intense public mourning.