The “Smoke-free Run cum Carnival”, organized by Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) successfully concluded today (13 January) at Hong Kong Science Park to encourage smokers to quit smoking through running, as well as motivate the public to build a smoke-free healthy lifestyle. The running race, joined by around 1,600 runners, was divided to different categories according to distances (10KM, 3KM and 800M), Individual, Smoke-free Family Team, School Team, Corporate Team and Smoke-free Buddy Team. Some participants promoted smoke-free messages through their creative and unique costume.

The race starting ceremony was officiated by Dr CHUI Tak-yi (Under Secretary for Food and Health), Dr Manny LAM (Senior Medical and Health Officer of Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Department of Health), Mr Antonio KWONG (COSH Chairman) and Ms Yolanda NG (COSH Vice-chairman). The “Smoke-free Carnival” with interesting game and exhibition booths was held at the same time to enhance the participants’ awareness on tobacco hazards, smoking cessation and tobacco control.

“Everyone knows smoking is hazardous to health while running is good for health. Quitting smoking and doing exercise are indeed complementary to each other. Exercise can help resist tobacco craving and ease withdrawal symptoms. A study showed that running helped people quit smoking and reduce tobacco consumption. Kicking the smoking habit can also improve one’s sports performances.” said Mr Antonio KWONG, COSH Chairman. COSH aimed to urge more smokers to replace smoking by a healthy habit like doing exercise through the “Smoke-free Run”. The public were also encouraged to support their family and friends to beat the tobacco addiction and live a smoke-free lifestyle.

Many Hong Kong citizens have long working hours and are under heavy pressure. Some of them may mistakenly believe that smoking helps relieve stress. Actually, we should replace smoking by doing exercises for our physical and mental health. During the event, Prof LAM Tai-hing, Chair Professor of Community Medicine & Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong demonstrated

The “Smoke-free Run cum Carnival” was supported by over 40 organizations and smoking cessation service providers. COSH has also invited local cartoon character, B.Duck to design a set of key visuals with smoke-free healthy tips which helped spread smoke-free messages to the general public. For more information about the “Smoke-free Run cum Carnival”, please visit www.smokefree.hk/run.

Photo captions

Nearly 1,600 runners joined “Smoke-free Run” to encourage smokers to quit smoking through running, as well as motivate the public to build a healthy smoke-free lifestyle.
Nearly 1,600 runners joined “Smoke-free Run” to encourage smokers to quit smoking through running, as well as motivate the public to build a healthy smoke-free lifestyle.

Officiating guests supported and cheered on the Smoke-free Athletes at the “Smoke-Free Run” Race Starting Ceremony.
Officiating guests supported and cheered on the Smoke-free Athletes at the “Smoke-Free Run” Race Starting Ceremony.

"Smoke-free Run cum Carnival” was supported by over 40 organizations.
"Smoke-free Run cum Carnival” was supported by over 40 organizations.

Interesting and informative smoke-free game booths were set up in the “Smoke-free Carnival” which were well-received by the participants.
Interesting and informative smoke-free game booths were set up in the “Smoke-free Carnival” which were well-received by the participants.

Prof LAM Tai-hing, Chair Professor of Community Medicine & Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong demonstrated “Zero-time Exercise” to encourage participants to resist smoking cravings by doing exercise anytime and anywhere.
Prof LAM Tai-hing, Chair Professor of Community Medicine & Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong demonstrated “Zero-time Exercise” to encourage participants to resist smoking cravings by doing exercise anytime and anywhere.

Some participants promoted smoke-free messages through their creative costumes and received “The Best Smoke-free Costume Award”.
Some participants promoted smoke-free messages through their creative costumes and received “The Best Smoke-free Costume Award”.

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