Migrant workers take part in HK Marathon

 

MFMW's runners and supporters at the HK Marathon

A number of foreign domestic workers were among about 74,000 people who took part in the Standard Chartered-Hong Kong Marathon 2025 held on Sunday, with at least three completing the full, 42.195 -kilometer marathon.

The three – Marah Cabania, Carmina Bajarin and Roxanne Banawa – were veteran trailwalkers, but had joined the HK Marathon, one of the city’s biggest sporting events, for the first time.

They ran to raise funds for the Mission for Migrant Workers, one of a number of non-government organizations enlisted as co-partners of the annual race this year.

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All completed the race well within the six hour-time limit set by organizers. Carmina came in first at 4:45:03, Marah at 5:16:39 and Roxanne at 5:21:29. Not a mean feat, considering that the three often could only train on Sundays, their only day-off in the week.

Marah, a veteran of several trail running competitions, including the grueling three-day hk100, said the HK Marathon posed a different challenge.

“Mas ok po sa akin ang trail run kaysa road running. Ang road po kasi matigas (unlike) sa trail na lupa na hindi masakit sa talampakan,” said Marah.

(I like trail running more than road running. The road is more difficult to run on than the soil in trail runs which is gentler and does not cause the soles of my feet to ache).

Marah shows off her medal for completing the full marathon

Marah’s balancing act of doing domestic work while preparing for the numerous running contests she joins on a regular basis were featured in a TV documentary recently. It showed her exercising on the kitchen floor in her employer’s flat in-between chores, and then taking part in the hk100 trail race call the “Grand Sam,” which required her to run for three straight days, and complete a distance of nearly 200 km: 33 km on the first day, 56 km the next day, and 103 km on the third day.

In the same video interview was Indonesian domestic worker Sringatin, who spoke about her role as a spokesperson of Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, a foremost migrant rights group in Hong Kong.

Here is the link to the video interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7s2LlHnFcD4eijQr&fbclid=IwY2xjawIXJahleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYRtUkGmL2sUsZ7iutrsgTg5OUmvN4roZApw7G47ggmJ0_DRFa6GbDwi1Q_aem_rqojUqApgFKSnNHFhramQw&v=vZHEnDQwuaQ&feature=youtu.be

Sring also took part in the 10-km race of the HK Marathon for the MFMW.

Final preps for the MFMW team before the big race

According to the MFMW, a total of 28 runners from diverse backgrounds listed up for the HK Marathon under its banner. About a quarter ran the full marathon, a few the half-marathon, and the rest, the 10-kilometre race.

The runners were a motley crew of migrant workers from the Philippines and Indonesia who enjoy trail running, young students passionate about drama, and local professionals who excel in fancy rope skipping. Among the migrant workers, a number had lived temporarily at the Mission’s shelter.

“This running initiative provides numerous opportunities to enhance the well-being of the migrant community while promoting cultural diversity and inclusion,” said the MFMW in a Facebook post that showed its runners preparing for the race.

“Despite our varied backgrounds and differing skill levels, we unite in our running practice, learning from one another and fostering a sense of camaraderie.”

The MFMW said all proceeds from the fund-raising will be used for its services and programs that enhance the well-being and empowerment of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Marites survived the 10-km race 10 years after a major leg surgery

Also among the runners in the 10-km race was Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers. She ran to raise funds for Resolve Foundation, which aims to empower leaders from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including migrant domestic workers.

“Nag join po ako for an inclusive Hon Kong, and for the advancement of SJMW, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities,” said Marites.

In a Facebook post, she said she had initial doubts about finishing the race because of a major leg surgery she had to undergo in 2015 to remove an aggressive tumor. She was told by her doctor then that she could no longer do long hikes or run for an extended period.

After 10 years she decided not just to run again, but join the 10-km race of the HK Marathon.

“Natapos ko ang 10km run na inspirado dahil napatunayan ko sa sarili ko na kahit may problem noon sa aking left leg ay nakaya ko pa ring tumakbo ng 10km,” said Marites.

She said those who want to donate to her cause may still do so until the end of the month, through this link: https://give.asia/campaign/support-tekla-s-first-time-running-10km-for-an-inclusive-hk-391?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Rw_0MCZdJFG4zrS1FfYrS61ei6iYKhfm8nSCjcWJK-pFfb5Gxo1gEhjk_aem_NFAMJtYP0MtCW22ITNIPlA#/story