68YO Chow Yun Fat Completes His First Half-Marathon In Less Than 2.5 Hours

By
Shernice Sim
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This Grandfather, Chow Yun Fat, Can Run Faster Than You

Suddenly, your NS sergeant’s bold claim that his “grandmother can run faster than you” does not seem so far-fetched, right?

Any Hong Kong cinephile would recognise veteran actor Chow Yun Fat from the many, many, MANY movies he has starred in since the 1970s. 

Who would have thought that, at the ripe age of 68, the actor could still add “Marathoner” into his ever-growing list of accolades?

On the morning of 19 November 2023, the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) held their inaugural Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon.

As seasoned runners are warming up at the starting line, imagine their surprise when they laid their eyes on none other than the God of Gamblers himself?

Decked out in a sporty black tank top, chic sunglasses and a cap, Chow took off on the 21km race alongside 2,000 other runners.

Fat Gor Said that He Jogged Every Day to Prepare for Race

Chow, known affectionately as Fat Gor by his supporters, crossed the finish line in less than two-and-a-half hours, more specifically, in two hours, 27 minutes and 56 seconds. 

Image: Facebook (中國銀行香港港珠澳大橋香港段半馬拉松 BOCHK HZM Bridge HK Section Half Marathon)

Amidst cheers from spectators and fellow runners alike, the amiable actor told the Hong Kong press that the run had not been too difficult. As an avid runner, he was well aware of his limits and learnt to pace himself.

He also jokes that it was more tiring thanking the many supporters who came up to congratulate him after the run. 

(A bit of a TMI, but he admits to not consuming liquids throughout the run, as that would mean he might have to queue up for the restrooms during the race.)

He also said that he had been jogging about 4-5KM every day before the event in order to build up strength and stamina.The actor was once spotted by fans jogging near The Bund, Shanghai, sometime in June 2023 while promoting his then-latest drama, The Salvation, in China.

Fat Gor was able to maintain a disciplined exercise regime on top of his busy career as an actor. What’s your excuse?

Age is Just a Number

With this impressive feat, Chow has undoubtedly shown that a healthy lifestyle is possible for anyone, regardless of age. 

The actor even laughingly claimed that he’s more of an athlete than an actor now, with his previous race (the Standard Charted Hong Kong Marathon) taking place in February 2023 while his latest acting endeavour for the movie One More Chance took place in 2019. 

Chow also revealed that he would be taking part in the same Standard Charted Hong Kong Marathon next year in January 2023.

Whether as a beloved veteran actor or an up-and-coming athlete, Chow’s impressive resume is an inspiration for all generations.

So the next time you find yourself dragging your feet towards the dreaded gym or that morning jog, just remember Fat Gor’s story and rise up to that challenge!

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Shernice Sim