Runners unleash the Super Hero within at the Marvel 10K Weekend 2017 while racing through Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) held its signature running event this weekend with super-charged action thanks to the Marvel Super Heroes! A record-breaking 10,000 runners of different ages and from various regions assembled at the Marvel 10K Weekend 2017 to showcase their athletic power on September 16 and 17. They participated in four action-packed races: the Captain America 10K, Thor 5K, Spider-Man 3K and Kid Races. By running in HKDL and being cheered by Disney Friends along race route, these runners enjoyed a race experience like no other in Hong Kong.

As a first for this year’s event, a Leadership 3K was organized for leaders from various sectors, including the travel industry in Asia as a way to encourage healthy living. Officiating the event was Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Paul Chan, presented awards to winning runners.

“Over the years, HKDL has been actively involved in giving back to the community and bringing the fantastic and cheerful atmosphere of the resort to adults and children across Hong Kong. It also brings happiness and positive energy to different corners of the community,” Chan said.

Joining this Marvel-themed event were Marvel Super Heroes including Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and, for the first time at HKDL, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Gamora and Doctor Strange. Many runners also dressed up as their favorite Marvel Super Hero to showcase their creativity. While running, families and friends were able to take in the resort’s gorgeous scenery and the park’s seven themed lands filled with Disney magic. More than 100 Disney characters and performers — nearly half appearing at HKDL’s race events for the first time — cheered the runners on and took photos with them along the race routes.

“This year’s 10K Weekend was super-charged with a Marvel Super Hero theme that helped shatter last year’s enrollment record,” said Terruce Wang, vice president of sales and hotel operations of HKDL. “It was great seeing the friendly competition among many travel trade friends and guests having a great time with each other and our many Disney characters and performers.”

“We appreciate the mutually beneficial relationship with our travel trade partners. Leveraging the various themed events at the resort, we will continue to work closely with industry partners to develop diverse and innovative product offerings, and create exciting new business opportunities to take our business to new heights. To offer magical experience for guests around the world, the resort, for the first time, has partnered with travel agents in different markets such as Thailand and Taiwan to promote “Marvel 10K Weekend 2017,” which has been very well received by guests,” added Wang.

Special “Marvel 10K Weekend 2017” themed products for overseas runners

HKDL partnered with overseas travel agents to reserve spots for guests taking part in the 3K, 5K and 10K races at the Marvel 10K Weekend 2017. Guests were able to choose packages with tickets to the park – where there are more than 100 attractions and entertainment offerings to enjoy – as well as stays at the resort’s new hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, for an unforgettable heroic weekend experience. Working with selected travel agents, more than 800 guests from Australia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Mainland China joined the super-charged race event through the park and resort area, during which they had a magical time exercising and interacting with many Marvel Super Heroes and Disney friends.

Unleashing the full potential of corporate teams

On top of that, close to 600 corporate guests participated in this year's Marvel-themed run from a broad spectrum of industries in Hong Kong. These corporate guests ran side by side with their colleagues to build team spirit and also made use of special offers on park tickets and resort hotels for unforgettable team-engagement activities.

Professional recognition for runners

The Marvel 10K Weekend 2017 was also co-organized by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association to encourage runners to unleash their potential and live healthier lives. The official results of the Captain America 10K will be recognized in their Hong Kong rankings. Also, all runners passing the finish line were awarded with an exclusive Marvel-themed medal to applaud their efforts in challenging themselves.