Rotary Centennial
Gobi Race 2004
4th October 2004
Downloads:
A report on the
event by the Chairman of District PolioPlus Subcommittee, PP
Edward Lau
A report on the event to Rotary International-PolioPlus
by the Advisor, PDG Dr.Raymond Wong
Nothing could dampen the spirit of the Rotarians and other participants
of the Rotary Centennial Gobi Race 2004. Not even extremely
bad weather. The Gobi Race, which was split into 30 km, 20 km
and 10 km sections, took place on 29th September 2004 in Dunhuang,
China. Organized by the Rotary International District 3450 and
hosted by Rotary Club of Kwun Tong, the Race aims to raise HK$1
million for PolioPlus, a global project launched by Rotary in
1985 to eradicate polio completely by 2005.
Despite
considerable variance in daily temperature, summer in the
Gobi Desert is usually dry and hot. Temperature in September
could reach as high as 30 degree Celsius and rain is scarce.
However, to the surprise of the runners of the Race, we were
greeted by low temperature, gushes of cold wind and torrents
of rain on the event day. Nonetheless, these did not stop
the runners whose spirits were high.
After
the opening ceremony at the West Thousand Buddha Caves, runners
for the 30 km started their race right away. Participants
for the 20 km and 10 km race were transferred to their respective
starting point.
The
spectacular landscape and natural scenery along the whole
route more than compensated for the harsh weather and the
toughness of the Race. To the south was the well-known Mingsha
Sand Dunes which offered a breath-taking view of the surrounding
desert. To the north were some small villages, the Song Dynasty
beacon towers and grottoes. Runners passed through streambeds,
sand hills, pebbled roads and mud-covered village paths.
It
took almost 8 hours for the last runner to reach the finishing
line. PP Kenneth Chow of RC of Tsuen Wan and Rtn Andrew Seah
of RC of Kowloon won the championship for the 30 km Race.
PP Louisana Yau of RC of Bayview Sunshine, the only female
runner in the 30 km race, completed the whole route. The championship
of the 20 km Race went to Rtn. Ken Lai of RC of Kowloon Northeast
and Rtn. Peggy Poon of RC of Queensway. IPP Jason Chan of
RC of the Peak and Miss Tao Cheng Hong emerged triumphantly
as the champions of the 10 km Race.
Happy together---posing for a group photo at the opening ceremony
Starting out---the 20km Race
In leaps and bounds---Rtn. Andrew Seah in action
Solitary runner---PP Kenneth Chow
Blazing a new trail---PP Rainbow Li , Rtn.Peggy Poon and Rtn.
Chelsia Poon in the 20 km race
Moment of victory---Co-champions Rtn. Andrew Seah and PP Kenneth
Chow at the finishing point
Salute to a cheering crowd---Rtn Jeffrey Lam at the finishing
point
Marching under the red flag---Rtn Ken Lai waving a red flag
at the finishing point
Natural landscape of the Dunhuang area
Full moon at sun rise and the stunning view of a sand hill
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