For Leung Chi Sum, running is not only about distance but also a celebration of identity, community, and a shared love for the country he calls home.
HONG KONG, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- In the bustling city of Hong Kong, 57-year-old Leung Chi Sum has found his calling in a spirited way -- running with the Chinese national flag.
As he dashes along the city's coastline, the five-star red flag billows behind him, catching the warm autumn breeze and perfectly synchronizing with the rhythm of his heart beneath his bright red shirt.
Over the past four years, Leung has accumulated an impressive total of 1,012 kilometers, which is not merely a physical feat but a heartfelt tribute to his love for the country.
"One should be low-key in life, but high-key when it comes to loving one's country," he said.
Leung's journey began on China's National Day in 2020 during a particularly challenging period for the city. With a small group of friends, he set out to run about 10 kilometers in celebration of the country's birthday while uplifting the spirits of Hong Kong residents.
Inspired by his mainland friends, Leung decided to carry a small hand-held national flag during this run. As they waved the flag along the way, the cheers from the crowd invigorated them, making every step feel lighter.
Upon reaching their intended destination, Leung felt a surge of inspiration. "Why not run 71 kilometers to mark the country's 71st birthday?" he thought, and then set off alone, taking a ferry across Victoria Harbour to continue his run on the other side.
Since then, Leung has run with the national flag 23 times, covering much of Hong Kong's diverse communities. Sometimes, he finds himself in the bustling tourist spots along Victoria Harbour, while at other times, he weaves through the vibrant chaos of Kowloon's Yau Ma Tei.
What started as a small group of runners has blossomed into a community event. Leung's journey has led him to organize numerous "flag runs," where he and fellow runners celebrate important anniversaries. Often, they gather in groups of 20 to 30, spanning all ages, united by the common goal of running to inspire.
In a particularly memorable encounter on July 1 this year, the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Leung spotted a fellow runner carrying both the national flag and the regional flag. In their conversation, Leung learned that this runner was a resident of Shenzhen who had specifically come to Hong Kong to celebrate the anniversary by running.
The shared sense of patriotism and unity touched Leung. "It felt like we were all celebrating together, like a family," he recalled.
Leung's passion for running is complemented by a love for exploration. He has traversed much of the Chinese mainland, discovering breathtaking landscapes while forging friendships along the way. From the vibrant lanterns lighting up Foshan in Guangdong to the serene mountain trails of Guangxi, each run reveals not only the beauty of the land but also the warmth of its people.
"Running has allowed me to see more of the motherland and make more friends," Leung said.
As he continues his journey, Leung remains committed to his mission. "I'll keep the 'flag runs' going until I can't run anymore," he said. For him, running is not only about distance but also a celebration of identity, community, and a shared love for the country he calls home.■