Runner Carrying Infant in Hong Kong Marathon Triggers Probe

A male runner who carried an infant during the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 has sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a police investigation, after videos of the incident spread rapidly on social media.

Footage posted on January 18 shows a middle-aged man wearing glasses running along the West Kowloon Highway toward Stonecutters Bridge with a baby strapped to his chest in a carrier, while holding a mobile phone in his right hand.

His race bib was pinned directly onto the infant's windproof covering. Although the runner maintained a relatively slow pace and used one hand to support the baby's neck, the infant was seen bouncing noticeably with each stride, drawing stunned reactions from nearby runners.

The video triggered swift condemnation online, with many netizens calling the behavior reckless and potentially dangerous. Commenters warned that repeated jolting could cause head injuries to the infant, while others said a fall could have resulted in serious or even fatal consequences. The incident also raised questions about race safety management, with calls for stricter enforcement of competition rules.

In response, the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates said officials intervened during the race, terminated the runner's participation, and escorted him off the course to ensure safety.

According to race records cited by local media, the runner, surnamed Wang, had registered for the full marathon of approximately 42.2 kilometers. He completed about 15 kilometers in roughly two hours and 20 minutes, averaging around 9 minutes and 22 seconds per kilometer, before being stopped.

Hong Kong police confirmed they received an online report on January 19 alleging child abuse related to the incident. The case has been referred to the Kowloon West Regional Crime Unit's child protection team and remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Police sources said the man and his family, who are from the Chinese mainland, left Hong Kong after the marathon and returned to Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Officers have since contacted the runner by phone and are seeking to arrange his return to Hong Kong to assist with the investigation, Hong Kong media reported.