Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare type of brain tumour. The surgeon who operated on me, Dr Danny Chan, runs the Brain Tumour Centre, leading a team of six medical specialists, including two oncologists, two radiologists and a clinical psychologist.
The Centre itself was named in memory of my Head of Research when I worked at Citi. Otto passed away at the age of just 38 from an undiagnosed brain tumour. He was the youngest person ever to be made head of Asia equity research at the age of 30 and a keen athlete who competed in Ironmans and ultra races like the 250km Gobi March. He left behind three sons, Hans, Xavier and Denzel. His wife, Jennifer, raised funds for the Centre and has worked to raise awareness of brain tumours.
Sydney will be the final race in my journey to complete marathons on all seven continents and it will also be my seventh Abbott Majors’ star. I thought I was done with marathons in 2017. I was sure I would never run another one – famous last words – but decided to push myself again to raise money for the life-saving work of the Centre.
There are a few people I would like to thank.
Uncle David Lui. His guidance and advice during the initial days of my diagnosis was everything. Uncle, thank you so much.
Dr Danny Chan. He gifted me an eye patch during one of his rounds. Dr Chan, you missed a trick when you discharged me. I thought you were going to gift me a parrot to complete my Jade Sparrow look.
Dr Jun Wei Wu. Not only did she manage to reduce the pain I was in, but she also improved my vision. Dr Wu, thank you for your patience and I am sorry for not following your advice. I will be able to soon!
I should also thank and apologise to all my badminton and pickleball partners. They were unaware of my condition and were probably perplexed when I missed simple shots or didn’t move around the court when I should have done. Due to its location, the tumour impacted my vision and balance. But with ongoing treatment, both continue to improve.
After the London Marathon earlier this year, there were 22,480 Abbott World Marathon Majors six-star finishers. I was among the first 2,738 runners to be awarded the six-star medal in 2017. Sydney was named the seventh major last year and the upcoming marathon in August will be its first as a major.
Based on my research, 1,745 runners have completed a marathon on all seven continents. Only two from Hong Kong.
Once I’ve completed Sydney, I should be among only hundreds to have all seven Abbott Major Stars and complete a marathon in all seven continents.
I could potentially be one of the first in Hong Kong to achieve both.
Australasia is the only continent that I have not yet raced in. I have completed marathons in all other six continents:
This was meant to be my only marathon. It was a bucket list thing, and the London ballot is one of the hardest things to get. But on my first and only try, I got picked! London is special though. There really is no marathon like it with the crowds, coming round the bend at the Cutty Sark, seeing Buckingham Palace, taking that last right turn and finishing with the Unions Jack’s draping the Mall. This one is so special.
This was my first North America marathon. I ran it with a small group of friends and colleagues. Chicago was another great marathon, especially after I found out the city is the home to Garrett’s Popcorn.
I got to run through the biggest city in the world. My favourite city in Asia outside of Hong Kong. I love the place, the people and the food. The crowds are so supportive yet so reserved at the same time.
This was the first marathon I ran after my surgeries and I am not sure how I got myself to the start line, let alone across the finish line. I was in a lot of discomfort and wasn’t sure I could carry on in the last 10km. Maybe it was the thought of all the cheesy bread balls after the finish line that carried me over.
The elevation and the wind took me by surprise here. Every corner we turned, there was another hill. There was a section where we ran through the park and on cobbled roads. I took a tumble as I couldn’t judge the depth of the cobblestones. Thankfully, this was towards the end of the marathon, otherwise I could have been in trouble.
I was very nervous preparing for this race and I was right to be. When I started researching this marathon, the first website I clicked on said, “you sweat and you die”. A doctor from Hong Kong, who ran the Antarctica marathon, wrote about his experience. He said the sweat from running could freeze, cause hyperthermia and lead to death. I was lucky enough to locate a climate room with a treadmill and test my race gear. At minus 10 degrees, I was too hot and perspiring, but at minus 20 degrees I was starting to freeze. It was such a fine line.
St Georges’ Island really was the mother of marathons – terrain wise, climate wise, environment wise. Just crossing the Drake Passage, wow. Bad weather was approaching and we had a very small window in which to do the race. The team managed to get us to Antarctica ahead of schedule, mark the course as soon as we arrived, and got us running within the hour. We all managed to finish just as it was getting dark. We were originally scheduled to run the next day but had to get back across Drake’s passage before the adverse weather arrived.
Now for Sydney, the new seventh Abbott Marathon Major. When I received my Abbott Majors Six Star Medal in 2017, I gladly retired from marathon distance running. I didn’t realise I’d jinxed myself by saying never again. Finishing Sydney will mean I have raced in all seven continents.
This was meant to be my only marathon. It was a bucket list thing, and the London ballot is one of the hardest things to get. But on my first and only try, I got picked! London is special though. There really is no marathon like it with the crowds, coming round the bend at the Cutty Sark, seeing Buckingham Palace, taking that last right turn and finishing with the Unions Jack’s draping the Mall. This one is so special.
This was my first North America marathon. I ran it with a small group of friends and colleagues. Chicago was another great marathon, especially after I found out the city is the home to Garrett’s Popcorn.
I got to run through the biggest city in the world. My favourite city in Asia outside of Hong Kong. I love the place, the people and the food. The crowds are so supportive yet so reserved at the same time.
This was the first marathon I ran after my surgeries and I am not sure how I got myself to the start line, let alone across the finish line. I was in a lot of discomfort and wasn’t sure I could carry on in the last 10km. Maybe it was the thought of all the cheesy bread balls after the finish line that carried me over.
The elevation and the wind took me by surprise here. Every corner we turned, there was another hill. There was a section where we ran through the park and on cobbled roads. I took a tumble as I couldn’t judge the depth of the cobblestones. Thankfully, this was towards the end of the marathon, otherwise I could have been in trouble.
I was very nervous preparing for this race and I was right to be. When I started researching this marathon, the first website I clicked on said, “you sweat and you die”. A doctor from Hong Kong, who ran the Antarctica marathon, wrote about his experience. He said the sweat from running could freeze, cause hyperthermia and lead to death. I was lucky enough to locate a climate room with a treadmill and test my race gear. At minus 10 degrees, I was too hot and perspiring, but at minus 20 degrees I was starting to freeze. It was such a fine line.
St Georges’ Island really was the mother of marathons – terrain wise, climate wise, environment wise. Just crossing the Drake Passage, wow. Bad weather was approaching and we had a very small window in which to do the race. The team managed to get us to Antarctica ahead of schedule, mark the course as soon as we arrived, and got us running within the hour. We all managed to finish just as it was getting dark. We were originally scheduled to run the next day but had to get back across Drake’s passage before the adverse weather arrived.
Now for Sydney, the new seventh Abbott Marathon Major. When I received my Abbott Majors Six Star Medal in 2017, I gladly retired from marathon distance running. I didn’t realise I’d jinxed myself by saying never again. Finishing Sydney will mean I have raced in all seven continents.
Yes, race day is challenging. But the race itself is just the endpoint. Once it’s done, it’s done. As all marathon runners know, the hard part is the training – knowing the months of suffering that lie ahead of you as you prepare for the event. Throw in the heat and humidity of Hong Kong, and you have a first-class ticket to suffering. I am Sifan Hassan, Olympic gold medallist and female winner of the 2023 London Marathon, personified for about 14 weeks!
I don’t want to jinx myself again by saying I won’t run another marathon. Instead, I will say the only races I ever want to be training for are Medoc, Raleigh and New York.
Thank you for getting this far. Your support for this race, and for the work of the Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre, would mean the world to me. Big or small, please consider making a donation to help the centre’s life-saving work.
Here are some resources if you want to find out more about central nervous system tumours.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit !
*Please leave donation details here as donation site is not linked to this page
That's really amazing and inspiring! Enjoy your run!
fantastic journey. full speed ahead.
Go Jade! You're such an inspiration
The epitome of mind over matter. Very proud of you sis. Now go smash it out of the park! Love and strength, Kin
Jade, add oil !
Seven continents?! Outstanding. Will be thinking of you on the day. Go Jade!
Jade, it's not just about the run; it's about the impact you're making. Proud of you.
A truly impressive feat for an inspirational cause!
Truly inspiring, always!
I know you will take care of yourself so simply enjoy the glorious moments.
Jade, your passion and effort will make a real difference. Keep shining, and good luck smashing that goal in Sydney!
All the best Jade! Very inspired by your efforts.
You are awesome Jade!!! Sooo proud to have you on the floor. Enjoy the run (but don't work too hard on it la) !
Amazing sis, keep on inpiring everyone. We're all behind you. Add oil!!!
You are an inspiration to us all Aunty, showing us there is nothing we can’t do if we give it our all - best of luck for Sydney, love you so much!!
Phenomenal achievement and an inspiration to us all! Cheering you on every step of the way. Can't wait to celebrate with wings and G&Ts when you're back :D
So SO SOoo Proud of you Jade!! GO GO GO GIRL, YOU'VE GOT THIS!! Supporting you all the way, my friend! And thank you for making this website see life!!
Amazing Jade! Add oil
Have a great race Jade. You are amazing!
Rooting for you auntie! You are and always will be a massive inspiration to us!!! Love you always. Darren, Sophie and Rosie
super proud of you sis, you are truly inspirational, good luck with Sydney xxx
I truly admire your incredible spirit, determination, and resilience in pursuing your goals. I know how much effort you’ve put in, and I genuinely wish you all the best in the upcoming marathon. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!
Impressive, Jade! GA YAU!!
Truly inspirational Jade - a remarkable achievement and a great cause. Looking forward to celebrating your 7th Major with you!
Your health and marathon journey is truly remarkable. I am so jealous you have Antarctica. Can't wait to celebrate with you at the Sydney finish line!
You're amazing!
May the flatbread be with you
Hi Jade,you're amazing woman .
Way to go! This is a huge accomplishment.
Very impressive, Jade! You are such an inspiration! Wishing you the best of luck in Sydney!
No better cause! Good luck and enjoy the run. Go Jade!
What a unbelievable journey Auntie, we are so inspired by your determination and spirit. Best of luck in the marathon down under! Love Ben and Sophie
you're doing a good job
Best of Luck Aunty Jade! You're a huge inspiration and we know you'll smash it!
Looking forwards to hearing about it after xx
原来你是这样的Jade！加油！
Hey Jade, Ganbatte kudasai 頑張ってください
Amazing Jade. Inspiring.
Jade , I am so pround of you. You have a great passion on your life and you are my exmaple. Come on, insist on it until the last race and enjoy your life all the time.
Good luck Jade
Good luck Jade
Good luck Jade
Creating this record is an extraordinary achievement, requiring a lot of courage and perseverance. I commend you for taking on this challenge and inspiring more kindhearted people around you to create a better tomorrow. Come on!
創造這個紀錄是一個非凡成果,很多勇氣,很多堅持,嘉許妳勇於接受挑戰,引發身邊更多善心的人仕創造更好的明天,加油
An inspiring story Jade. Best of luck on #7. It couldn’t be for a better cause.
Go Jade! Looking forward to seeing you in Sydney as you conquer another marathon. Superstar!
Run, Jade, Run!!
Never say never
If you can get a star from out of space then I will be very impressed!
Jade, we are cheering you on every step of the way—your dedication inspires us all!
Glad to see you healthy and thriving. Run strong and finish proud!
Hi Jade , I get goosebump when I find out you may probably be the first one in HK to get the stars of marathon in all seven continents. Good luck !
You're my hero! What you've done/do is absolutely amazing and inspiring! Wish you all the best in Sydney!
Jade, laud your tenacity. Inspiring!
Good luck Jade - amazing effort!
Cheering you on!
Good luck Jade!
Go Jade go! An amazing web page full of incredible stories -- hope the race goes fantastic for you and Tommy and can't wait to hear the tales
Good luck Jade!
Jade, what a great cause and an amazing achievement on completing the 7! We'll cheer for you around the globe. Have a fabulous time, we are with you in spirits. Love, Ling
Keep pushing forwards! You got this!
Hi Jade, A very commendable effort for such a worthwhile cause. All the best with your upcoming marathon run in Sydney.
Inspirational!
Well done Jade!
You got this! Cheering you on
Supporting you! Go Jade
Jade, you can do it …we are proud of you
Training and running are a lot easier when they're about more than training and running. Great cause. Go Jade!
Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.
Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.
Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.
Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.
Hi there, on Sunday 31st August, I will be running the Sydney Marathon to raise money for the CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre in Hong Kong. The Centre was established in 2007 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to raise awareness about brain tumours, provide clinical care and counselling for brain cancer patients, and raise money for brain cancer research.