From coastal trails to urban running tracks, jog your way through Hong Kong – and earn miles on your miles

Swap your Octopus card for a pair of running shoes and take to one of Hong Kong’s many running trails for a change of pace – and a healthy dose of beautiful scenery.  

Over the past few years, redevelopment efforts have resulted in slick new promenades to run along with stunning city backdrops on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Tried and tested trails such as the beloved Bowen Road track remain popular spots for joggers, while expert runners can tack on the kilometres by taking strategic turns off gentle forested paths.  

Better still, you can earn miles with every step you take. All you have to do is log your workout in the Cathay app wellness journey, where you’ll be rewarded with up to 2,555 a year for your efforts. 

Ready to uncover Hong Kong’s best running routes? Just walk – or jog – this way.

West Kowloon Art Park  

The West Kowloon Art Park is a popular spot for picnickers and dog walkers, but it also features a stunning running track with glorious views over Victoria Harbour. Joggers can stride alongside Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks in the park’s manicured gardens. Those keen on a post-work run will find much to fall in love with here, with strategically placed lights illuminating your path alongside the evening glow of the city’s skyscrapers. Once you’re done working out, treat yourself to a well-deserved bite at one of the nearby food trucks or restaurants.  

Bowen Road  

There’s a reason Bowen Road is such a classic trail. Beloved by runners of all fitness levels, this easy 4K trail winds through Hong Kong’s lush greenery before opening onto breathtaking views of Central and Wan Chai. As you jog along its flat path, you’ll encounter small shrines filled with porcelain figures and incense, parks to catch your breath, and a small staircase leading to Lover’s Rock – a suggestively shaped monolith where worshippers head for fertility blessings. Start on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to end up above Central.  

Happy Valley Recreation Ground  

Relive your memories of sports days past at Happy Valley Recreation Ground’s looping running track. Ringed by the green fields of Happy Valley’s horse-racing track and imposing residential buildings towering overhead, it spans roughly 1km and is open between 7.00am to 11.00pm – excluding horse racing and trial days. This is a purpose-built athletic ground, so you’ll be in good company as you jog past the rugby lads and hockey girls in its sprawling sports fields. Other perks include the on-site changing rooms, where you can freshen up after your workout.  

Seaview Promenade 

Escape the city and head to Hong Kong island’s south side, where you’ll be able to run along Hong Kong’s tranquil coastline. Running between Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay, Seaview Promenade is a flat concrete path situated on the ocean’s edge – ideal for taking in traditional sampans, windsurfers and the occasional stand-up paddleboarder. If you run it both ways, you’ll cover around 5K – or make a pit stop at CoCoNuts in Deep Water Bay for a Thai meal with a prime view over the beach.   

Central and Western District Promenade  

Flat, easy and free of road traffic, this run is a fun cross-section of Hong Kong life – although you’ll have to plan for dodging people running for ferries or sipping beers along the waterfront. Beginning in Sai Ying Pun at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, this 3.5-kilometre path follows the curve of Victoria Harbour, past the ferry piers and Tamar Park until you reach Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. You can also link up to the newly opened Wan Chai promenade for a longer 5.5K run: this new path passes elegant sitting-out areas overlooking Victoria Harbour, surrounded by local artworks and solar-powered lighting.

Victoria Peak Circle Walk  

Take one of Hong Kong’s most popular hikes at a running pace. This 3.5-kilometre circular loop that rings the Peak is a gentle trail loved by locals and tourists alike, boasting stunning views over Hong Kong Island. With a number of vista points and shaded paths, the easiest way to start this jog is by heading up to the Peak Galleria and finding your way to the entrance near Lugard Road. Follow it along until you intersect with Harlech Road to return to where you started, then cool off inside the Peak Galleria at one of its many restaurants and boutiques. Hardcore trail runners can opt to turn off at the intersection to join Section 1 of the Hong Kong Trail, which takes you all the way to Queen Mary Hospital in Pokfulam.