Oxfam Trailwalker scrapped after government denies exemption from group gathering ban
- Oxfam Hong Kong’s application rejected, just three weeks out from event with 4,600 participants signed up
- Organisers hope to stage ‘alternate’ event next month, with refunds available for teams who choose not to take part
The Oxfam Trailwalker has been nixed for a third year in a row after organisers were denied an exemption by the government from its ban on group gatherings amid strict Covid-19 restrictions in the city.
Oxfam Hong Kong said it received written notice from the government on Tuesday that its application had been rejected just three weeks out from the 2021 charity trail running race, which was scheduled to run for November 19-21, despite continuing to provide details about preventive measures over the past few months.
“OHK is extremely disappointed and saddened that it is unable to hold an in-person event this year,” a statement read.
Organisers said they are waiting on approval to hold an “alternate” event sometime between November 22 and December 12, though teams who choose not to take part can receive refunds of their registration and application fees, and any donations.
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The charity organisation said the government had determined there would be “a potential risk for the spread of the virus” this time around, as race organisers would not be able to separate the 4,600 participants from other hikers on the MacLehose Trail – which is open to the public – during the three-day event.
