Gary Leung, positioned second from the right, finds himself surrounded by guide runners as he embarks on a 40-day charity run to reach the summit of Japan's primary island, Honshu. This initiative is organized by The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association.
In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, Gary Leung, a Hong Kong native who lost his vision 25 years ago, has defied the odds and found solace in long-distance running. The journey, born out of personal despair, has transformed into a mission to inspire and raise funds for young people facing critical illnesses.
Leung, now in his 50s, recently achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first blind person to complete the challenging 100-kilometer Antarctic Ice Marathon. His list of accomplishments also includes conquering the gruelling 400km 'Ultra Gobi,' considered one of the world's toughest foot races. However, his latest endeavour, the "Dark Run 2023" across Japan, holds special significance.
The ambitious Japanese run, segmented into 40 days, required Leung and his team of guide runners, connected by a string attachment, to cover an average of more than 50km daily. The journey was not without its challenges, as the team navigated narrow district roads, adapting plans on the fly to identify suitable off-road spaces.
Sharing his motivation behind these extraordinary feats, Leung emphasizes that it's not about personal glory. Born with a rare retinal disease that left him capable of distinguishing only between light and darkness, he sees himself as a symbol for others facing obstacles. Through his endeavours, Leung aims to show children with critical illnesses that challenges can be overcome with bravery and a positive attitude.
Reflecting on the Japan run, Leung acknowledges the sacrifices of his guide runners, who not only provided physical support but also sacrificed holidays and personal funds to be part of the journey. The run successfully raised over HKD300,000 (US$38,000), benefiting the Roly Poly Inclusion Movement Association and contributing to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.
Anita Lai, the beneficiary's chair, applauds Leung's "arduous effort" in Japan, citing it as an inspiration for child patients to face their illnesses with a positive outlook.
Looking ahead, Leung, the first visually impaired runner in Hong Kong with a long-distance coaching licence, envisions passing the torch to the younger generation. His goals extend beyond personal achievements, aiming to create a platform for individuals with similar impairments to embrace physical activity and inspire others in return.
The Marathon des Sables, a 250km desert run from Morocco to France, awaits Leung and his dedicated team next April. Beyond that, 2024 holds plans for blueprinting an endurance course closer to home – a challenging run around the circumference of South Korea. Leung's vision for this endeavor is rooted in inclusivity, as he seeks to run it alongside others with visual impairments, emphasizing that it's "never just about me."
In a world often defined by limitations, Gary Leung's story stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome, inspire, and pass on the flame of hope to others facing their own uphill battles.
