Event Overview
The 2016 Sands China Macau Eco Trail Hiker is a major charity sports event scheduled for October 29, 2016. This seventh edition of the event is expected to attract 2,000 participants forming 500 teams to compete in 10km and 30km trail races.
Key Details
- Event Date: October 29, 2016
- Race Distances: 10km and 30km
- Expected Participants: 2,000 athletes (500 teams)
- Registration: Open to the public
Event Significance & Growth
This marks the seventh year of the "Macau Eco Trail Hiker" in Macau and the sixth year of Sands China's title sponsorship. The event has grown from its first edition with 560 participants to a major local sports brand, attracting over 9,200 participants in the past six years and raising over MOP 1.8 million for charity.
Charity Beneficiaries
The event is a significant local charity initiative. This year's beneficiary charities are:
- Macau Mental Health Association (利民會): A registered rehabilitation agency subsidized by the Social Welfare Bureau, providing community support services including accommodation, vocational training, and social activities for mental health recoverers.
- Macau Rotary Club (澳門扶輪社): Part of the global Rotary International network, advocating high ethical standards and providing humanitarian service.
All registration fees will be donated in full to support the daily operations of these charities in Macau.
Event Themes & Features
- Themes: "Infuse Green Power" and "Create a Healthy, Active Life"
- Aims: To showcase Macau's unique and lesser-known natural environment, raise environmental awareness among participants, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Health Boulevard: A vibrant zone featuring local SMEs promoting health culture, including health food, sports gear, organic products, training centers, and rehabilitation supplies.
- Enhanced Competition: The 30km race will feature timing chips for real-time tracking, improving runner safety and result accuracy.
Organizers & Supporters
- Title Sponsor: Sands China Ltd.
- Supporting Government Departments: Macao Sports Bureau and Macao Government Tourism Office.
- Media Partner: TDM - Teledifusão de Macau (澳廣視), providing live radio broadcast and news coverage.
- Additional Support: Numerous sponsors and volunteers.
Environmental Commitment
Sands China commits to integrating environmental concepts into operations, such as providing water dispensers instead of bottled water, offering an eco-friendly post-race buffet, and maintaining a resource recycling rate of around 40%.
Community & Inclusivity
The event provides a platform for participants, their families, and friends to build team spirit. To encourage female participation, the "Best Female Team Award" (introduced four years prior) will continue. The event also aims to recruit participants from neighboring Asian regions like Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
