Legendary actor Chow Yun Fat, famed for his roles in cinematic masterpieces, has shattered expectations by completing his first-ever half-marathon at the inaugural Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HK Section) Half Marathon on November 19.

The 68-year-old film star, celebrated for his performances in classics like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hard Boiled,” crossed the finish line of the challenging 21-kilometer race in an impressive 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 56 seconds. This achievement follows his initial foray into distance running in February, where he completed the 10km race at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 58 seconds.

Chow Yun Fat, affectionately known as Fat Gor (Cantonese for Big Brother Fat), downplayed the challenges of the half-marathon during a post-race interview with Hong Kong media. He attributed his success to strategic pacing and a keen awareness of his physical capabilities, adding a touch of humor by saying, “I didn’t feel tired while running; it was more tiring thanking the other runners who greeted me and cheered me on.”

Undeterred by the physical demands of the race, Fat Gor disclosed that he chose not to drink water during the event, fearing potential restroom queues. Despite the challenges, he announced plans to take on the half-marathon again at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in January 2024, firmly ruling out any aspirations of attempting a full marathon.

In a light-hearted moment, Chow Yun Fat, whose last on-screen appearance was in 2019’s “One More Chance,” playfully alluded to his apparent transition from actor to athlete. He also shared insights into his decision not to invite fellow celebrities to join the half-marathon, citing their demanding work schedules and potential physical strain.

While the actor remains dedicated to his newfound passion for running, he hasn’t ruled out a return to acting alongside industry stalwarts such as Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Michelle Yeoh. However, for the time being, his focus remains squarely on jogging, with no current movie commitments.

Chow Yun Fat’s inspiring venture into the world of marathons continues to captivate audiences, proving that age is no impediment to achieving personal milestones and defying expectations.

The post Chow Yun Fat Stuns with 2:27:56 Finish in Historic Half-Marathon Debut, Vows to Join SCHKM 2024 appeared first on ToughASIA.