Community Comes Out Strong for 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K
10,000 runners gather in Macao for annual sport event Promoting “tourism + sports” integration to support Macao’s growth as a “City of Sports”
(Macao, Mar 16, 2026) – The 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K – organised by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Sands China Ltd., and the General Association of Athletics of Macau – drew nearly 10,000 runners from 38 countries and regions to enjoy the 10K race and Fun Run with energy and excitement Sunday. Ethiopia’s Aklilu Gebremariam Asfaw and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda Mweu were crowned the overall champions in the men’s and women’s 10K, respectively.
Launched in 2021, the Sands China Macao International 10K has become Macao’s iconic annual running event. Over its five editions, the international spectacle has attracted around 50,000 runners. The 10K race began at Sai Van Lake Square, passing by Sai Van Bridge, The Venetian® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao before finishing up at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Along the scenic course, the runners enjoyed the pleasant weather while watching Macao’s unique cityscape go by, where Eastern and Western culture converge. Street performers from Sands China created a festive atmosphere and cheered the runners on throughout the course.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China is thrilled to host the 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K, using sports as a bridge to foster integration between tourism and other sectors. We hope to attract runners from around the world to explore Macao after the race and experience the unique and diverse charm of this world centre of tourism and leisure. We are delighted to see the growing influence of the event brand, underscoring the strong appeal of Macao’s sports scene. Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to work hand in hand with the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society to deliver high‑quality sporting events that highlight Macao’s vibrant image as a ‘City of Sports.’ This will further drive tourism and related industries and inject momentum into the diversification of Macao’s economy.”
This year’s popular Sands 10K Presents: The FUNkiest Costume Award encouraged runners to use their creativity to dress in an ‘East Meets West Run’ contest theme. It attracted people of different ages and backgrounds, who designed creative costumes showcasing Macao’s unique charm as a crossroads of Chinese and Western cultures. At total of 10 groups were crowned winners, with each group awarded a hotel experience package from The Parisian Macao valued at MOP 3,500 each. Among them were the Macau Special Olympics runners, who won with the costumes they co-created with Sands Cares Ambassadors during a Sands Cares workshop.
To further expand the event’s community connections, Sands China invited NGOs from the Greater Bay Area, including the Guangzhou Xinyou Mental Disorder Service Association and Special Olympics Hong Kong to participate alongside local community partners such as the Bosco Youth Service Network, Macau Special Olympics, and Holy House of Mercy’s Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, together with Sands China team members. A total of 550 participants took part, embodying mutual care and inclusion in the community and the inclusive concept that “sport knows no boundaries” in promotion of a diverse and cohesive society.
Before the event, Sands China held training sessions for its team members, which included professional coaching guidance. Five team members won multiple awards in the competition, achieving outstanding results:
Sands China is fully committed to support and promote the integration of sports and tourism in Macao. The company has consistently organised or sponsored multiple large-scale sporting events, such as The NBA China Games, in alignment with the Macao SAR government’s vision to build Macao as a “City of Sports”. Sands China will continuously utilise the opportunities presented by competitions and exhibition games to host auxiliary events like youth clinics and community-focused events, enabling international sports elites to engage further with the community and maximise the events’ positive impact on the city.
Photo caption: Runners participate in the 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K on March 15, totalling nearly 10,000 athletes from 38 countries and regions.
Photo caption: After taking off from the starting line at Sai Van Lake Square, runners cross the Sai Van Bridge and pass by The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao before finishing up at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Street performers from Sands China created a festive atmosphere and cheered the runners on throughout the course.
Photo caption: Runners show off their creative ‘East Meets West Run’ themed costumes for the Sands 10K Presents: The FUNkiest Costume Award. Macau Special Olympics won one of the 10 awards with the costumes they made at a Sands Cares workshop.
Photo caption: Sands China team members celebrate the completion of the race at a packed Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. The company arranged for a group of 550 to join the race together, comprising Sands China team members and members of social service institutions from three regions, promoting the inclusive concept of “sport knows no boundaries.”
Photo caption: Five team members from various Sands China departments achieved outstanding results, winning awards in the 10K competition. Tong Tong Chio (fourth from right) won third place overall in the women’s 10K Race and was the champion in women's Group C. Xiaojing Mo (third from left) won third place in women’s Group C.
