"Baby's Head Seen Bobbing Up and Down"... Hong Kong Marathon Runner Sparks Controversy for Racing While Carrying Infant

Chinese Man Runs Hong Kong Marathon with Baby Carrier
Disqualified After 15km... Criticized as "Irresponsible Behavior"
Hong Kong Police Launch Investigation into Child Abuse Allegations

At an international marathon held in Hong Kong, a male participant was disqualified during the race for running while carrying a baby on his chest. As a video of the incident spread online, debates over responsibility for safety management have continued, and a report of child abuse has been filed, prompting a police investigation.

At an international marathon held in Hong Kong, a male participant was disqualified for running while carrying a baby against his chest. Thread capture

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on January 21 (local time), the controversial scene was captured during the full-course event of the 'Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon' held on the morning of January 18. A video shared on social networking services (SNS) showed a man running the marathon course with a baby strapped to his chest in a baby carrier.

In the video, the man appeared to be supporting the baby's neck with one hand and moving slowly, but the baby's head was seen bobbing up and down during the run. Online users criticized the man as irresponsible and selfish, saying, "The baby could have suffered a concussion," and "If he had fallen, the baby could have been seriously injured." Some users also questioned whether the event organizers had implemented proper pre-race controls.

According to official records, the man started at 6:25 a.m. and covered approximately 15 kilometers in 2 hours and 20 minutes, with an average speed of about 6.5 kilometers per hour. However, he did not complete the race. The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA), which organized the marathon, stated that they immediately requested the participant to withdraw during the race and removed him from the course. The man has also been banned from participating in future events.

In an official statement, the Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates said, "Any act that could threaten the safety of oneself or others during the race is strictly prohibited," adding, "If a rule violation is confirmed, the participant will be immediately disqualified and may be restricted from future events." The official race regulations also explicitly prohibit accompanying infants or children under the age of 16, as well as allowing anyone without an official bib number to enter the course.

As the controversy grew, Hong Kong police also began verifying the facts. The police announced that, due to concerns raised about child safety in relation to the video, they had received a report of child abuse and launched an investigation. The man in the video is reportedly from mainland China, had visited Hong Kong to participate in the marathon, and has since returned to his home country.