- The 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K took place on Sunday, attracting nearly 10,000 runners from 38 countries and regions.
- To further expand the event’s community connections, Sands China invited NGOs from the Greater Bay Area to participate this year.
One of Macau’s annual sporting highlights, the 2026 Sands China Macao International 10K, was held on Sunday. Co-organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Sands China Ltd and the General Association of Athletics of Macau – it featured the 10K race and a Fun Run, attracting nearly 10,000 runners from 38 countries and regions, showcasing the strong appeal of Macau’s sports tourism events.
Since its launch in 2021, the Sands China Macao International 10K has become one of the city’s signature annual running events. Over five editions, it has drawn around 50,000 runners to the city.
The 10K route started at Sai Van Lake Square, passed Sai Van Bridge and the area surrounding The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao, and finished at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Combining speed with scenic highlights, the course allowed runners to take in Macau’s cityscape. During the event, street performers from Sands China performed along the route, cheering runners on while adding to the festive atmosphere and spectator appeal.
Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw and Kenya’s Fridah Mweu were crowned the overall champions in the men’s and women’s 10K, respectively.
Since its launch in 2021, the Sands China Macao International 10K has become one of the city’s signature annual running events.
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 Macau 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 Macau’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 Macau’s vibrant image as a ‘City of Sports.’ This will further drive tourism and related industries and inject momentum into the diversification of Macau economy.”
The popular Sands 10K Presents: The FUNkiest Costume Award returned under the theme “East Meets West Run,” encouraging runners to compete in creative outfits – echoing Macau’s image as a crossroads of Chinese and Western cultures. Ten winning groups were selected, with each group receiving Sands China dining vouchers valued at MOP 3,500. The Macau Special Olympics team was one of the winners, sporting their costumes co-created with Sands Cares Ambassadors during a Sands Cares community outreach workshop.
To expand the event’s reach and promote inclusion, Sands China invited NGOs from the Greater Bay Area this year, 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 the Holy House of Mercy’s Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, together with Sands China team members. A total of 550 participants took part to show their spirit of inclusivity.
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.
