Design a costume and join the Rat Race as Hong Kong charity event seeks to engage the younger generation

Young Hongkongers are being invited to showcase their talents by submitting designs for a new outfit for Junior Rat, mascot of the children’s race which serves as a prelude to the Central Rat Race charitable event.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Central Rat Race will be held on October 25, to raise money for Mindset, a charity supporting mental health projects in Hong Kong and on the mainland.

It requires eight teams to complete a relay race, passing a briefcase like a baton and overcoming obstacles themed on the challenges faced in the business world.

“For the 10th anniversary, we want to get everyone involved – especially the next generation,” said Hongkong Land chief executive Pang Yiu-kai. “We want to emphasise the importance of maintaining health and work-life balance in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.”

This year, the age limits for Junior Rats will be extended to five-to-10-year-olds. Last year, only children aged between five and eight were allowed to participate.

The race will see corporate employees and children dressed up in creative costumes and navigate an obstacle course through the streets of Central. The whole event will be composed of four races: the team relay Rat Race, the Big Rat Race for senior executives, the NGO Rat Race and the Junior Rat Race.