HK Actor Kent Cheng, 74, Completes 10km StanChart Run, Thanks “Mentor” Chow Yun Fat For Helping Him Fulfill His Dream

There’s a new poster boy for Hong Kong running.

Veteran actor Kent Cheng, 74, drew widespread attention at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon last Sunday (Jan 18) when he took part in the 10km race as part of a team led by avid runner and film legend Chow Yun Fat, 70. The group also included fellow septuagenarian actors Lau Kong (79) and Paw Hee Ching (76).

Best known for his iconic role as Fei Mao, or “Fat Cat”, which first appeared in the 1985 film Why Me?, Kent had been overweight for many years. Having lived with diabetes for many years, his decision to take on the 10km challenge came as a surprise to many.

Once weighing as much as 135kg, the actor has since slimmed down to 100kg and completed the race in about two hours, a feat that quickly made him the talk of the town.

Netizens praised his determination, with many saying he had inspired them to take their own health more seriously.

Online media outlet ExplainerHK even coined a slogan for him — “Jak Si Do It!” — a play on his Cantonese name and Nike’s iconic tagline.

After the race, Kent shared his thoughts in a video on Xiaohongshu, describing the experience as deeply emotional.

“I’m 74 this year and had never been involved in running as a sport before,” he said.

“From mid-March to today, it’s been about ten months. I started from zero, and today I completed 10km. I’m extremely excited!”

He also thanked Fat Gor, whom he called his mentor, for “giving him a new life” and helping turn what once seemed like an impossible dream into reality.

“Without his guidance and supervision, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill my dream today,” said Kent, adding that the cheers and applause from his teammates and spectators at the finish line were moments he never imagined experiencing.

Kent also used his story to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones.

“There are things we’ve never tried before but you can always give them a go,” he said. “Set a goal and complete it… I’m not particularly amazing — actually, anyone can do it. What about you? Set a goal and work hard for it.”

Kent has lived with diabetes for many years and was mistakenly rumoured to have passed away several times.

His sudden and drastic weight loss later sparked speculation about his health, prompting him to clarify the rumours: “It’s true that I lost a lot of weight. I went from 135 kg to my current 100 kg because as I got older, my body couldn’t handle it and many problems would arise. To be healthier and feel lighter, I had to lose weight.”