Co-hosted by the Sports Bureau, the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre and the General Association of Athletics of Macau, Stepping High Macao Tower Run kicked off during the Luna New Year to encourage people to engage in sports activities beneficial to the body and the mind. The racing day, February 14th, coincided with the 7th day of the first month of the lunar calendar - Renri (literally “Common Man's Birthday”) and Valentine's Day, creating a unique occasion where people celebrated the festivals with sports and competitions. After 4 km of street race and 61 floors of stair-climbing, Hong Kong runner Gi Ka Man and Macau long distance runner Hoi Long crowned the champions of men's and women's open race, respectively.

The race was kicked off by José Tavares, the then President of Sports Bureau, Lam Chu Kuong, General Manager of Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, and Chan Pou Sin, Vice President of General Association of Athletics of Macau. Participants started from Sai Van Lake Plaza, ran for 4 km in the streets, and then challenged the 1,298 steps leading up to the top of the 61-floor Macao Tower, symbolising a steady climb to success in the New Year. Gi Ka Man won the champion of the open group (B) for men with a time of 22 minutes and 43 seconds, and Hoi Long claimed the champion of the open group (B) for women with a time of 26 minutes and 15 seconds.

Gi Ka Man won his 8th champion

Having won the race for seven consecutive years since 2011, Hong Kong runner Gi Ka Man successfully defended his title in this year's competition. Though struggling with a foot injury, he rose up to the challenge calmly and finished with satisfactory results.

A great day for Hoi Long

The much-beloved local runner Hoi Long won the race once again, as was much expected by the public. Hoi Long spoke highly of the thoughtful arrangements of putting more fans in the staircase to improve air circulation and help runners feel more comfortable when running. Being asked about the award ceremony taking place in the ballroom of Macao Tower instead of outdoor plaza as in previous years, Hoi Long commented that it could avoid the impact of bad weather, and more importantly, people could gather together which created a more joyful festive ambience that she enjoyed a lot.

Winner list of different groups for men and women