Catherine Lau Shuk-fan, a 42-year-old lawyer, has transformed her life through running. In 2007, while studying law at the University of Hong Kong, she turned to running as a way to alleviate stress and clear her mind. Within months, she had already signed up for her first 10km race in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon event. Over the past seventeen years, Lau has not only competed in marathons around the world but has also shifted her focus from personal achievements to inspiring others. Her dedication to running has taken her from local races to international competitions, including the prestigious London Marathon in 2014. Today, she aims to participate in the full marathon race this Sunday.

Lau’s passion for running began unexpectedly during her time as a law student. The pressures of academia led her to seek an outlet that could rejuvenate both her body and mind. Running quickly became more than just a hobby—it was a path to self-discovery. "It was a beautiful journey for the mind," she recalls, emphasizing how each run brought her renewed energy and clarity. By January 2015, Lau had already achieved her personal best time of three hours and 23 minutes at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This milestone marked a significant turning point in her running career.

As Lau continued to challenge herself, she set her sights on some of the world’s most renowned marathons. The London Marathon in 2014 was particularly memorable, as it opened doors to new opportunities and goals. Participating in this race was just the beginning of her quest to become a six-star finisher, an accolade awarded to those who complete the six original Abbott World Marathons in New York, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, London, and Berlin. Sydney is set to join this elite group as the seventh major in 2025. Each marathon provided unique experiences and challenges, pushing Lau to grow both as an athlete and as a person.

Beyond chasing personal records, Lau now dedicates much of her time to supporting fellow runners. Her transition from focusing on individual achievements to helping others reach their goals reflects a deeper commitment to the running community. Through her journey, Lau has discovered the power of perseverance and the importance of encouraging others to pursue their dreams. As she prepares for her next race, she remains driven by the same passion that first led her to lace up her trainers all those years ago.

Today, Catherine Lau stands as a testament to the transformative power of running. From a stressed-out law student to a seasoned marathon runner, her story is one of resilience and growth. Her experiences have not only shaped her own life but have also inspired countless others to embrace the sport. As she continues to push boundaries, Lau’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the many runners she has helped along the way.