Why I’m Running 3,000km + Across China
All Posts Over 50 Inspiration Charity Ignite Growth & Empowerment Property Passion Storyteller Ultrarunning Environment Why I’m Running 3,000km + Across China Jo Lodder Jul 7, 2025 3 min read
Updated: May 4
From the Great Wall to Hong Kong – one step at a time.
People often ask me: “Jo, why would you run 3,000km? Through mountains, cities, and the countryside of China... 60km a day, for 60 days? Are you mad?”
Maybe a little. But this run isn’t about me.
This is for the people who can’t run. For the millions living with disabilities who are too often forgotten, excluded, or simply unseen.
It’s about shining a light on what’s possible when we come together — as communities, as teammates, as humans.
“3,000km. One Mission. One Step at a Time.” 💬 My Why
When I was a professional Jockey I had a bad fall and injury changed my perspective on life. I realised how quickly freedom can be taken away — and how lucky I was to get it back.
Roll on many years and the start of COVID, and that’s when I started running — first for myself, then for others. I became the first person to run the 5 Trails in 5 Days across Hong Kong - nearly 400KM and 20,000m + elevation. I was part of the Mixed Oxfam Trailwalker winning team. But each step made it clearer: this was no longer just about finishing lines.
It was about starting movements.
RunChina.Run is that movement. It’s a campaign to raise awareness and USD $1 million for disadvantaged and disabled communities across Hong Kong. We want to fund programs that support rehabilitation, access to sport, mentorship, nature therapy, and skill training.
“Running for those who can’t. Because freedom should belong to everyone.” 🏃♂️ My How
This October, I’ll begin the biggest run of my life.From Beijing all the way to Hong Kong — 3,000km + over 60 days.
Along the way, we’ll:
Hold events in towns and cities to bring people together
Involve 14 kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to run sections and learn along the way
Invite wheelchair athletes, corporate teams, and locals to join
Film the journey for a documentary to tell stories that matter
Raise money with your help — and thanks to a generous donor, every dollar donated will be matched up to HKD $1M
This run will finish in Hong Kong— where it’s not about medals, but about meaning.
“Empowering the disabled community — one chair, one step, one smile at a time.” 🎯 My What
The funds raised will go toward:
Buying and repairing wheelchairs
Helping people with disabilities experience nature and movement
Hosting events with Paralympians to show what’s possible
Funding access to healthcare, retraining, and skill development
Giving kids and communities hope, courage, and a reason to move
“You can help us run further — donate, share, or join.” Want to Join the Movement?
You can support in so many ways:
Donate HERE:
Fundraise for the event
Share the story
Run a few kilometres with me
Sponsor the cause
Or just send a message of encouragement
Because this is bigger than one runner. This is about redefining disability and possibility.
Let’s run — for those who can’t.
With gratitude,
Jo Lodder
Action Asia Foundation
www.RunChina.Run
About Jo LodderJo Lodder is an ultra-endurance runner, entrepreneur, and founder of the Action Asia Foundation - Run for Ability campaign. In October 2025, he will take on a world-first challenge — running over 3,000km from Beijing to Hong Kong in 60 days — to raise USD 1 million for the disabled community through the Action Asia Foundation. His mission is simple: run for those who can’t and help people with disabilities discover their superpower.
Follow the journey or donate at www.RunChina.Run
Donate Here
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