Hong Kong police initiated an investigation on January 21, 2026, following reports of suspected child abuse. The probe was launched after a video went viral online, showing a man participating in the city’s annual marathon with a baby strapped to his chest.
The widely shared video, which circulated across social media platforms, captured the man wearing a race vest and identification, with the infant secured in a backpack on his chest during the marathon held on January 18, 2026.
Authorities confirmed that the case has been referred to the specialized unit responsible for investigating child abuse. Police stated that they received a report one day after the January 18 event concluded, concerning the incident involving a mainland Chinese man. However, as of the current update, police have clarified that no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
Sources indicate that the investigating officer in charge of the case has already made contact with the man, who had reportedly returned to his residence in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. Arrangements are being made for him to return to Hong Kong to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The Hong Kong-China Athletics Association also addressed the incident, confirming that the man did not complete his full race distance. Local media reports indicate that race officials intervened, asking him to immediately stop running and leave the race track during the event.
