Meet Jo - Pushing Limits for a Greater Purpose
A snapshot of my journey from Jockey to trails – and why I now run for those who can’t.
Who is
Jo Lodder
"Imagine thundering towards a fence on a thoroughbred horse, heart racing with adrenaline and the excitement of the race. But in the blink of an eye, another horse cuts across your path, and you're thrown from your saddle, crashing to the ground at 50 kilometers per hour. That was the moment that changed everything for me, Jo Lodder, when I suffered a broken back that ended my career as a professional jockey. But it was a tragic accident involving a friend and the horse I was supposed to ride that made me truly appreciate how lucky I was to be alive.
"Embrace change, and you'll rewrite the story of you life"
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to make a drastic change. I was overweight and living an unhealthy lifestyle, so I turned to running and charity challenges to transform myself and help others. It was during this journey that I founded Run for Freedom, a movement dedicated to helping disabled individuals overcome obstacles and live their fullest lives. And in 2023, I made history by running the 5 trails in 5 days, becoming the first person ever to achieve this feat.
Through all of life's ups and downs, I've never lost sight of my values and vision. Whether I'm speaking at schools, universities, private clubs, corporations, or religious groups, I hope to inspire others to find their own path, overcome their own obstacles, and live their own version of freedom.
"If all I achieve in life is that I have given more than I have taken then I will have succeeded"
Running started as a personal challenge. Now it’s my mission – to inspire change and raise funds for those with disabilities through Run for Ability.
Why I Run
From Adventure to Impact
HK5Trails in 5 Days (2023) - Run for Freedom
398km | 19,500m Elevation | 5 Trails | 5 Days
Each trail held its own narrative. The Tinworth trail, a 97-kilometer tribute from Tai O to the Chinese border, honoured the legacy of Nick Tinworth, a trail running pioneer lost to cancer. The Wilson trail spanned 85 kilometers of awe-inspiring vistas and demanding ascents. The Hong Kong Trail, a modest 50 kilometers, beckoned with its unique charm and breathtaking views. But the true tests lay ahead – the 103-kilometer MacLehose trail with its relentless elevation gains, and the 70-kilometer Lantau trail, where determination met exhaustion and shared laughter with fellow runners, bikers, and the spirited Lantau community.
Watch the video: Unleashing Limits
Racing & Boxing Background
Before running, I was a professional jockey and did a little boxing — always chasing the edge. That hunger still drives every step.
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Running for Those Who Can’t
Testimonials
"Any achievement or any dream starts from one movement which you do or do not and it is extremely hard to step that one foot forward from scratch. I appreciate Jo to make the movement for those who need help. Thank you Jo for what you do!"
We are super inspired by Jo's passion and grit, plus both Run for Freedom charities are great causes. Awesome to see someone take on such a crazy challenge (5 major trails in 5 days - are you serious!?) and including the Tinworth Trail :)
Great story and great cause. My daughter, Jill O'Mahony, and family do canine foster care and she is a trail runner as well and he has helped her on some runs as well.
"I’m deeply grateful for your generous support in fixing my wheelchair and replacing its battery. As someone living with Cerebral Palsy, mobility is everything. Your help has empowered me to travel freely, advocate for disability inclusion, and continue my mission of connecting talented individuals with disabilities to meaningful work. Because of you, I can confidently reach workplaces, conduct disability awareness training, and open doors for others like me. Thank you for making a real difference in my life and in theirs. Thank you"
Jacky WAN - Employment Partner, WISE 匯菁
Awards
Endurance Asia - Fundraising of the Year 2023 - 5in5 Hong Kong Trails
“The final winner of the Endurance Asia Awards 2023 is our Fundraiser of the year, @runforfreedomhk @hk5trails Jo Lodder running the four big trails in Hong Kong plus the new Tinworth trail memory of community legend @nictinworth in 5 days and raising over HKD$88k for disabled people and abused animals. A fantastic feat for a great cause!!”
Gone Running - Sportsmanship of the Year Award 2024
“Finally perhaps a mention for the Sportsmanship Award. Jo Lodder demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship in 2023 by completing the "5 Trails of Hong Kong in 5 Days" challenge. This gruelling feat was part of the Run for Freedom movement, through which Jo raised significant funds to support individuals with disabilities and children facing behavioural and learning challenges from lower-income families. His dedication and the incredible support from the trail-running community have created a lasting positive impact, transforming his passion for trail running into a force for meaningful change.”