Chief Change Officer Podcast: Episode #368 Title: Chris Schrader: From Rainy-Day Idea to Global Movement—The 24 Hour Race Story–Part One
Host: Vince Chan
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #368 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan welcomes Chris Schrader, the founder and executive chairman of 24 Hour Race, a global movement combating human trafficking. This episode delves into the inception and growth of 24 Hour Race, tracing its transformation from a simple idea into a significant international initiative that has raised over US$20 million in the past decade.

Guest Background and Early Life

Vince Chan begins by introducing Chris Schrader, highlighting their longstanding acquaintance of nearly a decade and Chris's multifaceted background.

Vince Chen [00:13]: "Chris is sharp, well read and definitely unconventional."

Chris Schrader shares his multicultural heritage, emphasizing his roots in Hong Kong and the influence of his family's history.

Chris Schrader [05:02]: "I'm a third generation Hong Konger. My grandparents moved here in 1960… I grew up really at the tail end of Hong Kong's colonial era, and I had, for all intents and purposes, a really happy childhood and upbringing."

He recounts his educational journey, moving from Hong Kong to the UK during his teenage years, which played a pivotal role in shaping his future endeavors.

The Spark: Origin of the 24 Hour Race

Chris narrates a defining moment during his time at a British boarding school that planted the seed for what would become the 24 Hour Race.

Chris Schrader [07:24]: "One of the more defining events in my life happened… the passing away of a childhood friend of mine who had a rare congenital illness at the age of 14."

Motivated by the loss of his friend, Chris sought ways to honor his legacy and raise awareness for causes he cared about. This led to an ambitious idea:

Chris Schrader [07:24]: "On a typically cold, rainy English day… I suggested, why don't we walk across England?"

Despite initial skepticism from his peers, Chris and his friend embarked on the walk, raising significant funds and awareness for rare diseases.

From Walk to Endurance: The Evolution of the Race

Encouraged by the success of their first expedition, Chris and his friend Charles aimed to escalate their efforts upon returning to Hong Kong.

Chris Schrader [09:15]: "We needed to come up with something a little bit more challenging… a run, swim and row of 150km, which we aimed to complete within 24 hours."

At just 16 years old, Chris and Charles successfully completed this grueling 24-hour relay, raising an additional US$20,000 and laying the foundation for the 24 Hour Race.

Establishing the 24 Hour Race Concept

Chris explains the accessibility and scalability of the 24 Hour Race model, making it inclusive for participants of varying athletic abilities.

Chris Schrader [11:00]: "Why did I pick 24 hours? Because it felt like something anyone could do. Regardless of whether you were a seasoned athlete or not."

The race operates in teams of eight, allowing participants to support each other through relays, making the challenge both achievable and community-driven.

Choosing the Cause: Transitioning to Human Trafficking

Initially focused on rare diseases, Chris sought a cause that resonated more broadly with students. This pivot was influenced by a teacher who introduced him to the pervasive issue of human trafficking.

Chris Schrader [12:33]: "He said, have you heard about human trafficking?… I was curious… and it didn't take me long to say, yeah, this is something that any student could buy in."

This strategic shift aligned the movement with a pressing global issue, enhancing its relevance and impact.

Growth and Impact of the Movement

What began as a one-off event quickly gained traction, evolving into a global phenomenon over the past 14 years. Chris outlines the staggering growth and financial achievements of the 24 Hour Race.

Chris Schrader [17:07]: "I would say at least 150 million Hong Kong… roughly 20 million US."

He emphasizes that while fundraising remains significant, the true strength of the movement lies in its ability to educate and engage young people, fostering long-term advocacy and awareness.

Strategic Allocation of Funds

When discussing financial management, Chris highlights the organization's commitment to transparency and effectiveness.

Chris Schrader [20:25]: "80 to 90 cents of that will go towards charitable activities… we work closely with them to identify projects that we think will resonate with students."

Funds are primarily directed towards partner NGOs like A21, ensuring that contributions directly support anti-human trafficking initiatives globally.

Engaging the Next Generation

Chris underscores the importance of involving students in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of responsibility and understanding of philanthropic dynamics.

Chris Schrader [21:36]: "Our student director… will directly interview these project stakeholders to determine whether it's a good use of cash or not."

This hands-on approach cultivates informed and conscientious future leaders who are equipped to continue the fight against human trafficking.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode concludes, Vince recaps the remarkable journey of Chris and the 24 Hour Race, setting the stage for the next episode.

Vince Chen [24:49]: "In the next episode releasing tomorrow, we'll dive deeper into Chris’s leadership approach, drawing parallels between leading expeditions and managing business teams."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for insights into Chris's leadership philosophies and advice for aspiring change-makers.

Notable Quotes

• Vince Chen [00:13]: "Chris is sharp, well read and definitely unconventional."
• Chris Schrader [05:02]: "I'm a third generation Hong Konger… I had a really happy childhood and upbringing."
• Chris Schrader [07:24]: "I suggested, why don't we walk across England?"
• Chris Schrader [11:00]: "Why did I pick 24 hours? Because it felt like something anyone could do."
• Chris Schrader [12:33]: "This is something that any student could buy in."
• Chris Schrader [17:07]: "At least 150 million Hong Kong… roughly 20 million US."
• Chris Schrader [20:25]: "80 to 90 cents of that will go towards charitable activities."
• Vince Chen [24:49]: "In the next episode… we'll dive deeper into Chris’s leadership approach."

Key Takeaways

• 24 Hour Race Origin: Began as a tribute to a lost friend and evolved into a significant anti-human trafficking movement.
• Inclusive Model: Designed to be accessible to all, encouraging participation through team-based relay races.
• Strategic Cause Alignment: Shifted focus to human trafficking to resonate more deeply with a student demographic.
• Global Impact: Expanded to 25 cities, engaging over a million participants and raising substantial funds.
• Youth Empowerment: Empowers students to take leadership roles, fostering a generation of informed advocates.

Next Episode Preview

In Part Two, Vince Chan and Chris Schrader will explore Chris's unique leadership style, drawing lessons from his experiences in extreme environments and how they translate to effective business management. Additionally, Chris will offer guidance for young professionals striving to balance personal ambitions with societal expectations.

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