Lai singing in the rain
A damp-looking Lai Kat retained his Southern District Cross Country title yesterday after battling through torrential rain and a flooded course at Aberdeen Country Park.
The 28-year-old Kwun Tong-based lifeguard led the 700-strong field on to the trail section some 2km after the start of the 8km race, and then built a comfortable lead to go on and win the men's race by about half a minute from veteran runner Chung Yan-kwai.
'I was quite scared on the trail sections today as they were very slippery due to mud and fallen leaves,' Lai said after the race. 'It was difficult to know where to place your feet on some of the trail sections as the water was quite deep.'
The heavens opened as soon as the starter's hooter sounded, and the deluge continued until the prize presentation ceremony took place some 90 minutes later. Times were not available after the race as the heavy rain affected the timing equipment.
Nicky Green came out an easy winner of the women's race.
Policewoman Dara Man Wai-shan ran well to win the women's senior division, while veteran runner Gillian Castka placed third overall in the women's race.
