Professionals offer tips for athletes in run-up to race

Professionals, including experienced distance runner and coach Lee Kar-lun, sports psychologist Polina Cheng and pharmacist Arthur Lee, shared their experiences in a seminar at Sports House, Causeway Bay, on Sunday.

The talks were organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association in conjunction with the Watsons Pharmacy Cross-Country Championships which will be held in the woods around Pat Sin Leng Country Park later this month.

About 60 people, mostly teachers, students and competitors, attended the clinic for tips on running strategy, medication and sports psychology.

Ms Cheng spoke about pre-race exercises, such as breathing and progressive muscular relaxation techniques.

Lee Kar-lun focused on pre-race preparation and running techniques, while Arthur Lee, a Watsons registered pharmacist, led a discussion on the use of medication in athletics.

The cross-country championships, scheduled for September 26, promise to test the determination and athletic skills of Hong Kong's top youth and adult runners. The second leg of the race, a relay, will be held on Sunday, October 31.

More than 500 entries were received for the championships, while applications for the relay are still open.

Popular all-girl band Life is Beautiful are the event's ambassadors.

For more details, visit www.hkaaa.com