THE Sun Hung Kai Triplet Series race near Sek Kong ended in chaos yesterday when many of the leading runners took a wrong turning.
Trouble started near the half-way point of the 18-kilometre race, organised by Athletic Veterans of Hongkong, when markers failed to turn up on time at a crucial junction where the course left the road and headed up a contour path leading to Ho Pui Reservoir.
More than 40 competitors missed the turn and continued towards Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, covering at least an extra three kilometres before realising they were off course.
Eventual winner Chan Wah-kwai of Road Runners Athletic Club was one of the few runners up front who knew the course and he went on to score his second victory of the series, clocking one hour 10 minutes and 36 seconds.
AVOHK's leading senior runner Nick Helms also stayed on course andfinished second in 1:18:31.
Competitors later criticised the organisation of the event.