Three favourite Hong Kong trails of hkrunning.com website’s founder
David Tanner shares routes on Lantau, Lamma and Hong Kong Island that offer great views and stiff challenges
What: an 11.4km loop on cement paths on Lamma Island with a total of 337 metres of elevation gain. Starts and ends at Hung Shing Yeh Beach (about a 20-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan ferry pier).
Why he likes it: the route takes you to the far side of the island where there are few people and the scenery is great – moss-covered railings, creeper trees covering telephone lines, swamps, butterflies that seem to lead the way, and some great architectural ruins.
Behind the name: the route is so beautiful and pristine, like the Garden of Eden.
What: a 5.53km run through Tai Tam Reservoir on Hong Kong Island from Parkview to Repulse Bay with a total elevation gain of 116 metres.
Why he likes it: the route has everything – easy and technical terrain on road and trail which goes past reservoirs, waterfalls, over bridges and through the jungle.
Behind the name: as the phrase suggests, this route has got it all.
What: an 18.13km trail run on Lantau Island that starts at Nam Shan, makes its way round the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula and ends at Mui Wo ferry pier. A whopping 703 metres of total elevation gain.
Why he likes it: it’s a good distance on great terrain and offers amazing views.
Behind the name: the first time Tanner ran this route was with a friend who was training for his first race. The friend had bought all the fanciest running equipment but that didn’t stop him from struggling and suffering through the run.