North Face HK 100 offers ultimate test of grit, power and stamina
The North Face 100km trail is HK's toughest ever and features local and overseas runners tackling a course of punishing hills and harsh terrain
Runners are bracing themselves for the toughest trail challenge Hong Kong has ever hosted - the North Face Hong Kong 100. Featuring punishing hills, a respectable dose of bushwhacking and arduous terrain, Hong Kong's fourth 100-kilometre ultra is set to be a test of grit rather than running prowess.
Starting from Tai Mei Tuk tomorrow, 600 participants will attempt to conquer 6,300 metres of cumulative elevation over the gruelling 100km course as they scale the highest peaks, including Tai Mo Shan (957 metres), while exploring virgin trails in the city's north-west. Another 400 competitors will attempt the 50km course.
"On a pro-rata basis, the [100km] course is hillier than the Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji and significantly hillier than the Oxfam Trailwalker [estimated to be 4,500m of cumulative altitude gain]," says race director Keith Noyes.
One of the highlights is scaling Tai Mo Shan "the hard way" - scrambling up the side through the scrub after 70 kilometres.
"What sets this race apart is that there are no easy sections," Noyes said. "Even the easiest section, section three, would be rated medium-difficult on the Trailwalker scale."
What sets this race apart is that there are no easy sections
The mountainous challenge will pit the cream of Asian runners against some of Hong Kong's finest. The elite race has a cut-off point of 26 hours (compared to Trailwalker's 48) and stringent eligibility criteria, ensuring only the best take the field.