‘You can overcome any obstacle’ – young runner sends message of hope to suicidal teens with Four Trails Ultra Challenge
Tony Tong Hei-chun hopes to set an example to troubled teenagers by running Hong Kong’s hardest race unsupported
Youth suicide rates increased in Hong Kong between 2005-16, and Tony Tong Hei-chun thinks it is because of academic pressure and unresolved family issues.
Tong, 19, wants to show those considering taking their life that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Tong is running in the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC) in February – a gruelling 298-kilometre non-stop event featuring Hong Kong’s major trails.
The unsupported runners are deemed to be a ‘finisher’ if they complete the MacLehose Trail, Wilson Trail, Hong Kong Trail and Lantau Trail in under 60 hours, and are called ‘survivors’ if they reach the end in under 75 hours.
“They [suicidal teenagers] want to die. They can’t pursue their dreams,” Tong said. “I want to use my actions by taking part on this event to share the message that life is precious and if there are obstacles, you can overcome them.”