‘Let’s slow down’ – Hong Kong’s Wong Ho Chung learns from experienced runner on Namibia stage race
Trail running firefighter tries to take the lead, but is given a lesson in stage race tactics by champion as the two become friends on the course
Wong Ho Chung was neck and neck with Vicente Garcia Beneito when the Spaniard suggested they slow down for the rest of the 84km (52 mile) run.
The pair were on day four of six on a multi-stage trail race across the Namibian desert, and Wong Ho Chung had come second on the first three stages.
“It was the longest day and I thought it was my last chance to compete with him,” Wong said. “It was a hot day and suddenly he said ‘let’s slow down and look at the view and the animals’.”
Wong saw his opportunity and tried to draw away. At one point he had a 1km lead, but ultimately Garcia Beneito still won the day and the race overall.
“He is an experienced runner,” Wong said. “Maybe he knows what it takes and he didn’t want to push me too hard, but at the time I didn’t understand.”
The next day, they were running up and down punishing sand dunes when Vicente turned around.