-
Advertisement
Extreme fitness
OutdoorTrail Running

Stingray targets HK50 West win – despite knee injury at HK100 – now he has a work visa

  • The Filipino runner is already a force to be reckoned with, but now he’s permanently in Hong Kong his running could go to another level

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
John ‘Stingray’ Ray Onifa is set to become a staple on Hong Kong’s trail running podiums. Photo: Sunny Lee
Mark Agnew

John “Stingray” Ray Onifa has had little trouble breaking into the elite ranks of Hong Kong trail runners, but now he believes he is going to improve even more.

“The most exciting thing for me now is I just got a Hong Kong work Visa with Asia-Pacific Adventure,” he said, adding it will give him the chance to learn outdoor skills even when he is not training.

“Last year was difficult sometimes as I could not train consistently in one location and the trails in my home fishing village in the Philippines are not so great for preparing for Asia’s big races.”

Advertisement
Onifa came first in his first 100-kilometre race, the Rebel Walker, after his talent was spotted by the North Face Adventure Team and he was invited to run in Hong Kong. Since then, he has racked up wins, including first place at the Moontrekker 50km in October.
John ‘Stingray’ Ray Onifa with The North Face Adventure Team manager Ryan Blair. Photo: Handout
John ‘Stingray’ Ray Onifa with The North Face Adventure Team manager Ryan Blair. Photo: Handout
Advertisement

“Now that I have had the chance to race several times in Hong Kong this past year I have a more clear understanding of the trails and Hong Kong’s unique challenges like stairs,” he said. “I love the trails here and the steep terrain.”

Which is just as well, given he will be racing in the inaugural HK50 West by Action Asia Events this weekend. The 50km course has 2,415 metres of elevation, including over Tai Mo Shan.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x