Hong Kong Four Trails: Nepalese runner seeks freedom on 298km HK4TUC as the longer the run, the less the pressure
- Nugo Yamanath Limbu wants to inspire other Nepalese people to take up running as he embarks on the city’s toughest event across all the major trails
Nugo Yamanath Limbu is taking on the crazy 298km Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC) this Saturday because it will be a chance to relax.
“I like long races, I like short also, but in long races there is no pressure, there is just freedom,” Limbu, 41, said.
The HK4TUC takes runners along all four of Hong Kong’s major trails – MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails – in reverse. There are no checkpoints or support allowed on the trails, but participants can have help travelling between the trails. The end is marked by the green letter box in Mui Wo. If you reach it in under 60 hours, you are a “finisher”, but if you reach it in under 72 hours you are a “survivor”.
“First of all I always train but I always prepare mentally too. I think about the route, the elements, the environment and the weather. I check them all, so I know I can do it,” Limbu said. “If you are not mentally ready, you cannot run or race.”
Limbu works in construction in Hong Kong, but he grew up in Nepal. He spent his youth running up and down hills, and through forests. Being around nature makes him feel alive. But it was not until 2017 that he started racing. His first race was the Lamma 8, and he finished in the top 10. He has inspired many Nepalese people to take up running, and hopes others will follow suit.
“Of course it was difficult to start for them, technically, physically but mentally, it was tough, but now they are more happy,” he said.