Hong Kong race organiser bridges the gap between virtual and physical trail course

A Hong Kong race organiser has devised a clever way to combine a physical and virtual trail race during the coronavirus pandemic. Trail races in Hong Kong are on hold as the government imposes social-distancing rules and gathering restrictions. Around the world, virtual races have exploded as participants compare distances, times and vertical gain from their respective locations.

But Action Asia is challenging runners to head out on a set route from October 1 to 11 and to compare times. They will all be physically running the same course, but the race will be virtual as the scores are compared online rather than who crossed the line first. This will ensure participants are spread out and avoid any gatherings.

“I think a lot of people are missing challenging themselves,” said Micheal Maddess, head of Action Asia. “Sure, you can sign up for different virtual races around the world, but not on a particular course. I think a lot of people are desperate to get outside and do something they are familiar with, more so than just getting out and doing 23km anywhere.”

The course in question is the Lantau 2 Peaks. The 23km course packs a punch, taking in Hong Kong’s second and third highest mountains with beautiful but steep terrain. There is nearly 2,000m accumulative gain.

Action Asia considered an algorithm that equated distances to vert, so some people could compete on different but equivalent courses. Polling 700 respondents, Maddess said it was split nearly 50/50 as to whether runners would prefer to have to go to the course, or were OK with some runners working out another course.