Hong Kong trail running back on track as Action Asia Events gets green light for two races in April but racers must test negative within 48 hours

The HK50West-25k in Shing Mun on Sunday will be hosted by Action Asia Events, and the company’s director, Michael Maddess, said it comes with a number of requirements from the Hong Kong government. All participants, volunteers and staff must produce a negative Covid-19 test within 48 hours of the race. Maddess said he is more than willing to meet all the requirements laid out, if it means trail running can return.

“We are prepared to go the extra mile in being very alert, wearing a mask at the start and finish and even the first 100 metres after a social-distanced start,” he said. “We expect the government to remain pretty strong on testing and tracking for the foreseeable future, so it’s probably best to get used to it. Once there is strong evidence that running events are run with discipline and in a safe manner meeting Covid requirements for all concerned, the pressure should ease somewhat, hopefully.”

Following the race on April 11 there will be a second one, the HK50-24k – Ultimate Champs Trail Run, which will take place on Hong Kong Island around Wong Nai Chung Gap on April 17. Both races are capped at 200 entries. Most professional sporting leagues around the world, including the NBA and NHL, require their players to get tested almost on a daily basis. The NBA requires a player to take two tests before each game, one the night before and one the morning of.

Countless local trail races have been either pushed back multiple times or cancelled outright, essentially flatlining the scene since last spring. Maddess said he is confident they can start putting on races and not have any issues.