Trail racing’s competitive edge returns to Hong Kong as atmosphere sparks fast start on 24km run

The second trail race since Covid-19 decimated the calendar sees runners return ready to push for podium spots

The 24km race follows the first half of the Hong Kong Trail, from The Peak to Wong Nai Chung Rap Road

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Ferdinand Clovis Airault, says the second race since Covid-19 felt more competitive. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 1:01pm, 17 Apr 2021Updated: 1:01pm, 17 Apr 2021

The second trail race in Hong Kong since Covid-19 regulations cancelled almost all sporting events saw a return of a fierce competitive atmosphere. The 24km Peak to Wong Nai Chung, organised by Action Asia Events, finished on Saturday morning but the dreary rain did not dampen spirits.

The first trail race in over a year was last Sunday, also organised by Action Asia. For both events, runners had to have a negative Covid-19 test and wear a mask at the start and finish lines. The runners were socially distanced, and this week, with more participants, they left the start in two waves.

“There was more people this week. The atmosphere is better,” said Wong Mei-yan, who won both this week and last week’s race. She finished in a time of two hours, 15 minutes.

“It was more competitive because more people joined. So they pushed the speed faster and faster. At The Peak, people ran so fast. I was so tired but after that it was OK.”

Wong Mei-yan wins for a second week in the row. Photo: Nora Tam

Wong was surprised last week to win, and was surprised again. “I saw some very fast women at the start. Maybe I’d be second or third, but I just felt great. So, I just ran fast, I came first again,” she said.