“The last two years were difficult for all runners in Hong Kong having only a few races to compete in. My last race was at the end of 2019,” said runner Wettstein, who is being tipped for the podium again.

Wettstein said that while Covid-19 stopped him racing, it had its upsides when it came to training.

“On the other hand, it helped me to build a stronger base with much higher volume due to no travel, more time at home and a mindset to run every day to stay resilient in my leadership position running a company.”

Hong Kong’s Lantau 2 Peaks sold out despite Covid-19 constraints

Wettstein, who organisers Action Asia Events consider to be one of the favourites for Sunday’s event, has home advantage on the course.

“Yes, living in Lantau helps as you to get used to the long climbs up Lantau and Sunset Peak. I know the trails very well and I feel comfortable on the terrain. ”

The race takes place over two distances – 15km and 23km – with both starting and ending in Tung Chung. This year’s Lantau 2 Peaks title sponsors CBRE were among those to be excited by the return of the race and promote a good cause.

Couple take on Lantau 2 Peaks together, even if it slows them down

“This year, we are delighted to be the title sponsor of Action Asia’s CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks Race in support of Ocean Recovery Alliance, an organisation focusing on programmes that reduce plastic pollution, both on land and water,” said Tom Gaffney, the regional managing director of CBRE Hong Kong.

“We are very fortunate to be able to participate in a physical race with stringent precautionary measures in place, as Hong Kong makes great strides in economy recovery and people resume their normal way of life,” Gaffney said.

This year’s Lantau 2 Peaks takes place under strict pandemic protocols but sold out despite runners needing to be double vaccinated and provide a negative Covid-19 test. The event is also starting in waves to limit runner proximity while race numbers are capped.

Tough Lantau 2 Peaks pushes runners to their limits

Wettstein, whose 2019 third place finish came in two hours and 57 minutes, had plenty of advice for his fellow runners.

“Most important: stay hydrated! Keep drinking water, as much as you can. A few gels are enough in terms of energy for me, but you need to drink much more than you would normally do given you’ll be fully exposed to the sun on the peaks. Take some salt tablets with you or anything else that helps you in case you end up cramping,” Wettstein said.

The race might be short compared to some but there is plenty for runners to contend with. There is the small matter of almost 2,000 metres to ascend and descend, plus an eight-hour cut-off.

Winners battle heat as one runner rescued by helicopter at Lantau 2 Peaks

“I recommend trying to stay patient and don’t push too hard on the first climb, as it’s essentially three climbs for the 23km route,” Wettstein said.

“The last downhill is long going down Wong Lung Hang (800m elevation to sea-level), and you want to save your legs up Sunset Peak to be able to push hard on that long downhill followed by a 2km flat sprint.”

“Let the season begin and let’s hope this is the start of more events to come,” Action Asia said in a press release.