Failure has been a key component of Elliot Froidevaux’s journey to the start of the 298km Hong Kong Four Trail Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC). Indeed, the epic ultra has been in the back of his mind every time he has gone running over the past five years. “Once I set a challenge I stick to it,” the Hong Kong-based Swiss said. “It’s been my goal for this long. Five years ago it seemed surreal, it seemed impossible. “It hasn’t been pretty by any means as I’ve failed so many times. Failure makes you stronger and that’s why I think I’m here.” The HK4TUC links all four of Hong Kong’s major trails. Participants run the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails in reverse. There are no checkpoints or support allowed on the trails, though runners are allowed help travelling between the trails. This year, they also have to run from the end of the Hong Kong Trail to the Lantau Island ferry. If they reach the end – marked by a green postbox in Mui Wo – in less than 60 hours they are a “finisher”. If they reach the end in under 72 hours, they are a “survivor”. What is the 298km Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge? The keys to completing the gruelling challenge, in Froidevaux’s eyes, are humility, respect and consistency. “First, in terms of the respect, it’s the training I’ve done,” he said. “There is no such thing as an easy road to get here, you have to earn your worth. The five years I’ve built myself up to this point, I can say I’ve given this challenge the respect it deserves. “But I’m not one of these amazing athletes. So in one sense, I’m so proud to be here. No one would have thought I’d have been here. Fifteen years ago I could barely climb half of Mount Butler, and here I am on the start of the biggest challenge of my life.” Froidevaux also believes that not trying is worse than failing. “I’m approaching my 50s, so there comes a time when you have to try,” he said. “What’s the worst that can happen? You fail, it means you fail. Maybe you learn and come back and finish, or maybe you find out this is not what you want to do and move on. “At least you know. If you don’t know you are guessing and you have regrets. Of course, I hope I finish. And if I don’t, it will be unfinished business. But I won’t have regrets.” From ‘party Queen’ to running machine for the 298km HK4TUC Froidevaux’s goal is to run 59:59:59 and be in the finisher category. “I’ll know by the end of Wilson if it’s possible, and if it’s not, then the goal is 71:59:59,” he said. “For me, there are only two times.” Froidevaux has always been very goal oriented, even as a child. But he was never a runner. He only took it up in his 30s, when he entered a 21km King of the Hills event in Tai Po. He puffed his way up Cloudy Hill and it “smashed” him. Faced with the reality that he was unfit, he started to train hard. “So, I did it,” he said. “And I moved on to 30km, then I moved on to 50km. I jumped in, not slowly, without thinking too much. So I did a 50 miler [80km] and I got injured and went back to starting again. I learned the hard way and bit by bit I got a bit stronger.” Structure has been a crucial element of training for Froidevaux. “It’s what keeps me motivated and excited and walking out the door for training,” he said. “Without it I feel like I plateau. I’m Swiss, it’s in my DNA.” Ho cures fear of running downhill just in time for 298km trails race By no means is this Froidevaux’s first ultra. He previously ran the FEREI Dark 45 overnight and then took a taxi to the start of the Hong Kong 50km, all as training, and has run three 100 mile (161km) events. “But this is double what I’ve done before, and that does not mean it is just twice as hard. It is exponentially more difficult,” he said. “I’ve been through some pretty dark moments, so I know what to expect. But it’s 298km, so maybe I’ll go darker. “You don’t have to be a super athlete, you just need to have a lot of heart and a lot of consistency. Talent always helps, but hard work is key and that’s what makes this challenge great. That’s how I see myself – not much talent but lots of hard work.”