Transvulcania race is a journey of discovery and ambience for Hong Kong runner heading to Atlantic island
- Alice Yung draws on the joy of running with others, as she heads to the Canary Islands
- The Hongkonger, who lives in France, is inspired by the city’s 298km Four Trails Ultra Challenge
Alice Yung Wing-tung is motivated by discovering new parts of the world through trail running.
It is a passion that is taking the Hongkonger to the 45km Transvulcania race in the Canary Islands.
“I like how trail running leads me to discover places and trails that I would otherwise not know. I like how you run with people you don’t know, you form a bond,” the 34-year-old said.
Yung, who lives in France near the border with Switzerland, moved to Europe in 2018. Before leaving Hong Kong, she did Muay Thai and a little bit of running, but not much.
“I didn’t run as much,” Yung said. “I ran a few races before I left. I just didn’t know it existed at the time. In 2017, my boyfriend, now husband, signed me up to the race and that’s how I picked it up.
“It was the Hysan Hike and Run in Repulse. I was the fourth lady, it was a good surprise.
“Compared to hiking, when you run you see more things within the given period of time. Especially when you go to long races, the course takes you to places you wouldn’t normally go. Even with a car, you couldn’t get there, or you need to walk for a few days to see these places.”