5 gorgeous (and tough!) trail races in Hong Kong
Appreciate the city in breathlessly new ways—and cool your heels at some nice hotels when you're done.
8 years ago
Trail and ultra-running has exploded in popularity in Hong Kong over the last few years and it’s now surely Asia’s premier destination for great routes, competitive races and an enthusiastic—bordering on obsessive—running community. With multiple races held every weekend through the season (October through March), there’s no better way to explore the scenic hills, rural villages and remote beaches, all a far cry from the bustling heart of the city.
Green Power Hike
Don’t be fooled by the name. While plenty of people do indeed hike the 10, 25 or 50km courses on offer, runners take them pretty seriously. Held early in the year, it’s a great way to see the best of Hong Kong island, with the 50km race starting at The Peak and finishing all the way on the other side of the island at Big Wave Bay.
MSIG Sai Kung
Organized in February by Action Asia, who put on a variety of races in Hong Kong as well as multi-day expeditions across the continent, this event offers up 12, 21 and 50k options out in the far northeast of the New Territories. It’s a wonderfully scenic, technically-demanding course that includes a run along Tai Long Wan beach.
Translantau
TransLantau
Held in March each year, with options of 25, 50 and 100km (the latter involving close to 6,000m of elevation gain, including the 934m Lantau Peak), this scenic (though punishing) race on the largest of Hong Kong’s islands is run almost entirely on trails, starting and ending on Silvermine Beach.
King of the Hills
Held between November and February, King of the Hills (KOTH) has been going for nearly 20 years and is perhaps the most popular—and over-subscribed—series of races, with events on Hong Kong island and Lantau, as well as out in Tai Po and Sai Kung. Competitors get ranking points (and bragging rights).
The North Face 100
Widely considered the hardest 100k race in Hong Kong (at least compared to the better known Trailwalker), this December event covers a broad swathe of the New Territories, including Hong Kong’s highest peak, the brutal Tai Mo Shan. It’s not quite the ultimate test (that honor goes to the recently established Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge: close to 300km with a cut-off time of 60 hours) but it’s certainly a serious challenge.
ESSENTIALS
Ovolo Central
Where to Stay
If you’re island-side, it’s hard to beat the location of boutique spot Ovolo Central (2 Arbuthnot Rd., ), right off Wyndham Street and just up from Lan Kwai Fong. Some of the 42 rooms are small (it’s worth upgrading to an Executive Deluxe room), but they all come kitted out with nice luxe touches like in-room Nespresso machines, Malin+Goetz toiletries and Apple TV. Pitched halfway between a serviced apartment and hotel, it’s a great choice if you’re on a busy schedule and just need somewhere contemporary and convenient to spend the night (there’s even a small gym). While there’s no in-house dining, a decent complimentary breakfast is served next door at Café O. Rates start from $303 per night.
If you’re island-side, it’s hard to beat the location of boutique spot Ovolo Central (2 Arbuthnot Rd., ), right off Wyndham Street and just up from Lan Kwai Fong. Some of the 42 rooms are small (it’s worth upgrading to an Executive Deluxe room), but they all come kitted out with nice luxe touches like in-room Nespresso machines, Malin+Goetz toiletries and Apple TV. Pitched halfway between a serviced apartment and hotel, it’s a great choice if you’re on a busy schedule and just need somewhere contemporary and convenient to spend the night (there’s even a small gym). While there’s no in-house dining, a decent complimentary breakfast is served next door at Café O. Rates start from $303 per night.
The Mira
Over in Tsim Sha Tsui (a great option if your race starts early out in the New Territories), The Mira (118 Nathan Rd.) is a bigger but very much design-focused property, with 492 rooms and more than 50 suites. It’s a stylish spot, nowhere more so than at courtyard drinking and shisha spot Vibes, which plays host to events like the Absolut pop-up bar for Art Basel Hong Kong. The Mira is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, including Cantonese delicacies at Cuisine Cuisine (which looks directly onto Kowloon Park) and international buffet offerings at Yamm. After a tough race, we particularly enjoyed the MiraSpa, home to an indoor infinity pool as well as a wet zone (featuring water beds and hydro pools) and aura rooms (with color therapy mood lighting and personalized playlists). Another nice touch: every room comes equipped with a “wifi buddy” a small portable device giving you complimentary high-speed internet connectivity wherever you go in the city. Rates start from $307 per night.
Getting There
Tigerair can get you there from around $230 return. For Singapore Airlines, you’re looking at $550 upward.
Tigerair can get you there from around $230 return. For Singapore Airlines, you’re looking at $550 upward.
Supplies
There are plenty of trail running stores in Hong Kong where you can stock up on supplies or get tips about an upcoming event, including the Action X Store on Hong Kong island (28 Bonham Strand) and Lantau Base Camp over on Lantau (Shop J, Sea View Building, 1 Ngan Wan Rd., Mui Wo).
There are plenty of trail running stores in Hong Kong where you can stock up on supplies or get tips about an upcoming event, including the Action X Store on Hong Kong island (28 Bonham Strand) and Lantau Base Camp over on Lantau (Shop J, Sea View Building, 1 Ngan Wan Rd., Mui Wo).
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