I hadn't planned on racing until early May in the first event in the Skyrunning World Series -Transvulcania on La Palma Island. So when I was contacted out of the blue by Skyrunning Federation to see if I was interested in racing a 50km event in Hong Kong - I was a little shocked! But, having had a reasonable 4 weeks of consistent mileage and ascent (50-60miles/10-13,000ft ascent/descent) I knew I wasn't in bad shape - and this was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass on! So after a frantic few days sorting flights - I was set for my first trip+race out in Asia!
I arrived in Hong Kong after a cruisy plane journey via Doha, and was met at the central station by race organiser and host for the trip, Michael Maddess. Michael told me of his move to Hong Kong, advenutre racing background and his trips all over Asia in search of new and exciting trails to host events on, under his company - Action Asia Events (www.actionasiaevents.com) who are leading the way in tough and exciting trail running and adventure racing events in Asia.
Michael briefed me on the course as we drove over to the Sai Kung East Country Park (where the race would be) It would entail beautiful coastal mountain trails, which are super technical in the first 20kms, covering some rather steep peaks (Sharps Peak in the picture above) before dropping down to the coast and running across stunning beaches, coastal paths and a short section of road before returning to tropical forest single track trails for the final few kilometers over the last peak then descending steeply to the finish!
After a 40 minute taxi ride from the station, I was dropped off at our accommodation for the 4 days over the race weekend - Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp - a great apartment, just 2 minutes walk from the start/finish line.
Despite feeling a little tired from the flight I was excited to check out some of the course and decided to head out and run the final 10km loop of the course with fellow athlete Alessandra Carlini, who had been flown over from Italy for the race.
It was great preview to run this section of the race and I was blown away by the beauty of the trails (and the humidity!).
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The rest of the evening and Friday was spent hanging out with the other runners who'd come in for the race: Rudy Gilman, Pav Toropov , Brendon Davies, Cassie Scallon and Alessandra. If there is one thing I really love about running abroad and travelling - it's getting to hang out with like minded people and discuss your shared passion for running and the mountains, exchanging stories and past experiences/tips for racing. It's such a refreshing contrast to being around a lot people who tend to glaze over and lose interest as soon as you speak of running!
Race morning started at 5:30am - I got up and prepared a coffee and forced down some muesli and water (too lazy to shop for milk).
Cassie and Alessandra arrived around 6am and after another coffee we all headed down to the start line to get warmed up for a 7am departure.
I knew that as I prefer longer (100mile) races this 50km event would feel like a sprint to me, so I would have to push from the start and hope that I would be fast enough to finish in a respectable time/position.
But with my future races this season, and shorter, faster events being my weakness, this race would only help make me a better runner.So I stood on the start line feeling apprehensive but content in the fact I would give 100% and use this experience as a good measure of fitness for my key races later in the season.
The first few kilometers saw us climb up a road before cutting off steeply onto the trail and begin one of the first steep, technical ascents up over some beautiful mountains before dropping down to the coast.
Early in the race - first steep climb
First ascent
Beach run after descending Sharp Peak
After topping out on Sharp Peak the trail dropped off steeply over an awesome coastal ridge line before coming out on the beach! - I felt a little warm in the humidity and was trying to replenish with electrolyte tablets as often as I could to prevent cramping, but I was already drenched with sweat and feeling twinges of cramp coming on.
From the beach, the course picked up a coastal path that took the runners over undulating hills on the coast before a short road section. I knew I was in the top 10 (roughly) so was determined not to let up my pace, despite cramp and general discomfort that I was feeling in the humidity.
It was a real psychological boost having previously reccied the final 10km loop, as I could visualize the final climb as I left the last aid station. I was battling for 7th place at this point and I knew I would have to stick close to Divina Monolito if I was in with a chance to overtake him. He pulled away on the final climb (a steep ascent with lots of steps) as I began to cramp again. I had been rationing my final bottle of water for the climb and knew I would attack on the descent and hopefully shake the cramps off.
As I crested the final summit I broke out into a run and (thankfully) the cramps eased off - I gritted my teeth and pushed the pace, trying to catch up with Divina. I managed to catch him with a mile to go, and being inexperienced in racing, I made the mistake of going all out and overtaking him (when in hindsight I should of sat on his heels and saved my energy for the final 200m). Well. I paid for this "early attack" and burnt out with cramps again just 400m from the finish, where he overtook me to take 7th, leaving me to come in 40 seconds later in 8th place. A good battle to finish an amazing race!
I was very happy with 8th overall in 5 hours 48 minutes for a race of this distance, and as it's my first race of the season, I am feeling excited about the summer ahead!
Race Finish
Post race was spent hanging out, enjoying a beer (or two) and sampling some local food and bars in the city! Then Sunday I hung out with Cassie and explored the city before flying out late Sunday evening.
Overall it was an awesome race and first trip to Hong Kong: the race was very well organised and the course had some of the most beautiful single track trails I've ever run on! Plus I also got to meet and hang out with a great bunch of people, who I hope to see in future races.
From left-right: Pav, Alessandra, Rudy, Brendon, Cassie and myself.
Special thanks to Michael Maddess for having me out to race, it was a fantastic opportunity and I hope to get a chance to come back and do better in the future! To Lauri from Skyrunning for putting me in contact with Michael, to my friends and family for the support,
and finally to my sponsors Scott Sports and GU Energy Gels for keeping me racing in one piece!
Another blog post to follow in a few days outlining my race season for this year!:)
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