I know the Trailwalker just ended and the Standard Chartered Marathon is nowhere close yet, but honestly, there are more runs in Hong Kong than just those two. Those that ain't so high profiled are sometimes a better choice, since they would usually take you through more scenic routes, and the chances of people pushing past you with their sweaty arms will lower significantly. The Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race is coming up between 18-19 February 2012, with their discounted application fee offer ending on 1 December 2011. Register online here for the 100k ultra endurance race that will take you around some of the most beautiful landscape on the Sai Kung Peninsula. Or perhaps you are a fan of the retro application method? No worries, you can also download the entry form here for snail mail.
Last year there were both veteran ultra marathon runners as well as rookies at their first go, and you can see that they have all enjoyed themselves thoroughly, breezing pass Hong Kong's remote beaches, ancient forests, and breathtaking reservoirs. Lots of overseas trail runners were surprised at the amount of natural greenery in Hong Kong, given the fact that we are best known for our concrete forest. The Vibram Hong Kong 100 is a qualifying event for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, racing through France, Switzerland, and Italy, as well as the Western States 100 in California. Start your trip through streams of unforgettable races right here in Hong Kong!
You can check out this site for more training tips on how to prepare for an ultra marathon. For the race, they also have some strict guidelines as to what you need to bring along, so gear up at Escapade Sports, where you will also be picking up your race pack in February 2012. They are offering a whopping 20% discount to all racers, and if you suddenly want to apply for the race while shopping, you can do that right on the spot as well! Here's a couple of my personal fave trail running gadgets, and don't forget your Vibram Five Fingers. After all, this is a Vibram Race! They will also be handing out certificates and hoodies to all finishers, just to keep you warm and snug after an overnight run. Not much of an endurance runner yourself? No problem, go ahead and volunteer for the race here, so you can enjoy a day filled with the scenic views alongside the grueling runners.
In addition, Vibram themselves are currently in search for their dream team, finding five young yet experienced trail runners who are passionate about the outdoors, ready to challenge Hong Kong's famous Maclehose Trail with fantastic complimentary Vibram products. Does that sound like you? Download their application form and apply to be part of an extraordinary team by emailing it here on or before Monday, 9 January 2012!
Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race
Date: From 6:30am on Saturday, 18 February 2012 to 4:00pm on Sunday, 19 February 2012
Route: Mainly through the Hong Kong Maclehose Trail
Telephone: 2730 3006
Email: hk100ultra@gmail.com
Website: http://www.hk100-ultra.com/