Race: Vibram HK100
Runner: Alex Neyrinck
Race Date: 02/18/2023
Location: Hong Kong
Results: 15/1861
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8581640582
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Really well organised race – with great volunteers, checkpoints and a mix of Hong Kong Trails.
- Good international scene, with some top runners from around the world.
- Ability to have support crew at most checkpoints.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- Difficulty to access some of the checkpoints, finishes if you don’t know Hong Kong.
- Award ceremony is rushed after the top 10 have arrived. Would be worth doing it the next day or something.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Running on a mix of road, beaches, very technical trails & steps steps steps!!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Running during sunrise onto the beaches. Really enjoyed all the volunteers (HK scouts) – with many children cheering along.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
- The race is won during the second half and its easy to overcook it in the first half. Circa. 2/3rds of the elevation is in the last 40km.
- Don’t underestimate how hot and humid it can get, even during February.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
- Pace the first half better, be patient and work on some of the technical parts of the trail. Don’t underestimate how hot it can get, even in February.
- Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
- Be familiar with climbing/going down steps. Hong Kong is a very tough surface to run on, so having good padded shoes will help. Also the weather is often a critical factor in Hong Kong.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Amazing course, sceneries of beaches, the city and mountains. A must recommend.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is definitely a tough course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organised. Been going for circa 15 years.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I’d say a strong field for the first 50-100 runners. The Top 10 are usually professional runners.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Hong Kong (in usual times) is a very accessible city, with many hotels and good infrastructure. English is also commonly spoken so its not an issue. The organisation really communicates well, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Good aid stations. Water, Coca-Cola, sport drinks, banana’s oranges, nuts, noodles etc… Staff is also very helpful in refilling bottles and putting your nutrition in them for you.
Weather and typical race conditions
February is normally between 15 – 20 degrees. It can be humid as well. Quite hard to predict. Weather could easily be 26 degrees as well!!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Poles are helpful on the hills. Otherwise the usual gear.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The first half is a bit difficult to access. The second half can be accessed via Taxi for most of the places.
How’s the Swag?
The team and volunteers are top class.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
- Out of 5 Stars, I’d give it a solid 4.5 / 5. Recommend running it. Also available in 33KM, 50KM and Grand Slam (I.e., 33KM, 50KM and 100KM over 3 days).
- What is missing is a good award ceremony the next day. They do it shortly after the top 10 have arrived…
