Feet of endurance: HK100 Marathon returns to test the tenacity of trail runners and volunteer helpers alike

By Cyrus Wong

This year's Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race has been the first event of its kind in three years due to the pandemic. RCHK scouts were there to lend a hand to foot-sore runners.

The event was held on February 18th, 2023 and started at 08:00 am. Over three and a half thousand runners participated and 2400 finished. The average completion time was 22:40:06, with participant Peiquan You from China winning the event with a time of 10:37:38.

The RCHK Scout Troop volunteered to support and serve runners participating in the HK100. The race started in Sai Kung Country Park and ended in Tai Mo Shan over dangerous and challenging terrain, with runners facing steep climbs and descents with an elevation gain of 5300 meters. As they have in the past 12 years, the RCHK Scouts greeted and congratulated the runners at Checkpoint Nine (Lead Mine Pass), our station in the event, for getting this far in the race. The scouts helped serve food and drinks, support them along the way, give rest spots, and, more importantly, set the cheering vibe to keep them on through the race.

RCHK Vice-Principal of Learning Technologies Ania Zielinska took part in the race. An active trial runner, she also raced in the Gurkha Trailbrazer event, another event our scouts helped out running the stations and cheering on the runners.

"I was so delighted to be greeted and cheered on by the RCHK scouts at the last checkpoint in Lead Mine Pass just before the last climb - Tai Mo Shan. Their support and encouragement were a great last push just at the right moment, " Zielinska commented.

The Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race, also recognized as HK100 is an annual marathon; the race was first held in 2011 and has become one of Asia's most prestigious ultra-running events. After years on hiatus due to the global pandemic, the race is returning in 2023, causing excitement and anticipation in the running community. The HK100 is a testament to the growing popularity of trail running and the allure of challenging oneself in the great outdoors. Whether in-person or virtual, the race continues to draw runners worldwide, all seeking to push their limits and experience the beauty of Hong Kong's trails. HK100 has secured its spot as a prestigious global event, drawing runners from across the globe.

Year 10 Scout Aspen Kwan, a volunteer, said, “After rounds and rounds of running up that hill, I was convinced that I was going to collapse from sleep deprivation, only to have been awakened by our own troop cheering on from a distance. This was certainly a night I won’t forget.”

Ray Kwan, a senior leader in the RCHK scout troop who helped organize the event, commented, "We've been helping HK100 for more than a than a decade, and more than a few HK100 CP are running by SJD folks, and I believe they approached us because we are an English speaking group and they trust us/scouts that can support this international event."

An anonymous runner said, "This race was tough even though I have been through races worldwide. There is just something about this race that made this event so lively, which is why this race is so special to me."

Zielinska also said, “I learnt from statistics sent by the organiser that over 30% of runners did not finish so it is definitely a satisfying test to pass.”