Race Media

30 Happening Hours in Hong Kong – by Stevie Kremer

Landing in Hong Kong around 3:00 pm local time was perfect-enough time to get picked up by Action Asia Event’s very own Michael Maddess’, check in at the hotel, change into my Salomon running gear and get my action packed 30 hours started by running up one of the many mountains, Hong Kong has to offer.

Running straight from my hotel up some steep street’s,  windy, hilly trails and HK’s infamous rock steps, we made it up the back side of High West Peak in Hong Kong City, right as the sun was setting…I couldn’t have asked for a better welcoming to this incredible city that boasts it all- city life, waterfronts and course mountains!

But none of this lounging around business, after what felt like 1 hour of sleep, I was met by Michael first thing in the morning and was headed for the ferry for Lantau Island, where we would conquer MSIG’s Vertical Kilometer as well as part of the MSIG Lantau 50KM course, both of which will take place in December.  Starting from the beautiful shores at the base of the mountain, Michael and I climbed trails and rock steps through trees, coastlines and varied terrain, we made it up 934 vertical meters in 5 short KM…it was a doozy but a beautiful one and well worth it! 

I then headed back in the hotel for some meetings with media and runners to discuss Skyrunning and the MSIG HK50 series, followed by a fun run with a bunch of incredibly nice, and fit locals!  There Michael and I made it back up High West Peak and took a group shot that took up the entire peak-it was a fantastic moment to be up in the sky looking over Hong Kong city with so many sincerely kind and motivated people!  The night ended with a night cap at a local pub, where I enjoyed a refreshing, cold local beer!

The morning before my afternoon flight, once again Michael was in the hotel lobby bright and early ready to roll up Sunset Peak and show me the last 15 KM of the 50KM course.  I was psyched! Busting out three peaks in less than 30-hours, that is something you can’t do just anywhere-just another reason HK is one phenomenal place!  We met up with a friend of Michaels, (Lloyd) and started up, with Sunset Peak as the goal.  Up rock steps, through trees, and over varied terrain, we made it to the top of Sunset Peak!  Unfortunately because of weather, I wasn’t able to see the views; but they definitely came later as we ran up and contouring around the mountain, through bushes, tall grass, rocky paths and smooth cruisers.  The end of the 50KM race is just breathtaking and fun-until you reach about the last 3 KM…prepare for some steep, technical downhill, which will have you smiling as you can see the finish line!  The race ends with a short, speedy run along the sidewalk, leading you into a park.  From what I saw it is going to be an awesome point to point race, with everything you could want in a trail running race!

I am excited to have a go at the VK as it will get me prepared and “warmed up” for what is to be tough, yet super enjoyable 50KM ultra marathon course.  MSIG and Action Asia Events have put on a running event that will not disappoint!  I’m stoked to be coming back in December and having a go at the full course!

See you all soon in HONG KONG.