Race Media

Caine on MSIG HK50 - coming from Oz to test the trails in Hong Kong

Had a great chance to speak to Caine Warburton about his upcoming trip to Hong Kong.

How has your season gone so far in 2014?

My 2014 season has been incredible and my biggest ever! I started my season with a 1st place at the Wangaratta Marathon in February and will finish it at the MSIG HK 50km. In total I have done 12x races with 10x podiums and 7x 1st places. This year I did my first ever Sky Race the Buffalo Stampede placing 2nd (1st Australian) and then went on to represent Australia in the Sky Running World Champs where I exceeded my own expectations and place 9th overall!!

Any highlights?

Being able to represent Australia at the Sky Running World Championships and to have not only myself but my whole team do exceptionally well. Also competing in the Ice Trail Tarantaise Sky Ultra and learning to run on snow and ice was a real highlight to my year.

How have you been preparing for HK?

My preparation for HK 50km has been unorthodox as the big year of racing is starting to take its toll on my body. I have been focusing on high quality speed and hill sessions to prepare myself as best as possible for the faster racing that HK will bring.

Is 50k your ideal distance or what distance is best for you and why?

For me personally distances between 50km and 80km seem to be my best, but saying that I am very new to the sport of Ultra and a Sky Running so its hard to tell. For me courses that offer highly technical and steep descents and accents appear to be the ones I perform at the best.

Have you been to HK before?

I have never been to Hong Kong before and am really looking forward to exploring the Island, its culture and hopefully some tasty local cuisine.

How is temperature comparison (HK – 25-28c with 60-70%humidity to Australia).

Hong Kong is definitely hotter than Australia at this time of year however in the Australian summer temperatures are usually between 20-35c. However the big difference will be the extra humidity and as a result I think that hydration will play a key role to being successful on race day.

Anything else?

I am really looking forward to competing in the HK50km. Being able to test myself against some of HK's best runners and some other international athletes will make a great finale to my 2014 racing season.

Caine is sponsored by
Compressport
La Sportiva
Ron Hill
Endura Sports Nutrition

We wish him all the luck at the Oct 26 2014 MSIG HK50 as will be interesting if he's well rested.