Race Media

For fun, fitness or finding new perspectives: why the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series is more than just a race

Participants share unique motivations for participating in the upcoming Sai Kung leg

HONG KONG, Friday, April 13, 2018 – The second leg of the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series will be held on Sunday April 15 in Sai Kung, following the successful first leg at Repulse Bay last month. The 12 kilometre race, which will start and finish at Pak Tam Chung, aims to showcase beautiful scenery along lesser-known trails and give participants a chance to experience unfamiliar locations, in the process raising awareness of the dire need to reduce our carbon footprint.

Secondary school student Chung Ka-man, a beginner trail runner, had great fun at the Repulse Bay leg and is looking forward to racing in Sai Kung. Chung said: “The lifestyle of Hong Kong people is fast-paced and we seldom stop and see the wonderful things around us. Since I started trail running, I have learned to stop and appreciate the beautiful things around me. I have met different friends in various races and have expanded my social circle.”

Chung makes time for training by maximising his time at school and during his commutes. “In order to balance study and trail running, I focus in class and do my revision on the way to school or on the way home. As a trail beginner, I have a lot of room for improvement, and that’s why I’m motivated to train hard even if I’m tired after school.”

The race flags off at 9am and participants will first run 5km through country park road, then tackle 5.5km of off-road trails that includes a mix of technical track and stone stairs. The final portion of the course goes along a smooth trail for 2km, sending runners back to where they began. The course is designed to suit runners of all abilities as well as fast hikers.

Novice trail runner Dominic Lui will be racing the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series for the first time. His goal is to finish the race smoothly. Said Lui: “My friend recommended the race to me; it’s my very first Action Asia Events race. I hope to strengthen my body by trail running and aim to finish the race within an hour and a half.”

Stephanie Roland, the women’s champion of the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series Repulse Bay, will be looking for another good performance in Sai Kung. Her secret to running fast? Keep it fun.

Said Roland: “I rarely have any specific expectations going into a race. I like to challenge myself and test my abilities, and with strong fellow competitors that is definitely more fun and brings out the best performances. I will try to stay in the moment and not worry too much about the competition, because running on the trails, whether it be training or racing, is simply great fun.”

Hong Kong elite trail runner Stone Tsang Siu-keung shared his tips on how to master the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series. Tsang said: “Integrate your training into your everyday life. For example, you could run back home after work, or perhaps get off a stop or two before your destination and jog the remainder of the distance home. If you live or work in a tall building, you could do some power hiking on the stairs to get in some hill work.

“On weekends, try to head out to the trails with friends and practise going up and down technical terrain. Enjoy some little adventures. Running three times a week should be enough to prepare you for the race.”

The Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series has been organised for 15 years. Action Asia Events is dedicated to creating diversified and challenging routes, and giving runners the opportunity to set foot on less-trodden trails and explore the suburbs away from the concrete jungle.

The event is possible due to the generous support of presenting sponsors Bonaqua and C3fit with supporting partners: Action X Store, Hoka One One, Salonsip, Royale International, Aquarius, OL&N and Action Asia Foundation.

 

Race Info