Race Media

Whelan and Roland victorious at Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series opener
Both first-timers at the Repulse Bay race speak highly of scenic and technical course

HONG KONG, Saturday, March 24 2018 – Ryan Whelan and Stephanie Roland, both debutants at the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series, bagged emphatic wins at the series opener at Repulse Bay this morning. Whelan, from the United Kingdom, claimed the men’s 14km title in 1 hour 14 minutes and 58 seconds, while Roland of Namibia took the women’s 14km title in 1:28:28.

The race, which also offered a 9km category, flagged off at 8.30am from Repulse Bay Beach amidst ideal spring racing conditions. Hundreds of runners of different ages and abilities challenged themselves on the course that ran through Tai Tam Country Park’s technical trails, catchwaters and paved paths.

Whelan was pushed all the way by Canada’s Bryan Crane, who finished just 40 seconds adrift. “It was a fast start and Bryan was right behind me, so I had to run extremely hard and I pushed myself really hard on the uphills. I liked the technical trails best — it was very technical on the last bit but I could maintain a good pace. Overall, my race plan went very well, and I managed to keep the lead.”

With seven years’ experience trail running in Hong Kong, Whelan said the sport has changed his life and attitude greatly. “Living in Causeway Bay, you couldn’t be in a busier place, yet you’re just 20 minutes away from the trail. Trail running relaxes your mind and keeps you fit and healthy as well, so I highly recommend it.”

Crane, who was also participating in the event for the first time, was second in 1:15:38. He said: “It was very fun and I liked the technical parts best. I tried to keep a fast pace from the beginning, and I think my pacing was perfect. Although I didn’t have much time to look around, the scenery was beautiful, like the view over Repulse Bay. I have signed up for the next race in Sai Kung and hopefully I can get a better result there.”

England's Thomas Kitwood (1:17:54) was third a further two minutes behind Crane. He said: “The course was very well marked and marshalled; I really didn’t want to get lost. I liked it very much and I have already signed up the next race in Sai Kung.”

The women’s race wasn’t nearly as tight as the men’s: women’s champion Roland was about three minutes ahead of second-placed German Angelika Hahn (1:31:30). Roland said: “ I have done a few 50km races before but this is my first shorter race. It was a great race and I had a lot of fun. I quite liked the technical sections and uphills. There was beautiful scenery, and I am quite happy with my result today.”

Familiarity with the race course certainly gave Hahn an edge. She said: “I’ve never done this race before but I live very close by, so I run here almost every day. I know this place very well, every stone. In fact, I hiked with my daughter here yesterday.”

In the 9km category, local runner Lai Pak-to successfully defended his men’s title in 56:14. Lai said: “I am very happy to win for the second consecutive time. I felt a little more tired this year because I did a long race last week. But I am very familiar with the course and the scenery was just as beautiful as last year.”

Scottish runner Alice Mcleod, who moved to Hong Kong only three weeks ago and was competing in her first ever race, won the women’s 9km title in 1:17:27. Surprised by her victory, she said: “I don’t even know how this has happened but the race was amazing. I liked the course very much, especially the downhills. I will definitely come back next year and try the 14km.”

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.

For the opening event of the SPRINT Trail Series, runners set off from Repulse Bay Beach and after a short sprint on the sand, they headed up towards Tai Tam Country Park for a loop around Violet Hill. The 9km participants then dropped back down to Repulse Bay, while the 14km participants continued on towards Tai Tam Reservoir for another loop before finishing back at the beach.

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 Results
14 km - Top 5 Men
Name - Nationality - Team/Sponsor - Time
1. Ryan Whelan – United Kingdom – 01:14:58
2. Bryan Crane – Canada – 01:15:38
3. Thomas Kitwood – United Kingdom – 01:17:54
4. Koene Van Aalst – Netherlands – 01:18:50
5. Andrew Graham– Australia – 01:19:46

14km - Top 5 Women
1. Stephanie Roland – Namibia – 01:28:28
2. Angelika Hahn – Germany – 01:31:30
3. Laura Holden – United Kingdom – 01:32:56
4. Ashley Zahm – Hong Kong – 01:36:31
5. Meg Lucas – Australia – 01: 36:31

9 km - Top 3 Men
1. Pak To Lai – Australia – 00:56:14
2. Andrew Fletcher – Hong Kong – 00:58:26
3. Max Salven – Finland – 01:03:25

9km - Top 3 Women
1. Alice Mcleod – United Kingdom – 01:17:27
2. Evelyn Chan – Hong Kong – 01:21:21
3. Margaux Bouyssonie – France – 01:22:03

Race Info

Event Name: Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT Trail Series - Repulse Bay
Date: March 24, 2018 (Saturday)
Start Time: 8:30 am
Start Location: Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Distance: 14 km and 9km
Category: Hiking and Trail Running
Course:  http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/past-events/2018/2018action-sprintrepbay/course.html#content

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