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Extreme fitness
OutdoorTrail Running

How long can trail race organisers survive if there is no Hong Kong-wide Covid-19 vaccine until 2022 and sports are still restricted?

  • The government has warned there may be no vaccine until 2022 and it may be the death of trailrunnning companies
  • Is there a storm brewing as more trail users could mean more clashes between runners and hikers when racing returns?

Reading Time:5 minutes
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Runners take on the Lantau 2 Peak trail race, 2019, organised by Micheal Maddess. Photo: Action Asia Events
Mark Agnew
Trail races have been cancelled for most of 2020 because of Covid-19 Social distancing restrictions. The lack of income is taking a toll on trail race organisers’ bottom line, and as the Hong Kong government has said it will be “lucky” to get a citywide vaccination by 2022, there is a long road ahead.
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“Many organisers and those supporting the sport are really struggling,” said Janet Ng, a founder of Trail Runners Association of Hong Kong (TRAHK) and organiser of the Vibram Hong Kong 100.

“Some organisers have now seen two years of their events being cancelled – last year because of the political unrest then followed by Covid-19. No organiser can afford to keep their staff and pay rent for this long without the ability to hold any events, big or small.
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“There has been no indication from the government as to when events might be able to restart, adding to the financial uncertainty. I don’t think many events can survive another year of cancellations.”

Janet Ng thinks the solution is obvious, as trail running is non-contact and outdoors. Photo: SCMP
Janet Ng thinks the solution is obvious, as trail running is non-contact and outdoors. Photo: SCMP

She added that charities and NGOs that depend on an annual trail race to raise funds will also suffer.

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