Oxfam Trailwalker and TransLantau hang in the balance as they await government approval for 2022 events
- Two of Hong Kong’s signature outdoor hiking events remain under a cloud as the city’s Covid-19 restrictions continue to complicate plans
- Oxfam Trailwalker says the government will decide within two weeks whether November’s event can go ahead or not
Two of Hong Kong’s signature outdoor trail running events remain under a cloud as the city’s Covid-19 restrictions continue to hamper their plans.
The Oxfam Trailwalker revealed this week it was unclear if this year’s event would go ahead, with the government yet to approve plans for the 100km trail running race that was originally scheduled for November 25-27.
Oxfam Trailwalker, one of the largest fundraising sports events in Hong Kong, has raised more than HK$600 million to support the charity group’s various initiatives. The event has faced three years of back-to-back cancellations.
“We have been communicating closely with government departments in hopes of hosting an in-person OTW,” the charity group said.
“Despite the uncertainties we face every day, we know that all Trailwalkers are resilient in the face of changes. As always, we remain committed to pressing ahead with you and hope to see you on the trail soon.”
The news comes as the annual TransLantau ultra marathon event announced it was unlikely that its 100km and 140km races would go ahead, as current Covid-19 restrictions do not allow for food consumption. Only races of up to 50km with no food consumption are allowed under current rules.
A new proposal to run the 100km event over two days is now pending approval.
Sabrina De Nadai, co-director UTMB Asia, said she remained optimistic that the event would go ahead, but said a decision would only be known just one week out from the race.
