customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

knowledgeQuestion

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Matt Eaton

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.
“We cannot say with 100 per cent confidence that this year’s event will happen,” De Nadai told the Post. “There are some positive signs from the government, but there are some adjustments we need to do.”
De Nadai confirmed this year’s TransLantau will run under the UTMB World Series Major banner, but expects the number of international trail runners would be less than five per cent.
While travel restrictions to Hong Kong have been reduced to three nights, many in the sports industry say it does not go far enough to attract high-profile international sporting events.
“I know some people are keen to travel to Hong Kong and go through quarantine, but we will not have the 50 per cent participation that we would normally get with an official UTMB race.
“It won’t be a normal event, but I think runners will be very understanding,” De Nadai said.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Hong Kong Marathon said they hoped to update the public within the next fortnight about this year’s race, which is scheduled for November 20.
A spokesperson from Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates stressed public safety was their first priority.
“As public health is of paramount importance, we are in active discussions with the relevant government departments to finalise the Covid-19-related measures for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.
“We are aiming to receive positive news in the next two weeks and share more details with the public.”


Hong Kong bridge half-marathon returns, bosses say food, water, delay issues resolved

Formula One’s Valtteri Bottas among those embracing fast-growing sport of gravel riding

Britain laces up for a Japan-style 116km relay as Emperor Naruhito visits

Nepal’s ‘Everest man’ reaches peak for record 30th time

Extreme fitness

Oxfam Trailwalker and TransLantau hang in the balance as they await government approval for 2022 events

The last Oxfam Trailwalker event was in 2019. Photo: Oxfam

Organisers are hoping the 2022 TransLantau ultra marathon will go ahead on a modified format. Photo: Sunny Lee

Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon are waiting for approval for their 2022 race. Photo: Nora Tam

Oxfam Trailwalker organisers waiting for officials to give race the go ahead, as reports suggest it is set for November

Oxfam Trailwalker dates could be announced in early August. Photo: Handout

The four person team race runs from Sai Kung to Yeun Long. Photo: Lachlan Barder

Between 4,000 and 5,000 runners take part in the Oxfam Trailwalker, plus their support teams. Photo: Dickson Lee

Oxfam Trailwalker winners overcome cracked ribs, treadmill training in quarantine and a switch to a virtual race in build up to 100km victory

(From Left) Jeff Campbell, John Ellis, Masa Shirotake and Ryan Whelan on their way to winning the Oxfam Trailwalker 2021, the virtual race. Photo: Handout

(From front) John Ellis, Jeff Campbell, Masa Shirotake and Ryan Whelan stick to Ellis’ pacing plan. Photo: Handout

Oxfam Trailwalker scrapped after government denies exemption from group gathering ban

Competitors at the starting point of the 2018 Oxfam Trailwalker in Sai Kung. Photo: Dickson Lee

Team from AIA crosses the finish line at the 2018 Oxfam Trailwalker, photographed in Yuen Long. 17NOV18 SCMP / Tory Ho

Runners nearing the finish line at the 2018 Oxfam Trailwalker, photographed in Yuen Long. 17NOV18 SCMP / Tory Ho

Sport

Outdoor

Trail Running


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



Oxfam Trailwalker and the TransLantau ultra marathon remain under a cloud as they await government approval to host events later this year.


Oxfam Trailwalker

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 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