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Discovery Bay Action Sprint title taken by Zien Williams for record seventh time as series makes post-Covid-19 restrictions return

  • Briton won six titles between 2012 and 2018, and returns to win again on home course
  • Vlad Ixel grabs third men’s title and sets course record in process during brief visit from Australia

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Zein Williams wins her seventh Discovery Bay Action Sprint title. Photo: Action Asia

Zein Williams made a habit of winning the Discovery Bay Action Sprint race between 2012 and 2018, she returned to the event this year and added a record seventh title to her collection.

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The Hong Kong resident covered the 12km course, which took runners up to Tiger’s Head and back down past the golf club and Trappist Monastery before finishing on the beach, in a time of one hour, 26 minutes.

She was followed in by Ainoa Mombiel, who was second in 1:33, and Karen Hung in third in 1:34.

Zein Williams and Vlad Ixel celebrate winning the 2023 Discovery Bay Action Sprint. Photo: Action Asia
Zein Williams and Vlad Ixel celebrate winning the 2023 Discovery Bay Action Sprint. Photo: Action Asia

“I love this course. It always means a lot when racing on Lantau as so many friends here to keep me on my toes,” Williams said.

Mombiel said she had had enjoyed the “very fast course” despite it being a hot day on Sunday.

“It was great fun, super nice going up with great views,” she said. “I had great fun around the golf course trail. It was nice swimming in the ocean, great day, great race and had a lot of fun.”

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In the men’s race, Vlad Ixel, a stalwart of the Hong Kong running scene before he moved to Australia, claimed his third Discovery Bay Action Sprint title.

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