Hong Kong Four Trails runner talks to the monkeys until he finds inner peace during 298km challenge
- Tsang Wai-fung gets used to running without headphones but first experiences highs and lows of solitary adventure
- Among the rules designed to make the race hard are those banning pain killers, running poles and any kind of music or podcasts
Preparing for the challenge of covering 298km non-stop across Hong Kong, Tsang Wai-fung discovered the biggest obstacle he had to overcome was a lack of headphones.
There are several rules designed to make the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge particularly taxing, including bans on pain killers, running poles, and music or podcasts to help pass the time.
Covering the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails, the race is typically tackled by about 20 runners, usually spread out over significant distances.
Those brave enough have 60 hours to become a finisher or 72 hours to be deemed a survivor. There is no support allowed on the trails, and no checkpoints, though runners have help transporting between the end and start of each trail.
The 49-year-old Tsang ran the four trails in four days in December 2022 to prepare for the big test.
