Four Trails, a documentary about the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC), has been quietly selling out its limited showings since its December 6 release. The 101-minute film condenses over 200 hours of footage into a gripping account of the event’s 10th-anniversary edition, which featured 18 elite runners tackling all four of Hong Kong’s major trails: MacLehose, Hong Kong, Wilson, and Lantau. Covering 298 kilometers (185 miles) with an elevation gain of over 14,500 meters (47,500 feet) in under 72 hours, the challenge is not for the faint of heart.
Directed by Robin Lee, Four Trails offers a raw and immersive glimpse into the psyches of the runners as they confront grueling physical demands, hallucinations, and the constant temptation to quit. “We wanted to capture as much as we could, from their training to the event itself,” Lee explained. The film crew, which included Lee’s brother and producer Ben Lee, faced their own trials, dealing with sleep deprivation, logistical challenges, and the unpredictability of the runners’ progress.
Drone shots play a pivotal role in the film, showcasing the vast terrain of Hong Kong’s trails and the monumental scale of the challenge. “It’s easy to say they ran 298 kilometers, but visualizing it is a big challenge,” said Robin Lee. The film’s visuals also highlight Hong Kong’s natural beauty, from lush greenery and rugged mountains to its iconic skyline and efficient transport systems.
The documentary goes beyond the physical feat, delving into the motivations and determination of the participants. For Robin Lee, the project mirrored the runners’ journeys. “There were many moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t put everything I could into this,” he shared.
Four Trails has already garnered widespread acclaim, including the Audience Award for Best Film at the 2023 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. For viewers, the film is not just about running—it’s a testament to human resilience and the enduring “Lion Rock Spirit” of Hong Kong.
Robin Lee and his team hope to expand the documentary’s reach both locally and internationally, sharing this inspiring story of grit and determination with a wider audience.
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