The North Face 100, a highlight on Hong Kong’s trail running calendar, returned with a spectacular showcase of endurance and skill, headlined by Philippines’ John Ray Onifa and Nepal’s Sunmaya Budha who clinched victories in the grueling 100km races. The event, attracting a diverse field of runners, underscored the growing popularity and competitive nature of trail running in the region.
Onifa completed the demanding 100km race in an impressive 11 hours, 57 minutes and 16 seconds, showcasing his remarkable endurance and speed. He finished well ahead of France’s Guillaume Perrot, who secured the second spot. In the women’s category, Sunmaya Budha demonstrated her formidable trail running prowess, leading the pack with a time of 14:40:00. Hong Kong’s own Cheung Man-yee, a notable name in the local trail running scene, finished as the second woman.
This year’s North Face 100 introduced a new 16km race, catering to a wider range of running enthusiasts, particularly those newer to off-road challenges. The inclusion of this shorter distance, alongside the traditional 100km and 50km races, saw a significant increase in participation, with 1,800 runners compared to the previous 1,200.
Another notable change was the late-night start for the 100km race, a strategic move that allowed for a larger field of participants. The course, renowned for its difficulty, included an ascent of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, and traversed a variety of challenging terrains. The route, spanning nine sections and starting and ending in Tai Mei Tuk, tested the runners’ limits with its steep inclines and rugged paths.
In the inaugural 16km race, Hong Kong’s Rex Lo and Katherine Lim emerged victorious in their respective categories. The 50km race saw local favorites Stone Tsang Siu-keung and Harmony Lam Cho-yu clinch the titles, further showcasing the depth of trail running talent in Hong Kong.
The North Face 100’s success in Hong Kong highlights the growing interest in trail running as both a competitive sport and a form of adventure. The event not only challenges seasoned athletes but also opens up opportunities for newcomers to experience the thrill of trail running, contributing to the sport’s dynamic and inclusive nature.
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