Running Hong Kong’s four trails in four days, a combination of meditation and determination

Catherine Cormack and Jo Lodder, inspired by the HK4TUC, take on 298km of running and hiking in four days

The pair are raising money for two charities – Stop Trafficking Of People and Team for Animals in Lantau South

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Catherine Cormack and Jo Lodder, residents of Mui Wo, are taking on the four trails in four days. Photos: Mihaela Tudor

Published: 5:08pm, 24 Mar 2021Updated: 5:08pm, 24 Mar 2021

Two trail runners are taking on all four of Hong Kong’s major trails in four days, combing an attitude of meditation and determination to make it through the 298km of mountains.

“For the longer trail runs, I love just turning off, switching off the mind. Focusing on what’s on what’s around you, seeing the wildlife as you pass, seeing the scenery and seeing the different conditions, like being out for sunrise, sunset set or in the dark. It’s a very meditative experience.” said Catherine Cormack, a Hong Kong-based Vet.

“But also when I’m racing, the determination and trying to push yourself, getting better, faster, climbing faster, and improving, I like that too.

“This is somewhere between – physically it’s going to be demanding physically, but pace wise it’s going to be slower than a race.”

Catherine Cormack and Jo Lodder are running for Stop Trafficking Of People and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Cormack and Jo Lodder are taking on the 100km MacLehose, 78km Wilson Trail, 50km Hong Kong Trail and 70km Lantau Trail over four consecutive days. Their challenge is similar to the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, which combines all the trails in under, at most, 72 hours, but started as the “4-in-4” days.