HK4TUC: ‘survive, don’t die’ the goal for Alyx Ulbrich in Hong Kong’s 298km non-stop ultramarathon
- Japan-based American Alyx Ulbrich, who has done little training for the distance, expecting waves of grief and acceptance at gruelling Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge
The emotional highs and lows of running 298 kilometres will be such a roller coaster for Alyx Ulbrich that he has likened it to being in mourning.
The Japan-based American is taking part in the notorious Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC). The event links the Maclehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails in one non-stop mammoth slog. There are no check points and runners are not allowed any support on the trails, although they can get help travelling between them.
If you reach the end, marked by the Mui Wo postbox, in under 60 hours you are a “finisher”, and if you get there in under 75 hours you are a “survivor”. Only six people have ever become finishers in the event made famous by the documentary film Breaking 60.
Ulbrich is coming to the race with two aims. “Survive,” she said. “And don’t die.”
