Is this Hong Kong’s most unique trail race? Runners sail between four peaks on Lantau, Lamma, Hong Kong and the New Territories
- There are few places on earth where it is possible to host an event where runners sail, kayak to shore and scale mountains
The most unique running event in Hong Kong is taking place this weekend. In fact, it may be one of the most unique races in the world. To complete the Beneteau Four Peaks, teams have to sail between Lantau Peak, Mount Stenhouse on Lamma, Violet Hill on Hong Kong Island and Ma On Shan in the New Territories. When they arrive on the shore line, two runners kayak ashore, scale the mountain and return to the boat.
There are no set routes. Some yachts drop off their runners and sail around to the other side of the island or bay to pick them up to cut their time sailing. Others go up and down the same route.
Cyril Gomez, 35, and Nicola Kwan, 29, are taking part on board a yacht called Arcturus. Kwan completed it two years ago, in 22 hours. The pair will run up and down Lantau Peak and leave the other mountains to their teammates as they help sail.
“To have a different view of Hong Kong is very cool and Hong Kong in the morning is so beautiful, so hopefully the weather will be nice,” said Gomez, who is originally from Paris. “But the wind does not seem to be strong so it might be a very long race. A combination between a kayak and a run, and the sailing, is cool. We like being on the water.”
Gomez has been sailing since he was five but is worried that the specific sailing terminology will not translate to his native French. But with plenty of time between the peaks, he is sure he can pick it up. Ultimately, he just wants to see a new side of Hong Kong.
