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‘Inspiring’ film showcasing emotional toll of gruelling 298km trail running event captivates Hong Kong audiences

  • Four Trails screening sells out at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, and is poised for global release
  • Director Robin Lee tells stories of gutsy individuals who took part in 2021 staging of 298km Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge

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Hyun Chang Chung was among the competitors at the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge. Photo: Alan Li

A captivating film documenting the physical and mental hardships of runners taking on one of Hong Kong’s most daunting athletic challenges has been gripping audiences across the city.

Four Trails is an up-close-and-personal account of the elite band of participants in the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge.

Director Robin Lee, who was responsible for Breaking 60, the film which told the story of the 2017 event, captured every step of the winding 298km race, as runners navigated the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau trails.

Runners covering the distance within 60 hours are classed as ‘finishers’, while those managing to complete the event between 60-72 hours are anointed as ‘survivors’. The opening five editions of the annual challenge produced no finishers, highlighting the event’s magnitude.

Only 18 former ‘finishers and survivors’ were invited to compete in 2021’s blue-riband staging, which marked the 10-year anniversary of a brutal challenge that was the brainchild of German expat and Hong Kong trail runner Andre Blumberg.

Competitor Nikki Han on her way to finishing the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge. Photo: Ivan Van Eetvelt
Competitor Nikki Han on her way to finishing the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge. Photo: Ivan Van Eetvelt

“The challenges Andre Blumberg creates for the participants are what makes Four Trails a fascinating look at the world of ultramarathon,” Lee, whose brother Ben produced the film, said. “But it is the feats of human endurance, and the camaraderie and generosity of the athletes that carries an important message of hope and resilience for the viewers.

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