Trail runners turn to tech for lengthy 12 Peaks race

Erin Chan

Runners can take part in an unconventional trail running race with the aid of technology, despite marathons being canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 12 Peaks, originally set for last October, has been postponed to February 27 to March 31.

Athletes will run individually - instead of in a group - and use the mobile app TrailMe to track their location, distance and time.

The race is organized by three avid trail runners: Elco Cheung, a track and field coach, and her husband Morrisey Cheung, as well as their friend, Elton Lam - race director and editor of sports blog Running Biji.

Elco said she was a couch potato before she met her sporty husband Morrisey, who has been instructing her running.

"I had never imagined myself running half-marathon, full-marathon and 100-kilometer race," Elco said.

Featuring 12 peaks, the event will take place along the MacLehose Trail. It comprises two courses - 56 and 16 kilometers. Runners must complete them within 17 hours and six hours respectively.

The 56-kilometer course covers 12 peaks - Ngau Yee Shek Shan, Kai Kung Shan, Wan Cook Shan, Tate's Cairn, Unicorn Ridge, Beacon Hill, Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, Yin Ngam Teng, Sze Fong Shan, Wo Tong Kong and Tai Mo Shan - which have a total elevation of nearly 3,900 meters.

The 16km course spans Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, Yin Ngam Teng, Sze Fong Shan, Tai Mo Shan and Wo Tong Kong.

Among the six peaks, some sections are relatively easy for runners, including the road stretching from Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, Yin Ngan Teng and the highland trail on Sze Fong Shan, with a total elevation of just 1,400 meters. Runners who finish the 56km race are entitled to three International Trail Running Association points and they can make as many attempts as they want.

Meanwhile, all qualified results will be ranked on the mobile app. There are 12 prizes for the men's open and the women's open in the 56km and the 16km race each.

The race, with a HK$320 fee for each course and is now opening for online applications, will be held from 6am on February 27 till 8pm on March 31.