TransLantau

The TransLantau race is an incredible endurance event which challenges runners to conquer the hills and valleys of Hong Kong’s biggest island.

Just before midnight on March 1st, runners will gather in the dark to begin their 100 km journey from the tiny village of Mui Wo all around Lantau and back.

Now in its 8th year, TransLantau runs a beautiful but challenging route covering Lantau’s most scenic trails. Runners will start by going through the Chi Ma Wan peninsula, climbing up to the Big Buddha at Ngong Ping, down into Tai O, back across the island and on to the Olympic Trail, to finish again at Mui Wo.

During the race, runners will also have to conquer Lantau Peak, the second-highest mountain in Hong Kong at an elevation of 934 metres, and Sunset Peak, at 854 metres.

Competitors must finish the route within 33 hours, and there are checkpoints throughout the race.

To qualify to enter the 100 km race, runners must have completed a 100 km race or a 50 km race in under twelve hours within the last two years. Alternatively, they can compete in the 50km or 25km race categories.

In 2018, the winner of the men’s category came in at 14 hours and 15 minutes, while the fastest female runner came in at 16 hours and 53 minutes.

Currently registration for this event is completely full, but there is a waiting list available. Or check back in the summer to sign up for next year (registration usually opens in early August).

(Emily Dickson)