Action Asia Back in Hong Kong
Rob Howard / 22.11.2004
On December 5th, Hong Kong will be the venue for what’s described as the largest International Adventure race in Asia, the Samsung Action Asia Challenge.Action Asia Challenge started small in Hong Kong in 1998, but now it attracts more than 1,500 competitors a year. \"Adventuring racing is growing rapidly all over the world, and we have built our reputation on it because people can always get tremendous fun and excitement from our events. They’ve found that not only their physical fitness is being tested, but also their willpower and trust in their teammates,\" said Race Director Michael Maddess.
“The October event in Singapore was filled up amazingly quickly (within 4 weeks) and registration of the Hong Kong race has been open for some weeks now, so anyone planning on entering should find a teammate now and act quick to be one of the 150 teams of two!â€
The race will cover a minimum of 30 km and include trail running, ocean kayaking, abseiling, fixed line rope tests, cargo nets, mountain biking and rock scrambling. It’s been designed by Maddess, an experienced adventure racer himself, who has worked on over 10 previous courses.
\"We\'ve designed the course to appeal to athletes of all levels, from first time adventure racers to seasoned competitors. First time racers will have an opportunity to compete with top runners, bikers, adventure racers, etc and have a chance to get plenty of adrenalin rushes along the way,\" Maddess added. \"Still, it will require a certain degree of fitness and stamina from all participants to compete non-stop for four to eight hours, so start working on your cardio,\" he advised.
Proceeds from the events are donated to local and regional charities through the Action Asia Foundation. \"This is the 6th year in a row Samsung has been the title sponsor and we are happy that they share the same vision with us to help grow adventure racing and raising money for the Foundation. We are thankful for their commitment,\" said Maddess.
All course details will be kept secret until the day before the race and even then competitors will not know the order or length of the disciplines in the race. They will follow a marked course from start to finish with many special tests in between and need to use their intelligence, think quick and explore a best way to win the race.
The race is open to anyone who is reasonably fit and over 18. Two person teams are divided into six categories – Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Combined Age 80+, Combined Age 100+, and University – and compete over 30-40 km.
For more information see click here.
