Skyrunning Asian Championship to be Held a MSIG Sai Kung 50

News Release / 13.01.2015

MSIG Sai Kung 50 is proud to be selected as the official race of the Skyrunning Asian Championship. This is the last race of the MSIG 4 ultra Skyrunning race series which has seen the previous additions taken part on Hong Kong Island and Lantau.

The MSIG Sai Kung 50 is a qualifying event for the UTMB and the Skyrunning series with points up for grabs in the 50km and 26km categories.

“2015 will see further development of the globalization of the sport with Continental Championships taking place in five continents. The Skyrunning Asian Championship venue was chosen thanks to the success and reputation of the MSIG SK50K: the gruelling technical course with over 2500+ elevation gain, the natural beauty with stunning white sand beaches and the large participation of runners. Skyrunning, now counting more than 30 nation members, the climb for Olympic recognition is well underway”, says Marino Giacometti – ISF President.

“This is the first time Asia has held a Skyrunning Championship Race. It has attracted a host of international world class runners descending into Hong Kong to try and claim the Asian title whilst accumulating points to be crowned world champion at the end of the World Series” says Michael Maddess, Director of Action Asia Events, the organizer of Skyrunning Asian Championship.

Top international runners who are confirmed to take part include Elisa Desco from Italy who is the Skyrunning 42k World Champion at Chamonix, Tom Owens from the UK who was 3rd at the World Championship 42k in Chamonix and Martin Gaffuri from France who was 4th at the Skyrunning Ultra World Series as well as a host of other top international runners who are confirmed to take part. Registration is quickly filling up and over 1000 competitors are confirmed to take part.

Yan Longfei, another top runner from China who won the previous 2 races in the series the MSIG HK50 and MSIG Lantau 50 says, ‘I have been training really hard for the MSIG Sai Kung 50. As I don’t have a coach, I have the flexibility to create my own training schedule. I do trail running and road running every day in order to prepare myself for the MSIG Sai Kung 50. I love trail running as it gives me a sense of relaxation that I couldn’t get from road running. Being able to see some of the most stunning views in the world is definitely my greatest experience so far.’

‘The MSIG Sai Kung 50 will be my first 50k in a Skyrunning series. It’s my pleasure to be invited by Action Asia Events for the second time and I am really looking forward to the race. I have been training really hard in preparation for this upcoming race by putting in longer distance runs at training. I also need to remind myself to get enough rest before the race as I didn’t for the last MSIG Lantau 50 race which was very tough.’, says Dong Li, the overall winner of MSIG Lantau 50 88k category in December.

Strong local runner Chow Pui Yan is also confirmed for the race. ‘I am always looking to improve the weak parts of my race and make myself a better runner. The MSIG 50 race will provide a great test for me especially as I will be competing against some of the top runners in the world.’ says Chow, who came third in The North Face 100 Hong Kong in 2014.   

Ho Jochun who was the first place female Taiwanese runner at the Action Asia Taiwan 50 race in 2014 says ‘I am lucky and deeply honored to have this opportunity to take part in Skyrunning Asian Championship.  To prepare myself for this event, I’m working on my endurance for long distance and speed on steep trails.  I run short trails that are easy to get to from my home during weekdays, and longer ones such as trails that connect peaks in Yang-Ming Mountain. On the weekend I run between 24K and 50K on the road.  Action Asia Events has broadened my view and knowledge, and opened doors to new trail running possibilities. I hope to do my best in the race and bring my experience back to fellow trail runners in Taiwan.  I also hope to see more important trail running events and top runners from around the world taking part in some races in Taiwan in the near future.’                     

Chou Pin Chi, who finished fourth at the Taiwan Action Asia 50 is relishing the opportunity to see the renowned beautiful trails of Hong Kong ‘I have enjoyed trail running for many years but I used to do general hiking. Joining trail running races have broadened my horizon and I really enjoy getting closer to nature and the environment. Having been able to take part in the first Skyrunning race in Taiwan was such a great honor. I am really looking forward to the MSIG Sai Kung 50 and to see the stunning mountain scenery of Hong Kong.’

The winner of the qualifying event in Malaysia race Mohamad Affindi Nudin of Mizuno has also confirmed his appearance for the MSIG Sai Kung 50. ‘I’m already deep into training for the MSIG Sai Kung 50. For me it’s going to be a real challenge as it is the first time I am going to do a 50km trail race. I am thinking hard about my food and dietary preparations for the race as it will play a big factor in the race.” said Nudin.

French ultra-marathon runner Martin Gaffuri who has won the 4th at the Skyrunning Ultra World Series is also coming to Hong Kong for MSIG Sai Kung 50 “2015 Skyrunning season will start early and in style! First stop for me will be the Asian Skyrunning Championship at the Action Asia Events at the MSIG Series Sai Kung race!” said Gaffuri.

All distances start at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung at the start of the MacLehose Trail, and traverse through Sai Kung East Country Park. The 26km and 50km offer some of the best views on offer in Hong Kong going close to Sharp Peak (Nam She Tsim) and providing unrivalled views of Sai Kung’s beaches, including the secluded Tai Long Wan beach. If 50km and 26km seem too much to handle, there’s also a 13 km race on offer.

The top local man and woman (based on placing) will represent Hong Kong in the ISF world championships in 2015.

Action Asia Events is thankful to the title sponsor MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited, and other sponsors the ActionX Store, OtterBox, Bonaqua, Salomon, Key Sun Zinke, Skins, Herbalgy, Salonpas, Oregon Scientific, Oldham Li & Nie Lawyers, the China Skyrunning Association, Trail Running Association, Pearl’s, AroundDB, Hong Kong Amateur Radio Communications Association, the Qualifying Race 2014, Holiday Inn and the Action Asia Foundation.

More about the Races

Event Name: MSIG Sai Kung 50 - HK50 Series

Date: Feb 7, 2015 (Saturday)

Start Time: 7:00 a.m

Start Location: Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden, Sai Kung

Distance: 13km, 26km, 50km

Category: Trail Running and Hiking

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