MSIG Sai Kung 50 - HK50 Series
Top HK Local Runners Shine at MSIG Action Asia Development Programme
Press Release / 08.02.2018
The MSIG Sai Kung 50 on 10th February 2018 is the last qualifying race - and tiebreaker! - of the 2018 MSIG Action Asia Development Programme. Top local trail runners are competing to win a five-month professional coaching programme; free entry to the 2018 Lijiang Yunnan Action Asia 3 day Ultra Marathon; and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to represent Hong Kong in 2018 Skyrunning World Championships in Scotland.
The top-ranked local male runner so far, Ng Wai Hei from The North Face Asia Trail Runner group, is looking forward to the upcoming MSIG Sai Kung 50. “I never thought about winning the Development Programme” says Mr Ng, “I’ve just been trying to do my best and to enjoy every race on the trails. So I’m really delighted with my current points in the ranking.”
Cheung Man Yee has retained the Top Local Woman title after two MSIG HK50 Series races, and she also won 2nd place in the women’s race at the MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50 race in mid-December 2017. “I think I could’ve performed better on the MSIG Lantau 50 trail in December” says Ms Cheung, “But I’m very excited and happy with my latest combined score and my ranking on the MSIG Action Asia Development Programme.”
Chow Chi Hung currently holds 2nd place in the local male ranking, is also very pleased with his performance. “It is a nice surprise to be on the leader board as I only started trail running two or three years ago, which is not a long time compared to the other athletes. Due to my tight work schedule it’s very challenging for me to find time to train for the 50km races, but I’m certainly trying my best for the MSIG Sai Kung 50.”
Currently ranked the 2nd place in the female development programme rankings, Zoe Wong Mei Chi has been enjoying her trail running adventures during MSIG HK50 Series. “I’m trying not to be distracted by the chance of winning the programme. I’m just keeping my usual racing attitude going. I enjoy the opportunity to experience nature every time I race.”
Ranked 3rd among local male runners, Lee Wai Kin, from The North Face Hong Kong team is also eagerly awaiting the MSIG Sai Kung 50. Sharing his training plan for this race, he said “It’s already the racing season and I would like to learn from more elite runners through participating in different races. I think I need to work harder on balancing, adjusting and controlling my pace in the race. I also need to focus on how to take supplements more efficiently in order to perform better.”
Teacher Ada Tsang Yin Hung is glad to have earned the 3rd place so far among local female runners. “It is thrilling to be in the top 3. If I can win the opportunity to race in Europe, that would be an excellent way for me to encourage my students to pursue their dreams. I always tell them that their best efforts can always offer a chance to go further than they can imagine. However, I won’t only focus on the prize or give myself too much pressure. I will just try my best to perform well.”
Sponsored by global general insurer MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited, the MSIG Action Asia Development Programme is the first programme of its kind for local Hong Kong trail runners. To qualify for the programme, runners need to be Hong Kong-born, and must participate in at least two 50-kilometre races in the 2017 / 18 MSIG HK50 Series. The highest-ranked local male and female runners at the end of the four-race series wins a five-month comprehensive professional coaching programme to prepare them for the 2018 Skyrunning World Championships. Plus, in the lead up to the World Championships, MSIG Action Asia Development Programme winners will also be awarded free entry of the Lijiang Yunnan Action Asia 3 Day Ultra Marathon which is held in mainland China in April 2018.
For more details and conditions of the MSIG Action Asia Development Programme, visit the official website of Action Asia Events: www.actionasiaevents.com
MSIG Action Asia Development Programme Ranking
Top 5 Men
Name – Team – Total points
1. Ng Wai Hei - The North Face / Asia Trail - 172 points
2. Chi Hung Chow - 140 points
3. Wai Kin Lee - The North Face Hong Kong - 100 points
4. Ho Tat Hui – 88 points
5. Hon Hei Wong – 88 points
Top 5 Women
Name – Team – Total points
1. Man Yee Cheung - 130 points
2. Zoe Wong - 106 points
3. Yin Hung Tsang - 100 points
4. Yee Ting Chris Kwan – 88 points
5. Ming Wai Fung – 78 points
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