Action Asia Sprint Series Back for Valentines Day

News Release / 29.01.2016

With much anticipation, the Bonaqua LIFEPROOF Action Sprint series are back with a twist and the first leg – Repulse Bay race will start on Valentine’s Day, Feb 14, 2016. Since 1998, Action Asia Events has incorporated an adventure race with the sprint which have been part of the Hong Kong running scene and gained great popularity among runners. This year however regulation changes have forced a change with the popular river section being removed from the race.

Wyan Chow Pui-yan, the Hong Kong trail running veteran, personal trainer and champion of many races is also joining the Repulse Bay race. “I hope the river part could return in the Sprint series soon as many runners appreciate the unique course design and varieties in the classic Sprint series. Although I still love the new Sprint trails, Hong Kong has enough pure running races, the swimming parts would still add a lot more flavour to the Sprint,” said Wyan Chow Pui-yan.

This time there will be no river gullies in the Sprints due to the new Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) restrictions across Hong Kong, but other parts of the courses will still remain. The whole course combines technical trails, catchwater and road, suitable for all types of runners or fast hikers. Hopefully AFCD will change their mind so that the organiser can bring the classic river parts back next year.

To celebrate the Valentine’s Day, many couples choose to participate in the race together for making special valentine memories. For more joys during the race, we set up new prizes for the best dressed runners this year, including the best dressed ROMEO, JULIET and CUPID! Runners will be taken photos on the beach at start and after judged. There are also plenty of prizes from new Chicken on the Run restaurants in Central/Repulse Bay, cool CamelBak backpacks and LifeProof waterproof cases if you are the romantic type. Hope all the participants will enjoy our race in Repulse Bay and have a wonderful experience on Valentine’s Day.

One of the Hong Kong participants named Fion Chow is looking forward to the races. “I always keep my eyes on Action Asia Events’ website for race updates and I have already registered for the whole SPRINT series as no swimming required this year. I know many loved the river part but I am just not that into swimming so this year’s course is perfect for me” said Chow. As for the training plan, Chow said that she would hit the gym three to four times a week to train for the race.

Another local trail runner Tsun Hei Lo also shares the pre-race preparation. “I followed the course map and ran through the whole course already. Also, I take a running program and do running two to four times a week based on my coach’s instructions.”  

Runners start at Repulse Bay Beach with a beach run going west direction for 100m, following by a turning back towards Violet Hill. After contouring around Violet Hill, trail runners finish half of the trail and head towards Tai Tam Reservoir. By travelling along Tai Tam Reservoir Road downhill, trail runners approach finish line. This year’s race contains no swimming course so runners will complete the race and enjoy the natural view along the course without getting wet. The 14k course reaches elevation gain 603m with high point 406m.

The series could not happen without the kind support of Bonaqua, LIFEPROOF, Action X Store, HOKA One One, C3fit, Salonsip, Aquarius, HKRI, Royale International, Ocean Potion, OL&N, Herbalgy, Socam, Rocktape and the Action Asia Foundation.

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