Trail Running｜5 Hong Kong Trail Running Routes for Beginners
The real Hong Kong running experience doesn't limit to the city streets! In Hong Kong, three-quarters of the land is countryside, which consists of 129 different trail routes. They are in various lengths and conditions. Moreover, transportation in Hong Kong is convenient as it only takes 1 to 2 hours to travel between the city and the countryside. Therefore, trail running is one of the most popular mountain sports, just like hiking.
Trail running might sound challenging but it's not! We have 5 easy trail route recommendations and they could all be finished in 3 hours. Find out more and let’s gear up for trail running season!
Trail Running Route 1: Section 5 of MacLehose Trail, Wong Tai Sin
Route: Fat Jong Temple >> Lion Pavilion >> MacLehose Trail Section 5 >> Reunification Pavilion >> Lion Rock Park
Distance: Approx. 5 km
Time required: Approx. 1 hour
About Route: You could take a minibus from Wong Tai Sin MTR Station to Fat Jong Temple. After getting off the minibus, you walk to Fat Jong Temple and start running from there. Running up the hill along the slope, you will reach the Lion Pavilion. There is a tuck shop and a toilet next to the Lion Pavilion for a break if necessary. After passing the Lion's Pavilion, you will enter the Section 5 of MacLehose Trail and head towards the Reunification Pavilion. You will then start the downhill route and finish the run at Lion Rock Park.
Trail Running Route : Section 5 of MacLehose Trail, Wong Tai Sin
Trail Running Route 2: Tai Tam Reservoir, Quarry Bay
Route: Mount Parker Road Green Trail >> Quarry Pass >> Tai Tam Reservoir >> Quarry Pass >> Mount Parker Road Green Trail
Distance: Approx. 9 km
Time required: Approx. 2 hours
About Route: Walk from the Quarry Bay MTR Station to Mount Parker Road Green Trail which is on King's Road. Going up the slope, you will pass the "Woodside Biodiversity Education Center" that was built of red bricks. After the education center, you will pass by public toilets and several observation decks, where you can take a break if necessary. Continuing along the Mount Parker Road Green Trail, you will pass the pavilion at Quarry Pass, and then arrive at the Tai Tam Reservoir. At Tai Tam Reservoir, you can take a short rest, then run back along Mount Parker Road until you reach the starting point in Quarry Bay.
Trail Running Route : Tai Tam Reservoir, Quarry Bay
Trail Running Route 3: Sir Cecil's Ride, North Point
Routes: Shau Kei Wan Service Reservoir Playground >> Hong Pak Country Trail >> Mount Parker Road >> Sir Cecil's Ride >> Braemar Hill Road
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Time required: Approx. 1.5 hours
About Route: After arriving at Tung Hei Court by bus, walk to Shau Kei Wan Service Reservoir Playground where the starting point is. Enter Hong Pak Country Trail from the stone stairs next to the park, you will reach Mount Parker Road after running for 2 km, . Continueto run along Mount Parker Road, you will pass a pavilion at Quarry Pass. Keep running forward, you will enter Sir Cecil's Ride, and finish the route at Braemar Hill Road.
Trail Running Route : Sir Cecil's Ride, North Point
Trail Running Route 4: Tai To Yan, Fanling
Route: Fung Ying Seen Koon Car Parking >> Wu Tip Shan >> Pak Tai To Yan >> Tai To Yan >> Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Distance: Approx. 9 km
Time required: Approx. 2 hours
About Route: Starting from Fung Ying Seen Koon Car Park opposite to the Fanling MTR Station, you will pass the observation deck and Tai Chi Garden when you are going straight up Wu Tip Shan. Keep going along the trail, you will arrive at Pak Tai To Yan, and Tai To Yan at the top of the mountain. After Pak Tai To Yan, you will enter downhill paths, and finish the run at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.
Trail Running Route : Tai To Yan, Fanling
Trail Running Route 5: Kai Kung Leng, Yuen Long
Route: Kai Kung Leng Trail Road >> Kai Kung Leng >> Tai Lo Tin Den >> Lung Tam Kwun Yam Temple >> Tsiu Keng Road >> Fan Kam Road
Distance: Approx. 8.5 km
Time required: Approx. 2 hours
About Route: Starting from the entrance of the mountain path near Fung Kat Heung basketball court, and going up along Kai Kung Leng Trail Road. After reaching Kai Kung Leng, you will be heading to Tai Lo Tin Den and Long Tan Shan and going along the downhill path afterwards. After reaching Lung Tam Kwun Yam Temple, you will enter Tsiu Keng Road. Keep going until arriving at Fan Kam Road.
Trail Running Route : Kai Kung Leng, Yuen Long
Tips for Selecting Trail Running Gear
Trail running is different from road running. Trail routes consist of different and complex terrain types, such as paths covered with sand and stones, and stone stairs in different sizes. Therefore, the proper trail running gear is necessary in order to cope with various types of path.
Trail Running Shoes
Its sole spikes are more protruding than road running shoes, which are able to bite into different ground, such as mud and stones. In addition, the toe cap has a special protective structure to protect your foot from kicking onto stone or branches.
Trail Running Backpack
Trail running consumes more energy than road running as well as requires hydration and energy refill from time to time. Trail running backpacks can carry water bag, food, warm clothing, etc. so that runners can replenish anytime and anywhere.
Wind Jacket
The weather on hills may be unpredictable, the temperature can go up and down greatly in a short period of time. A lightweight, windproof, waterproof and breathable wind jacket can help to deal with different weather conditions.
Trail Running Shoes
Its sole spikes are more protruding than road running shoes, which are able to bite into different ground, such as mud and stones. In addition, the toe cap has a special protective structure to protect your foot from kicking onto stone or branches.
Trail Running Backpack
Trail running consumes more energy than road running as well as requires hydration and energy refill from time to time. Trail running backpacks can carry water bag, food, warm clothing, etc. so that runners can replenish anytime and anywhere.
Wind Jacket
The weather on hills may be unpredictable, the temperature can go up and down greatly in a short period of time. A lightweight, windproof, waterproof and breathable wind jacket can help to deal with different weather conditions.