103 km across Hong Kong's wild heart, from pristine beaches to jungle ridgelines and the glittering skyline beyond
The Hong Kong 100 Ultra traces 103 kilometres through Hong Kong's stunning country parks, from the coastal trails of Sai Kung to the summit of Tai Mo Shan. Blending subtropical jungle, remote beaches, punishing stone staircases, and dramatic nighttime views of one of the world's great skylines, it is one of Asia's most respected and competitive ultras.
Starting at Pak Tam Chung on the Sai Kung Peninsula, the Hong Kong 100 Ultra follows the legendary MacLehose Trail and surrounding paths westward across the New Territories to the foot of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak. The first half traces the coastline through the UNESCO Global Geopark, past the pristine beaches of Sai Wan and Tai Long Wan, before turning inland through dense subtropical forest. The second half packs the real punch: a relentless succession of steep climbs over Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, and finally the 957 metre ascent of Tai Mo Shan, with over 5,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain across the full course.
What sets this race apart is the extraordinary contrast between wilderness and city. Runners pass through ancient forests and remote beaches before emerging behind Lion Rock for one of the most iconic moments in ultra running: the glittering panorama of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island spread out below in the darkness. The defining feature of the terrain is its endless stone staircases, thousands of steps that punish the quads on descents and test resolve on the way up. January's subtropical humidity adds another layer of challenge that catches many runners off guard.
Founded in 2011 by Janet Ng and Steve Brammar, the HK100 has grown from 175 runners into a cornerstone of the international ultra calendar and a founding race of the World Trail Majors. Past winners include legends such as Lizzy Hawker, François D'Haene, and Ryan Sandes. The race is widely credited with igniting the trail running boom across Asia, and its blend of world class competition, breathtaking scenery, and the unmistakable energy of Hong Kong makes it an unforgettable experience.