Victoria N80 Race – Peaks and Pukes

The plan to celebrate my birthday in style, under the backdrop of hills and surrounded by stunning harbours right before the clock struck midnight in Asia’s best city turned pear-shaped. Instead, I extended 4 hours till just before dawn – total of 80km with elevation gain of over 4,000 metres. No complaint about legs, I felt like a champion even after putting a strain on the esophagus and upper respiratory system – that nearly caused my throat tissues to tear. The joy of finishing was never overrated in endurance running when many things could go wrong.

HK Delicacies
A warning to foodie runners – the race promoted Hong Kong delicacies very well. Every checkpoint showcased something truly local. I couldn’t helped but to quickly scan the aid table. They got it all – rice pudding, dim sum, wife cake, siu mai, fish ball, chicken congee, sweet soup, and egg roll. I fuelled my empty stomach for some energy with familiar food such as sweet small tomatoes, bananas, Nutella sandwich and crisp.

No More Coke
Sadly in the last 21km, my mind was only reduced to thinking about vomiting (again and again). It wasn’t food induced fortunately, instead contributed by Coke consumption which wasn’t effective on the stomach during a long race. I shouldn’t have taken them way too early, and way too often. It could also be due to the water-to-electrolyte imbalance when mixing the Coke/water and other electrolyte drink. Constantly vomiting not only ensured my body got rid of the Coke substance (fructose corn syrup as well as the carbonated bubbles) but helped me feel better. But the frequent stopping slowed me down and at some point I simply had to walk. Looking down into the beautiful Victoria Harbour from the last hill I knew I could end this race at Yau Tong (East side of Kowloon) even with a few more puking. My gut is no ironclad, but my will to finish is.

The Crew
The crew in neon t-shirts were very much accommodating and caring. According to Matthew Mok, the race director “most volunteers are trail runners, so they have a good grasp of what the racers would need at any given point”. The crew at Ho Chung checkpoint insisted for me to rest and offered anti-vomit medication (took it but didn’t consume though). And then there’s the lovely crew at the finishing line, who offered ginger tea which helped alleviate my condition.

Do It Again?
I would love to return for the 100-miler race to climb the 3 highest peaks; Lantau Peak (934m), Tai Mo Shan (952m) and Victoria Peak (552m). Also, I like the sound of crossing the harbour twice, once on both ends. If you fancy a multi-stage race, consider the 3 days challenge or check out other shorter races.

Last but not least, I was glad to know that more than 10% of my race fee went to my chosen local charity – Food Angel, a food rescue and food assistance program to reduce food waste, alleviate hunger, and relieve poverty.

Dare to circle around the Victoria Harbour via trail and peaks? Check out the race details below.

Getting There: Fly to Hong Kong direct from Abu Dhabi or Dubai in 8 hours.

Accommodation: Dorsett Kwun Tong, Kowloon is not far from the finish line.

Tips/Gears: Well signposted and country parks have facilities on the site. Waterproof jacket is part of mandatory gear. Poles
recommended and handy at night in area with dogs (for protection).

Weather: Under 25 degrees Celsius. Tai Mo Shan’s HK Observatory was cold (though not freezing) between 17-22 degrees Celsius. ■

Website: www.victoria162.hk

Aida Othman (@_aidaothman) is a lifestyle writer and content creator behind the website, Slice Of Torch Ginger. An avid ultra-runner, her longest run was the 7 Emirates Run in the UAE, covering 575km in 12 days to raise funds for the medical bills of a toddler born with deformed legs and the only woman to achieve this distance two years in a row.

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