Hong Kong Trail Running (Uphill) Challenge 2026

The Hong Kong Trail Running (Uphill) Challenge 2026 is an approximately 5 km uphill race with 800 metres of climbing, organised by the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) on Sunday, 6 December 2026. It starts on Ng Tung Chai Road in Tai Po and climbs towards the finish on Tai Mo Shan, passing through Shing Mun and Tai Mo Shan country park terrain. This is a steep, timed ascent rather than a conventional flat 5K road run. The organiser may change the route for trail conditions.

Categories and race timetable

• Women's Open: 09:00 Hong Kong time, 2 hours 30 minutes to finish.
• Men's Open: 09:30 Hong Kong time, 2 hours to finish.
• Age eligibility: 16 or older, born in 2010 or earlier.
• Capacity: 200 places, allocated first come, first served.
• Official entry fees: HKD 250 for HKAAA registered athletes, HKD 300 for non-registered runners.
• Course support: one checkpoint, with water for runners to refill at the start, checkpoint and finish. Bring your own drinking container.

The organiser's current event instructions specify registration from 11 August 2026 at 14:30 until 11 November 2026 at 23:59 HKT, unless capacity is reached sooner. No late entries will be accepted. Successful applicants should receive a confirmation by 23 November; applicants without a reply must request verification by 27 November. These are separate from the race date, not additional registration windows. The official HKAAA registration page has separate athlete and public-entry paths.

Compulsory gear and on-course rules

HKAAA will announce the final mandatory kit on 5 December by SMS and email in response to forecast conditions. The organiser's baseline equipment list requires a race bib and a filled water container holding at least 250 mL. In cold or wet weather, a waterproof jacket and thermal blanket are also required. Random equipment inspections apply; runners without compulsory items will not be allowed to continue. Outside supporters may not provide on-course assistance. Race bibs and timing chips are issued on race day and must not be transferred.

Getting to the start and collecting baggage

The organiser plans participant transport departing Tai Po Market MTR, Tat Wan Road, at 08:00 and 08:15. There is no return shuttle after the race; plan your own journey from the finish area. Baggage handover at the assembly point is scheduled for 08:00-08:45 for women and 08:30-09:15 for men. Use the organiser-supplied bag and tag, do not leave valuables and retrieve your belongings from the designated Rotary Park post-race distribution point. Details may change in the participant guide.

Finishers, awards and withdrawals

Participants finishing within their category limit receive a finisher medal and downloadable electronic certificate; trophies go to the top three men and top three women. Timing uses a race-specific electronic chip. The organiser permits a documented medical-withdrawal request, submitted in writing by 03:00 HKT on race day, with HKD 100 administration charge deducted from any approved refund. General transfers are prohibited. If the event itself is cancelled for adverse weather or other reasons, the organiser's stated policy is a 50% entry-fee refund.

Consult the 2026 official race information and equipment policy for course maps, GPX, confirmation notices and last-minute changes.