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Race guide · Hong Kong
How to train for the Hong Kong 100
Ridgelines, beaches and thousands of steps on Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail, with much of the climbing saved for the second half. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Jan 21–23, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HK100 | 100 km | 5,142 m | 30 h | Sat 23 Jan |
| The Half | 53 km | 2,263 m | 14 h | Fri 22 Jan |
| The Third | 34 km | 1,558 m | 10 h | Thu 21 Jan |
HK100 runs from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung to Tai Mo Shan Country Park.
What makes it hard
Thousands of steps
Much of the climbing is on stone steps, including the notorious stairs up Needle Hill. They hit your calves and quads differently from smooth trail.
Train for it: Stair repeats once a week, up and down, plus calf and quad strength.
The hardest part comes last
Much of the climbing is in the second half, and the race finishes with the descent from Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak (957 m).
Train for it: Long runs that save the biggest climbs for the end, and back-to-back weekends.
Hard surfaces and a long night
Concrete paths and sealed roads pound your legs, and many runners finish in the dark.
Train for it: Include some road in your long runs and do a few night runs with your headlamp.
How long to train
Plan on 16–20 weeks for HK100, 12–16 for The Half and 8–12 for The Third if you're already running 4–5 days a week. Get on stairs every week from the start.
Get a plan built around race day
Set HK100 as your goal race and VertPro builds your training back from the start line, then adapts week to week. A Vert.run coach reviews your plan in the first 24 hours.
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How hard is the Hong Kong 100?
It's 100 km with 5,142 m of climbing, much of it on steps and in the second half. The 30-hour limit is generous, so it's a realistic first 100K if you've trained on stairs.
When is the Hong Kong 100 in 2027?
HK100 is on Saturday 23 January 2027, with The Half on Friday 22 and The Third on Thursday 21, according to the organiser. Always confirm on the official race site.
Race facts checked October 2, 2026 against hk100ultra.com. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.