Breaking a sweat can be fun when you're exploring the stunning nature around the region and racing other fearless fitness enthusiasts. Join these Hong Kong running races in 2023.
Considering swapping your gym routine with an exercise that involves outdoor workouts in nature? Why not try running? As you turn away from the TV screen on the treadmill to the stunning mountain views from these hiking trails or hidden running trails in Hong Kong around the city, burning calories can seem like a breeze. So, from crawling through walls, river running to racing after lights out, these Hong Kong running races and events will give you something to work towards in 2023.
Hong Kong running races and events in 2023
Although many races and trail running events have been postponed in the last two years due to COVID-19, Hong Kong runners have still been lacing up their shoes and hitting the trails. The good news is that recent amendments should make it easier for races to apply for exemptions as long as the event includes the proper COVID-19 protocols. In addition, trail running benefits the general public as a form of healthy outdoor exercise that poses a low risk of COVID-19 infection.
1. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2023
One of the most anticipated annual marathons in Hong Kong, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is targeted to be held on 12 February in 2023. Run the full, try the half, or sign up for the 10km race as an individual or as a team. There was a limited quota of 18,500 for the event in 2021 – and the 2022 race was cancelled due to the pandemic – so be on your toes! But even if you don’t get a spot, don’t be bummed, as there may be a virtual run, too. During this virtual race, runners will be travelling designated distances based on categories and they can be free to choose the route. Psst – a gym treadmill counts!
Find out more about Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2023.
2. Action Asia Events
Love the great outdoors? Action Asia Events hosts regular hikes and runs all over Hong Kong on the city’s famous hiking trails. Its events are suitable for runners of all levels – feel free to choose your category. Also, Action Asia Events partners with local groups like Bonaqua to raise funds to aid the underprivileged and to support nature conservation – what’s not to love?
Check out the upcoming Action Asia Events in 2023.
3. Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race
It’s almost time to sign up for the Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race! The tentative dates of the 2023 HK100 races are from 16 to 19 February, with three varying distances: 103km for the HK100; 56km for The Half; and 33km for The Third. Wanna go extra hard? Try achieving the Grand Slam by completing all three distances. Good luck!
Find out more about Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race.
4. Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023
Get ready to have some fun at Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023! It’s almost time to register for the games that are happening from 3 to 11 November. Included in the sporting events is a full and half marathon, trail running, track and field, and much more. All sexual orientations, gender identities, beliefs, and training levels are welcome as long as you’re over 18. Further details are soon to be announced about individual events, so be sure to register for all the deets.
Find out more about Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023.
5. TransLantau by UTMB (details to be announced for 2023)
One of the latest events to be added to the prestigious Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) World Series, TransLantau may be one of the most anticipated running races in Hong Kong for 2023. Though the 2022 race was cancelled and a 2023 date is yet to be announced, TransLantau includes three course distances: 25km, 50km, and 100km. And as the name suggests, the race will cover Lantau Island. You’ll be able to explore the beautiful wilderness along Lantau’s scenic trails – but don’t forget to try to cross the finish line within the time limit!
Find out more about TransLantau by UTMB.
6. Four Trails Mini (details to be announced for 2023)
Four Trails’ races for 2022 have just ended, so the dates for 2023 have yet to be set. 2022 had trails that were held either virtually or physically, so it’s yet to be seen how the races for 2023 will shake out. Course distances in 2022 ranged from 8.5 to 17.4 kilometres, and when completed within set times, racers received souvenirs (and burned a whole lot of calories!)
Find out more about Four Trails Mini.
7. Spartan Race (details to be announced for 2023)
While details about the Spartan Race in 2023 have yet to be released, you’ve probably marked your calendars already if you’re an adrenaline junkie. There were two options to choose from for the 2022 virtual Spartan Trail in Hong Kong: the 10K and the 21K. Like the past two years, you might be able to join the Spartan Race virtually, too, in 2023 – so keep your eyes peeled for the deets to come.
Find out more about Spartan Race.
8. Oxfam Trailwalker (details to be announced for 2023)
For the Oxfam Trailwalker, you will be hiking along the MacLehose Trail either physically, virtually, or a mix of both. Grab your team and challenge yourselves to finish the route within 48 hours. All participants have to be at least 18 years old and have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Since Oxfam Trailwalker 2022 has not yet concluded, be sure to stay tuned for more details about its arrangements in 2023.
Find out more about Oxfam Trailwalker.
9. Raleigh Challenge – Wilson Trail (details to be announced for 2023)
Founded by HRH King Charles in 1984 and headquartered in the UK, Raleigh Hong Kong (RHK) is a local registered youth charity that inspires Hong Kong youth to explore their full potential through various fundraising events. In 2022, the Raleigh Challenge was a hybrid – a physical race and a virtual race. Participants could use the app, Trailme, to record their results. We look forward to seeing what Raleigh comes up with for 2023!
Find out more about Raleigh Hong Kong.
10. RaceBase Asia (details to be announced for 2023)
A team of passionate and experienced trailrunners started RaceBase to bring together racers of all levels to explore Hong Kong’s many accessible and scenic trails. Having hosted The 9 Dragons, Lantau Beer Dash, RUN Charity Trail Race, and many other running races in the past, RaceBase will be sure to hold some exciting events in 2023. Although having been cancelled for a few years, we’re hoping for RaceBase to come back strong for some active fun next year.
Find out more about RaceBase.
11. Barclays Moontrekker (details to be announced for 2023)
Get ready to join Barclays Moontrekker’s race! The 2022 race is yet to be held, but will be happening in-person for the first time in years with a 30km or 40km trail race on the beautiful Lantau Island. Join in for the 2022 race or wait for details for the 2023 race to be announced. What’s more, your leg day will be raising money for the Nature Conservancy, so let’s get moving!
Find out more about Barclays MoonTrekker.
