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The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge Hong Kong 2023 Open for Registration on August 22 Adding new 16K Races and 100K Start at Night for the First Time

(17 August 2023, Hong Kong) The North Face 100 Ultra Challenge 2023 (TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge) is making a triumphant comeback this December! Building on the momentum in March, TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge is set to take place from December 8 to 10 (Friday to Sunday). The event will feature the 50K race along with the return of the standard 100K race in the mountains. Additionally, a new 16K race has been added to the event, providing an opportunity for racers of all levels to conquer the mountains together. This new race promises to offer an off-road experience for racers with less experiece to enjoy the satisfaction of the TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge!

The TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge has a total quota of 2,000 racers and includes a new 16km race distance
The varied topography of Hong Kong provides a distinctive setting for trail running. As a leading brand in exploration, The North Face has been committed to promoting this challenging activity as race sponsor since 2013, guiding individuals from the bustling city to the serene outskirts to gain a deeper understanding of the sport. This year, the TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge has expanded its offerings by introducing an easier 16K race alongside the 100K and 50K races. This addition aims to encourage newcomers to participate and put their skills to the test.
The total number of available slots for the three races is 2,000, with 400 slots for the 16K race, 800 for the 50K race, and 800 for the 100K race. Registration opens on August 22 at 4:00 PM. The North Face hopes to inspire everyone to explore the mountains and wilderness together regardless of running experience, and enjoy the pleasure it brings.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hong Kong by day and night with TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge
This year's TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge continues to uphold The North Face's mission of encouraging everyone to "never stop exploring" and discover the beauty of people and surroundings. To that end, the 100K challenge will start for the first time at 10 pm, allowing racers to uncover the peaceful and tranquil side of Hong Kong and explore the beauty of its night. With Aqua Pearl as the starting and ending points of all races, racers in the 100K race will begin by traversing Pat Sin Leng and proceed along the ridgeline of Wong Leng and Ping Fung Shan. After crossing Cloudy Hill, they will pass through the Lung Mun Country Trail and eventually reach Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong. While enjoying scenic stretches along the way, they will soon enter the peaceful Lam Tsuen Valley and make their way through Ng Tung Chai. The challenging ascents of Tai To Yan and Lung Shan will follow. Subsequently, racers will pass through a large organic farm in Hok Tau and witness the sunrise as they cross Kwai Tau Leng. They will then explore several serene ancient villages in the northeastern part of Hong Kong, including Luk Keng, So Lo Pun, Lai Chi Wo and Wu Kau Tang. Continuing their journey, they will pass through Ha Mui Tin and reach Wang Leng and Ma Tau Fung before descending to Bride's Pool. Finally, they will tread the Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail and head towards the finish line at Aqua Pearl. In the 50K race, racers will also begin by completing the Pat Sin Leng, Wong Leng and Ping Fung Shan sections before heading directly to Hok Tau. At this point, they will merge with the 100K racers and compete on the same remaining course to the finish line. Meanwhile, the 16K race racers will pass through several picturesque countryside locations, including Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail, Mirror Pool and Bride's Pool.

Renowned racers from both local and global communities invited to participate in the TNF 100 Hong Kong Ultra Challenge
As with previous years, TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge has garnered the support and participation of both renowned international and local trail racers, such as Stone Tsang and Wong Ho Chung. In addition, TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge has partnered with the esteemed outdoor photographer Kelvin Yuen to capture the stunning scenery of each race segment. Through his lens, the public can embark on a visual journey to explore Hong Kong's natural beauty and experience the exhilaration of trail running. In addition to the valuable prizes awarded to winners across all categories, the 100K Challenge this year also offers a total of HK$60,000 in prize money to the top three male and female podium, which attracts international elite runners.

The organizer of the TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge said, "By promoting TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge, we want to offer racers a unique trail running experience. Racers will find joy in trail running and develop a deep appreciation for the natural landscapes of Hong Kong, while actively exploring the incredible wonders around them."

Registration opens on August 22
The registration will be conducted through two methods: open ballot and charity slots. Entry ballot registration will officially open on August 22 (Tuesday) at 4:00 PM and will close on August 29 (Tuesday) at 11:59 PM. Waitlists will be available for all categories. Racers who are successfully selected must complete the registration process within 8 days after receiving notification that their balloting was successful, including payment of the registration fee. All applicants, regardless of the outcome, will receive an email notifying them of the ballot results.
Racers also have the option to register directly for the charity slots for guaranteed entry by making a charitable donation of HKD 4,000, split between Food Angel and The Peak Hunter Foundation, which are two charities that both support the race and make significant contributions to the Hong Kong community.

Race & Registration Details:
Race Registration Fee (HKD) Application Fee (HKD) Application Date and Time Race Date and Time Quota
16K
$20
$380 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$480 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
22 Aug 4:00 PM
To
29 Aug 11:59 PM
9 Dec 2023
8:00 AM
400
50K
$50
$750 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$950 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
9 Dec 2023
8:00 AM
800
100K
$50
$1,500 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$1,700 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
8 Dec 2023
10:00 PM
800
Race Registration Fee (HKD) Application Fee (HKD) Application Date and Time Race Date and Time Quota
16K
$20
$380 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$480 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
22 Aug 4:00 PM
To
29 Aug 11:59 PM
9 Dec 2023
8:00 AM
400
Race Registration Fee (HKD) Application Fee (HKD) Application Date and Time Race Date and Time Quota
50K
$50
$750 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$950 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
22 Aug 4:00 PM
To
29 Aug 11:59 PM
9 Dec 2023
8:00 AM
800
Race Registration Fee (HKD) Application Fee (HKD) Application Date and Time Race Date and Time Quota
100K
$50
$1,500 (Payment on or before 30 Sept)
$1,700 (Payment on or after 1 Oct)
22 Aug 4:00 PM
To
29 Aug 11:59 PM
8 Dec 2023
10:00 PM
800

* Reserved spots are available for all races.
* 100K racers are required to provide a proof of completing any 100K race within 27 hours in the past three years. However, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, organizers will also accept virtual race records of completing 100K within 27 hours during the same period. Moreover, they will also consider accepting finishing records from races completed before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Racers in the 50-kilometer and 16-kilometer races, on the other hand, are not required to submit any proof of completion.

The North Face VECTIV Exploration Truck presents the latest collection of trail running shoes

To encourage racers to actively prepare for the TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge, The North Face is organizing its largest-ever “The North Face Mobile Try-On Experience”. The North Face has specially arranged The North Face VECTIV Exploration Truck to travel around the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Between August 18 and October 8, for a total of 8 weeks, the truck will visit popular city locations covering various locations in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories offering the public an exciting opportunity to explore the latest trail running shoe collection. Inside the exploration truck, racers can experience the thrill of trail running in TNF 100 Ultra Trail Challenge, and discover the comfort of the new trail running shoe series. By trying on the new shoes and joining the XPLR Pass (Explorer Pass) program, racers can even receive small gifts and discount coupons. In addition, The North Face will also introduce The North Face VECTIV Exploration Truck at the trainings with the local running communities, providing racers with the opportunity to learn about and try on the brand’s latest trail running shoes. Be it an experienced trail runner or a complete beginner, there is a suitable pair of running shoes for everyone. Step up and run wild!

The North Face VECTIV Exploration Truck makes a grand entrance into the bustling city, bringing a revolutionary trail running shoe experience to the public.

The North Face Summit Series — Summit VECTIV Pro

At the heart of “Athlete Tested. Expedition Proven”, the new gear and products in this collection have been tested by professional athletes in competition in order to ensure extraordinary performance for every runner. Incorporating experimental data and feedback from The North Face athletes, the SUMMIT SERIES™ VECTIV PRO ATHLETE 2023 can accommodate all runners’ needs. The design uses stabilisers and a VECTIV 2.0 full-length 3D carbon fibre plate to bring the shoes’ stability to the next level. Its midsole is made of SUPERFOAM material to elevate the high-rebound effect. The shoe shell utilises a breathable and durable mesh material, allowing runners to explore the terrains in comfort. They are also integrated with a wider D-shaped shoe last, which is perfect for the narrower Asian fit, while the shoelaces use a corrugated design to ensure they will not loosen easily. On top of that, the full-length PTU enhances the shoes’ support. This pair of shoes is high in stability and rebounding effect, making them more suitable for runners competing over long distances at high intensity.

Versatile trail running shoes suitable for various terrains and conditions  2023 VECTIV Enduris 3

Equip yourself with the latest 2023 VECTIV ENDURIS 3 for your next trail running session. Adopting VECTIV 2.0 technology with foam padding through the midsole, the shoes provide comfort to runners over a variety of distances. Stability and resilience are also enhanced with a highly supportive full-length 3D TPU plate and a wider silhouette that accommodates different foot shapes. With the Surface CTRL™ 3.5 rubber base, the shoes also demonstrate extreme floor-grip ability that can fully support runners’ every step in the mountains.

Trail running shoes suitable for beginners 2023 VECTIV Eminus

For trail running beginners, the 2023 VECTIV EMINUS are the perfect choice when it comes to stylish and functional options. Designed with a supportive 1/2 length 3D TPU plate in the forefoot, the shoes fuel runners with power while providing excellent cushioning with minimal wear and tear. They also feature an oval rolling midsole design, providing runners with lasting propulsion and endurance to serve as the best footwear option for outdoor trail running and daily fitness training.

Whether you’re participating in the TNF 100, venturing through mountain trails, or experiencing the new trail running shoes, there are multiple avenues to join The North Face’s exploration journey. Together, let’s embrace the exhilaration of trail running, push our limits, and uncover boundless possibilities!

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Go Explore with Hong Kong Landscape Photographer – Kelvin Yuen

香港著名野外及極地攝影師Kelvin Yuen為The North Face的Explorer推薦四條香港本地行山路徑及必拍景點,一同發現香港之美。

第一條是擁有獨特的地理環境及美麗的海岸線,一向受行山好友歡迎的西貢後花園。

西貢後花園 – 地質公園 | 麥理浩徑第一段 (輕量/中量)

西貢火山岩園區是過去在香港最常到訪的區域,因為在這邊可以親身感受到存在於城市的世界級的地質奇觀;而在這邊因為遠離城市燈光,是我初次親眼看目到銀河的地方,令我開始著迷於探索香港的大自然。

這一條路線可按照個人體能規劃走完全程或只遊覽部份景點,進可功退可守。體能較佳者可以走完全程,由萬宜水庫出發,經過鹹田灣、西灣及浪茄感受這一帶的海岸景觀,沿路更可遠眺三尖之首的蚺蛇尖。而入門的行山人士則可以乘車到萬宜水庫東壩觀看破邊洲及角六柱岩石,然後經過半小時路程便可到達浪茄享受世外桃源般的陽光與海灘,再沿路拆返。

第二個則是位於新界東的馬鞍山是90年代發展的新市鎮,集自然風光、歷史文化及娛樂休閒等元素於一身的地方,馬鞍山是新界東部最高的主體山峰。

雲上的仙景 – 馬鞍山 | 麥理浩徑四段(中量/重量)

早年對我來說「馬鞍山」是跟家人假日到訪消遣的地方。直至到初次登上這山峰,我才發現「馬鞍山」原來不只是一個市鎮,原來是一座在城市旁邊隱藏的山野仙景。在山上可以遠眺到連綿的西貢山脈,俯瞰企嶺下海的景色。在春季清晨時份,更有機會體驗在雲海上登山,一睹騰雲駕霧的仙景。

這一條路線亦是可按照登山者體能而自行制定的路線;體能較佳者可以在路線尾段,在標距柱 M078離開麥理浩徑四段並開始登上馬鞍山山頂,觀看整個西貢全景;但路徑為沙石路段,不如官方路徑般經過完整修葺,所以帶有一定挑戰,只合適有經驗人士前往。而非前往山頂的登山者,則可沿著麥理浩徑四段走完全程,感受在雲上登山的感覺,最後沿山徑下山。

第三個則是位於大嶼山南部海拔高度869米的香港第三高的山峰大東山鳳凰徑第二段,以芒草景色而聞名。

高山 – 大東山 | 鳳凰徑第二段

香港第三高的山峰 - 大東山,我另一非常喜歡的山頭。因只需要透過數小時登山,不需要飛到海外,在這可以看到分佈在山脊上的爛頭營,有如歐洲山區般的小屋景色。而比較特色的是可以在這感受到季節的變化,在秋季期間,山上的芒草的盛開,跟夏季對比時,彷彿變成另一個山頭。

登山者可按照自己的能力制定路程的長短,若只前往爛頭營及希望相對短路程,可在伯公坳起步及來回。若希望體驗整個大東山山脈的景觀,包括蓮花山一帶遠眺鳳凰山,就可由伯公坳起步經過爛頭營、薄刀屻及蓮花山回到東涌,或從東涌起步作相反路線。

最後是海拔高度 934米,觀賞日出和雲海的熱門景點──鳳凰徑三段。

大嶼山之巔 – 鳳凰山 | 鳳凰徑三段(重量)

香港第二高山峰 – 鳳凰山,是較熱門觀看日出的山峰,一直以來有著「鳳凰觀日」的名稱。我對這邊的山峰又愛又恨;其一是因為帶著沉重器材走這路段不輕鬆,其二是地形及氣候問題,令這區的山峰經常會被雲霧包圍,經常到達拍攝點後都會空手而回。但是每當雲霧散開後,山峰展現在眼前,就會覺得一切都值得。

而我最喜歡欣賞鳳凰山的角度,就是在登上鳳凰山中段期間的狗牙嶺上,每次看到日落光線照射到鳳凰山山脈上,我都不敢相信這竟然是可以在香港看到的景色。

這一條路線都是可以按照登山者經驗來自行決定路段及距離;若希望前往狗牙嶺再登上鳳凰山走全程,便需要透過非官方完整修葺的路段到達狗牙嶺;再經過鳳凰山山頂沿鳳凰徑三段下山。因登上狗牙嶺險要難行,加上爬升路段較多,所以只合適有經驗者前往。 如只希望登上鳳凰山觀看日出,便可以在伯公坳或昂坪起步,並沿路拆返。

Hiking Products Recommendation
行山裝備推薦

Lightweight Hiking Products Recommendation
輕量路線推薦裝備

Mediumweight / Heavyweight Hiking Products Recommendation
中量/重量路線推薦裝備

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The North Face Launches Summer Collection 2023