The annual international trail running extravaganza — the Hong Kong 100km Ultra Trail Race — has recently concluded. This year, Hong Kong hosted the world tour for the first time as the opening leg of the 2014 Global Ultra Trail World Tour, attracting nearly 1,600 ultra trail enthusiasts from around the globe, including two “super runners” who traveled specially from Wenzhou to compete.
One of them, runner No. 242, Chen Huishi, is a banking professional. It was his first time participating in a 100km ultra marathon. He set off at 8:00 a.m. on January 18 and reached the finish line at 7:47 a.m. on January 19, completing the course in 23 hours and 47 minutes, ultimately earning a bronze award.
“This result is better than I expected because it was my first attempt at such a long-distance race. Previously, I had only participated in 50km races, all of which I finished during the day. This time the distance doubled, and I had never tried such a long night run before,” Chen Huishi said, still feeling the toughness of the race. “This event requires carrying more gear (like a headlamp and warm clothing for the middle of the night), and I had never experienced how my body would react in the second half. In the later stages, it was painful with every step, and walking became very difficult, but I persevered in the end.”
Chen Huishi, who usually has a busy work schedule, did not undergo any special training for this trail run. “I have a habit of running regularly. As my overall physical condition improved through running, I felt capable of taking on an event of this level, so I signed up.”
Reporter Ye Haipeng, Wenzhou Daily
Running is a joy for me
Wenzhou Daily Reporter (hereafter referred to as WD): Why did you choose running as your way to stay fit?
Chen Huishi (hereafter referred to as Chen): Initially, it was for fitness. My job is quite demanding and stressful, and I spend most of my workday in front of a computer. I often didn’t feel very energized, so I tried running to exercise. Over time, it gradually became a habit.
WD: How can one keep running in the long term?
Chen: Generally speaking, if you need to rely solely on willpower to stick with something long-term, it’s usually hard to maintain. Running is no exception. Many people think I’m pushing myself, but actually, for us, it’s a pleasure. According to a study, it takes about 21 days to form a habit. If you do something consistently for 21 days, it becomes a habit. When someone starts running, they might indeed need to push themselves in the first month. But after that, it gradually becomes a habit, especially once you start finding joy in it — then it’s no longer about persistence.
WD: Do you think you have a natural talent for sports?
Chen: Not at all. On the contrary, from elementary school to high school and even university, I often struggled with failing physical education. I remember during the high school entrance exams, PE was worth 30 points, with three test events. I couldn’t even finish the 1000-meter run and was laughed at by many. My score was even worse than some girls’.
WD: How many marathons have you participated in? Which one was the most meaningful?
Chen: Around July 2012, I started practicing running in earnest. At first, I ran laps on the track, gradually increasing from three or four laps to seven or eight, then ten, then twenty. My first 10,000-meter race was the Wanda Plaza 10,000m Fitness Run at the end of September 2012. My first marathon was the Hangzhou International Marathon on November 18, 2012. After that, I participated in eight more marathons, two 50km trail challenges, and one 30km trail challenge.
The most meaningful one was probably the “Run for Love · One Foundation 2013 Shenzhen (Yantian) Mountain Marathon.” Each participant could raise funds for One Foundation charity projects within a limited time by mobilizing their own network. I sent out my registration info to friends, and after seeing it, they generously donated. In the end, I raised 1,495 yuan. Although the amount wasn’t huge, it was my first time running for charity and the first time I motivated others to engage in charitable acts. I found it very meaningful and felt a lot of positive energy.
WD: Do you set specific running goals for yourself?
Chen: I don’t have any particular goals. I just hope to avoid injuries as much as possible, enjoy each run, and if I’m feeling good, I’ll take on some ultra marathons. I’d also love the chance to try being a guide for blind athletes in the “I Am Your Eyes” full-course event, accompanying them to the finish line.
Chen Huishi’s Advice for Beginner Runners
1. Buy a good pair of running shoes. Remember, even the best running shoes in the world aren’t enough to cover the cost of the cheapest surgery.
2. Stick with it for a month, then let running become a habit and part of your life, not a burden.
3. Progress gradually. Don’t start higher-level training before your body has adapted to your current fitness level.
4. Listen to your body. The best way to prevent injury is rest. Don’t overexert yourself when injured.
Links
Hong Kong 100km
Ultra Trail Run
As the opening event of the Global Ultra Trail World Tour, the 2014 Hong Kong 100km Ultra Trail Run is highly reputed worldwide. Participants must run along rugged mountain trails to reach the destination, with a total elevation gain of over 4,500 meters. Its difficulty and intensity far exceed those of a regular marathon, making it a true test of endurance. It is reported that those who finish within 16 hours receive a Little Gold Man trophy, those finishing within 20 hours get a Little Silver Man trophy, and those finishing within 24 hours earn a Little Bronze Man trophy. In recent years, it has become the ultimate dream for outdoor enthusiasts in mainland China.
What Is a Super Marathon?
A super marathon, also known as an extreme marathon, refers to a long-distance endurance race that goes far beyond the traditional marathon distance (42.195 km) and often includes various grueling and unforeseen obstacles. Common super marathon distances include 50km, 100km, 50 miles (approximately 80km), and 100 miles (about 160km). Unlike traditional marathons, which focus mainly on speed and performance, super marathons often test participants’ mental self-control, rapid physical recovery, and ability to adapt to extreme natural environments.