By: Ray YY NG

The Oxfam Trailwalker is one of the largest fundraising sports events in Hong Kong with over 10,000 participants. HKIE-ITD team participating in this four-person running/walking event is not only a superb way to help raise money for Oxfam’s anti-poverty work, but also means to enhancing an 100k race situated on the outskirts of this vibrant city. It has to be said that the McLehose Trail is in a beautiful location with spectacular views, beaches, lakes and skylines from Sai Kung to Yuen Long, taking in over 4500m of positive elevation change. With a 50-50 split of trail and road, the race takes in many spectacular views of the city but, at times, can trick runners into feeling they could be anywhere in the world when deep in the luscious, emerald-green, tree-lined trails and rocky paths. However it was difficult to notice them after 100km when you spend most of your time trying to push past the throbbing pain in your feet, ankles, knees and any other random muscle groups that decide this is not a good idea. One of our teammates turned 19 times to hike the trail. We are very pleased to say that we completed the 100km trek in 29hrs and 31mins, 8 minutes faster than last year. "Press on through Life’s Peaks and Valleys", reflects our feeling and states the belief that one should have. Trailwalking is just like a life’s journey.