China Coast Marathon & Half Marathon

This race is built for runners who thrive on technical terrain and don't fear elevation. You need to be comfortable on trail surfaces and possess solid downhill technique, since poor foot placement on loose ground will cost you time and energy. The China Coast Marathon attracts Hong Kong's most experienced fell runners and trail athletes, the kind of competitor who treats hills as part of the experience rather than an obstacle. It's not a course where you'll chase a personal best or test your speed. Instead, it's a race for those who want to pit themselves against genuine terrain and measure themselves against a self-selecting group of strong, weathered runners who know what they're getting into. The course is hilly throughout, with a total elevation gain of 661 meters spread across the 42.2 kilometres, meaning the climbing is relentless and the descents demand respect. You'll traverse between 6 and 139 meters above sea level, with no long flat stretches to recover on. The trail surface will vary, and depending on recent weather, sections can be muddy, rocky, or slippery. Even though the race has been held since 1981 and has changed over the years, it still carries the reputation that deterred even Ron Hill, one of the greatest marathon runners ever, who called it the toughest marathon he'd completed. You need to arrive properly trained for trail running, with strong legs and mental resilience for when the terrain bites back.