The Third

Thursday 22 January 2026

The Third course starts in Pak Tam Chung on the east side of Hong Kong’s New Territories and winds its way around the coast of the Sai Kung peninsula along coastal paths, across beaches, through ancient villages, over hills and through valleys before returning to Pak Tam Chung.

The Third Course Description

The first 10km follows the Maclehose Trail with views out to the islands in the South China sea on the right and across High Island Reservoir on the left. The route travels over dams built to form the reservoir leading to CP1 at East Dam (10km). Don’t forget to take in the views of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark as you refuel!

From East Dam to CP2 requires a small climb and descent to Long Ke beach then a larger climb over Sai Wan Shan (314m) and crossing Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches. Enjoy the waves crashing into the pristine white sand and ignore the temptation to join the surfers.

From CP2 (Ham Tin – 19km) in a change for 2026, the path skirts around the back of Ham Tin village and around to Tai Long Wan beach. About halfway along Tai Long Wan beach, wave the surfers goodbye and turn inland. After 1km of “jungle trail” rejoin the Maclehose Trail, turn right and head up and over then down to Chek Keng village.

Just before the Chek Keng village shop (where you should consider picking up a drink for the last climb), turn left and climb gradually, ignoring the pipe on the trail, until you cross the stream and climb more steeply. After about 2km you turn right and join the Luk Wu Country trail (signpost Luk Wu) climbing an almost vertical staircase. At the top 1km of runnable trail brings you to a left turn signposted High Island Reservoir). Take this and climb Tai Cham Koi (“Big Pillow Cover”)(408m) where the views are breath-taking.

Once you have posed for your photos, it’s almost all downhill to the road, where you turn right (carefully) and a 1km downhill run leads to the party and the glory at the finish line. Free beer for everyone! Welcome back!

Course GPX

Map

Checkpoints

Food & Beverages

Hot and delicious local food available at the Finish

COURSE MARKINGS

The course will be marked with directional arrows, crosses and reflective flagging tapes. At junctions there will be an arrow indicating the direction of the route as well as confirmation flagging tape along the correct route. There will also be a cross on the tracks that you should not take. You should not need to navigate your way along the course with a map and compass. It is highly recommended to download the GPX track to your sports watch and to follow it (in case course marking is moved or obscured).

SAFETY

The course is rocky, uneven and steep in places. Take great care at all times and never overtake unless it is safe to do so. Give way to participants who are moving more quickly than you. Encourage one another and look out for each other’s safety and well-being. Ensure that you will have enough to eat and drink to reach the next check-point. Be particularly careful to drink enough and carry enough fluid. It is vital for your safety that you maintain adequate levels of hydration.

For further information on safety, please see the safety hints on the AFCD’s website at: http://www.afcd.gov.hk

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE

Although there is mobile phone coverage over most of the course, there are some areas where coverage is either non-existent or intermittent.

FIRST AID

Emergency first aid will be available at each checkpoint.

THE THIRD