Three in One
In one sense, the ultimate test of stamina and endurance is the OSIM 2007 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup. But the event does not only cater for the ironmen and women among us – apart from the conventional Olympic Distance (1,500m swimming, 40m by bike and 10km running), lesser mortals can test their mettle in the Fun Triathlon (at least two thirds shorter than the Olympic Distance) and Aquathon Relay (with no bike ride). Be it a world-class athlete or just a novice, everyone can be a warrior on the field. Even kids, students and sedentary office workers can take part in the Kids/School/Corporate Aquathon Relay with its 250m of swimming and 3km run. The Elite Races and Age Group Aquathon will take place on September 23 while the Olympic Distance, Sprint Distance, Fun Triathlon and Kids/ School/Corporate Aquathon Relay will be held on September 30. The entry deadline is September 16.
What: OSIM 2007 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup When: September 23, 30 Where: Plover Cove, Tai Po How much: Entry fees start from $200 Enquiries: www.triathlonhk.com
Horsing Around
Who doesn’t know that Hong Kong will host the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games? For those who may not – and to titillate those who do – as an introduction to the big event next year, the HK Equestrian Federation is holding four International World Cup Qualifier Shows between September and November. The first commences on September 27 and runs to September 30 – and it will cost nothing to watch international competitors from Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong go through their paces in dressage and obstacle courses.
What: International World Cup Qualifier Show When: September 27-30 Where: Beas River Equestrian Centre, Sheung Shui, NT How much: Free to watch Enquiries: www.hkef.org
Sunday Cricket
Introduced by the British in their colonial days, cricket has been a part of Hong Kong since 1841. The game is usually played here from September to April, the cooler months of the year, and so the Cricket Sunday League kicks off on the 16th of this month. Nine teams will play each other over 50 overs both at home and away over the next seven months on Sundays at 10:30am. The matches will be held in different grounds every week. While some venues will be only accessible to cricket clubs’ members, others will be open to the public, including Po Kong Village Road and Mission Road sports grounds. For more updates, please check www.hkca.cricket.org.
What: Cricket Sunday League When: 10:30am on Sundays from September 16 till April Where: Depends on the schedule How much: Free to watch Enquiries: www.hkca.cricket.org
Catching the Breeze
As much as it is contest between competitive humans, the Hong Kong Windsurfing Circuit 2007 is a challenge thrown up by the wind and sea. And for those who take it up, the second of the six Hong Kong Windsurfing Circuit 2007 events, the Tolo course, will include five categories: Raceboard 7.8 Group, Raceboard 9.5 Group, Raceboard 05 Group, RS:X Group and IMCO Group with a variety of sex and age groupings. The race accepts applications from anyone who can windsurf properly: late entries can be made at the event itself, although preferably participants should send an entry form with a cheque of $100 to the Windsurfing Association of Hong Kong before September 15.
What: HK Windsurfing Circuit 2007 – Tolo Championships When: September 22, 23 Where: Tai Mei Tuk How much: Entry fee of $100 Enquiries: www.windsurfing.org.hk
Mountain Race
Here’s a taste of a mini The Amazing Race in Hong Kong: a local first, the Lantau Mountain Express Race (LMX) will be held on September 29 and 30. On Day 1, racers have to cross 35km of rugged Lantau trails, pass mandatory checkpoints and reach a tent village before dark to qualify for the next leg of the race. Tucked away in the mountain, the racers will only be provided with shelter and water – they will have to take their own food. On Day 2, things will get even tougher as racers take to 50km of the toughest trails in Lantau before the finishing line near Discovery Bay. This will be the first time this race is locally but it hopes to become an annual test of the limits of SAR racers.
What: Lantau Mountain Express Race (LMX) When: September 29, 30 Where: Discovery Bay, Lantau How much: $650 per person Enquiries: www.hkrunners.com, LMXRACE@gmail.com
Rugby Crown
The local rugby season starts on September 29 and Hong Kong men’s and women’s teams will finish off their final pre-season preparation with the Crown Valley 15s on September 22. The tournament starts at 10am and lasts the day at King’s Park with free entry and a cash bar for BBQ food and cold drinks for spectators. A good day out for all oval-ball enthusiasts.
What: Crown Valley 15s When: September 22 Where: King’s Park How much: Free to watch Enquiries: www.hkrugby.com |
