MOUNTAIN MARATHON
Expert or amateur, you can test your endurance taking part in the HK KOTH Island Mountain Marathon on Sunday, January 27. The full marathon begins and ends at the South End of Repulse Bay Beach over what is sometimes a very hilly route, so the less stout can choose to run just half the marathon (18.6km) over 4.5 hours maximum. Braver runners will be looking to complete the full 30.5km in a maximum 6.5 hours. The full marathon begins at 9:15am, while runners for the half marathon go at 9:00am. Registration starts at 8:00am.
What: Island Mountain Marathon When: January 27 Where: South End Repulse Beach How much: $100 in advance, $160 for the day Enquiries: www.seyonasia.com

CHAMPION’S CUP
Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club is hosting this year’s HK Tennis Champions Cup 2008, previously the Classic Indoor Doubles and Tennis Masters Cup, from January 25-27. The tournament is divided into four categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies’ Doubles Challenge and Parent & Child Doubles. The last two are invitational, giving members of the public of all ages a chance to actively participate in this high-profile annual event. The Men’s Singles and Doubles competitions will be particularly competitive featuring top players such as Goran Bosalevsky and defending champion Wayne Wong in the singles and last year’s champions Henry So and Rong Ma, CRC Open 2007 Men’s Doubles Champions Andrew Town and Adrian Montesino and star players Stephen So and Benny Lin in the doubles. Enrolment for the Ladies’ Doubles costs $500 with a deadline on January 14. Enrolment for the Parent & Child Doubles expired on January 4. Total prize money for the competition is $250,000.
What: Hong Kong Tennis Champions Cup 2008 Where: Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club When: January 25-27 How much: $500 to enrol for Ladies’ Doubles. Others are invitational. Enquiries: www.cwbgolf.org

HIKING AWAY!
It might be a concrete metropolis but Hong Kong is, perhaps surprisingly, a great place to go hiking with its profusion of country parks. And it is free – just pack some lunch and off you go, there is plenty of territory to explore. Of course, the weekend, especially at this time of year, may not be a good choice for a peaceful, solitary wander and newcomers will want to find out what is best from someone who has done it all before. The HK Trampers are an association of volunteers that organize a free walk every Sunday. There are no strings and no application forms – you just have to turn up, follow the group, and hike. The Trampers change route every Sunday and organize hikes of all types, from the undemanding for inexperience hikers to harder trails that require some skills. Their website provides information on the hikes the day before each meeting, so you can be sure to go prepared. What: Hikes When: Every Sunday Where: Venue varies from week to week How much: Free Enquiries: www.hktrampers.com

STIMULATING SQUASH
Hong Kong squash fans are in for a treat as the first round of the 5th Buler Cup 2008 plays out at the HK Squash Centre on January 17. Qualifying rounds are scheduled for January 16. The actual competition will run for four days, excitement building to the final on January 20 with world-class names such as Rebecca Chiu, Elise Ng, Max Lee and Dick Lau competing. All matches until the final are free to spectators.
What: Buler Squash Cup When: January 16-20 Where: Hong Kong Squash Centre, 23 Cotton Tree Drive, Admiralty How much: Free to watch until the finals Enquiries: www.hksquash.org.hk