AVOHK Races

Dear Members

I am delighted to announce that we have now received full approval from the Home Affairs Bureau to hold a 5k race at Wanchai Gap at 7am on Sunday, 3^rd October 2021.  The race will be run over the familiar 5k Series course which starts and finishes at Wanchai Gap Playground.

The AVOHK Committee have been working extremely hard to organize this race in line with the current social distancing regulations and we are delighted to have received the go ahead.  There are some special arrangements to be aware of.

All runners are required to have completed the course of 2 doses of COVID 19 vaccination at least 14 days before the race.  The government vaccination certificate will need to be uploaded when you register for the race.

 All runners will also be required to show evidence of a negative PCR test, taken within 48 hours of the race, and will need to submit a health declaration form provided by AVOHK.

We understand that these requirements involve a bit more planning than runners may be used to for races.  However, by supporting races during these times, the running community can demonstrate that road and trail races do indeed provide an opportunity for Hong Kongers of all ages to get out and exercise in a safe and responsible way.  The more races that can go ahead successfully, the better placed we are to move forward with future races.

While we appreciate that the additional testing requirement may seem inconvenient, it is actually a quick and efficient process.  Appointments can be booked online at   https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/   and walk in appointments are also available.  There are 18 test centres around Hong Kong and it generally takes about 15 minutes to complete the test.  The cost is $240.  Your results will be sent to you by text message and you can show this at our registration desk on race day to collect your race number.  If you have any queries about testing, you can contact the Food and Health Bureau on 3509 8765. We recommend that runners take their PCR test on Friday, 1^st October in order to receive their results before the race on the Sunday.

Our race is capped at 200 runners and places will be allocated on a first come basis.  Your bib number will also be entered into a lucky draw and prize winners will be notified by email on Saturday, 2^nd October. (Prizes will be posted out.)

We very much hope that our members will support this race and look forward to seeing you on race day!

Enter HERE  https://www.njuko.net/w/899/

Queries to:  chair@avohk.org           Whatsapp 9131 0667

Yours in running

Elaine Hall

Chair, AVOHK

AVOHK hope to be able to hold physical events in the latter part of 2021.  We are working with the Government to obtain permission for an AVOHK 5k and a Reservoir Race. 2022 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon.  Planning has started , we hope to hold the races on  Sunday 16th Jan 2022.  Covid and Government regulations permitting.

Thank you to everyone who ran AVOHK’s FIRST VIRTUAL RACE, the Malcolm Philips Virtual Age Graded 5k!

Having had to skip a year in 2020, the 14^th Malcolm Phillips Race went ahead this year as a virtual race.  As always, the race was well supported by many of Malcolm’s friends and family and a lovely advantage of the virtual format this year was that Malcolm’s brother, Graham Phillips, and his niece, Kathryn Taylor,  were able to join in from overseas.

The weather proved to be the most challenging aspect of the 5k race as AVOHK members old and new made their way to the famous Bowen Road course.  Perhaps we should also heat-adjust some of the times!

Congratulations to HKLRRC’s Gillian Castka and AVOHK’s Thomas Wetzer who won the Ladies’ and Men’s categories in fantastic age-graded times of 20:52 and 17:24 respectively.  Great results in tough conditions!

Well done to everyone who participated.  The full results are on the race results page.  Prizes will be mailed to the top 3 men and ladies this week and certificates will be sent to all finishers together with an AVOHK race kit accessory!

On Saturday 25^th November AVOHK celebrated their 35^th Anniversary having been formed in 1982.  A 5km handicap run was held in the afternoon starting at Wan Chai Gap over an undulating course.  Chief Handicapper Dave Smith used all his experience and knowledge to be as fair as possible and at the same time making it a fun event. 

All claims that they were not that fit fell on deaf ears.  The field of 24 runners contained 1 ex Olympian, 2 former international swimmers and Albert the Dog.  An interesting mix.  Mr Lo was first away and all the runners were a bit concerned when they saw Mr Lo charging up the first hill.  Their fears were realized when Mr Lo came home over 10 minutes in front with a well deserved win followed by the evergreen John Fowler in 2^nd place and Ross Milburn in 3^rd. 

Stuart Leckie making a welcome appearance on the roads and wearing a very historic AVOHK vest scored an impressive 4^th place.  Peter Brown an out of town AVOHK Member with his very colorful long stockings and making a flying visit to Hong Kong finished in a credible 5^th place.  Peter it was nice to see you again and thanks for dropping by.  Albert the only dog taking part brought up the rear just behind owner Rachel. 

In accordance with IAAF rules Albert was removed from the results.