Round the Island Time Trial

The start and finish is in the lower sitting out area between the public carpark and Sir Cecils Ride on Tai Tam Reservoir Road at Wong Nai Chung Gap. The event is a Time Trial. Runners choose a start time to allow you to finish between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The first start is at 6:00 am and thereafter every 15 minutes. If you finish before 2 pm, your time will be recorded as if you finished at 2 pm ie the number of minutes before 2 pm are added to your run time. If you finish after 4pm you are not included in the results or eligible for any prizes. Runners are therefore strongly advised to run the course in advance and estimate their total time so they can choose an appropriate start time.

The finish will stay open after 4pm to ensure runners are all accounted for but closes at 6 pm so that our volunteers can get home. We ask that you respect this time and if you are unable to finish by 6.00pm you withdraw from the event.

The course is marked with blue dots at intervals with three dots in a triangle at each junction, the course will be remarked in time for the event, the markings from 2016 are still visible and are clear for runners to familiarise themselves with the course along with the route description. Common places where runners miss the dots are on the path between Old Peak Road and Po Shan Road, Hatton Road where trail goes into Lau Fu Shan Country Park, below the dam at Tai Tam, the catchment above Tai Tam road, Sir Cecil’s ride. Please use the written instructions as a guide when reconnoitering the course for the 2017 event.

This event resembles a time trial and is not a race, runners are NOT permitted to use any mobile aid station. The following should be used as a guide to your time for TRUE GRIT – Marathon Time x 2

If you compete as WHIMPS, the CHANGEOVER point is at the Start/Finish or at Tai Tam Tuk, you must inform Event Director, Dave Smith, before the start where you will change over.

Before the start runners must register with Dave and tell him their start time. Runners must carry a mobile phone and give this number to Dave. Runners who retire must call into Dave and inform him where you quit the event.

In ODD YEARS the route starts on the north side of the island and heads EASTWARDS, clockwise towards Mount Parker, Shek O and returns to the checkpoint via Tai Tam and Violet Hill. The course then continues on the south side of the island going WESTWARDS, clockwise along Lady Clementis ride, the Aberdeen country park, Pok Fu Lam Country Park, mid-levels and then returns along Bowen Road.

In EVEN YEARS the route starts on north side of the island and heads WESTWARDS, anti-clockwise towards mid-levels and returns to the checkpoint via the Aberdeen catchment , Lady Clementis, Deep Water Bay Road. The course then continues on the south side of the island, going EASTWARDS, anti-clockwise along the face of Violet Hill towards Tai Tam, along the Catchwater below Shek O Road crossing at the Hobbie Steps, trail to Tai Tam Road near the Crematorium and then more trail via Mount Parker returning on Sir Cecil’s Ride.

Although there are checkpoints and aid stations entrants also need to ensure they have enough water and supplies for the route. You are advised to carry a mobile phone, octopus and some money in case you drop out.