Hong Kong Running Guide
It seems you can’t go even 5 km in Hong Kong without it turning into a sightseeing session. From flat waterfront routes to scenic trail loops with sweeping vistas, Hong Kong’s running routes enable you to get in your miles and explore new locales all in one go. Devoted footpaths offer reliable running in the city center, while trails with challenging climbs let you see Hong Kong from a higher vantage point.
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Victoria Harbour Promenade
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Distance 2.4 mi
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Elevation 275 ft
You won't find a flatter, more scenic route in Hong Kong with better day and evening views of the Kowloon and Central waterfronts than this out and back along the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour promenade. At almost 4km long one way, you can turn around and go back the way you came at the end to make 8km, or turn back anywhere along the way to make your own distance.
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Tai Tam Reservoir Loop
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Distance 4.1 mi
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Elevation 1,155 ft
A steady mix of small hills, steps, tarmac and very runnable trail, this almost 7km loop circumnavigates you around the Tai Tam reservoir, providing great views from the Jardine's Lookout and Mount Butler summits. To the left of the survey markers on both, one gazes down onto massed humanity in the urban districts. Long descending ridges frame the city. On the other side lies raw nature: the Tai Tam valley, wooded and green, with its nestling reservoirs. Beyond there the rugged coast of Tai Tam Bay extends out, and still farther off rise some outlying islands.
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'The Twins' - Stairway to Heaven, Step to Hell
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Distance 2.9 mi
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Elevation 689 ft
Don't be fooled by the slight elevation gain of 210m over this almost 5km route - almost all of that climbing is done on stairs - over 1,200 of them to be exact! Starting near the residential development of Parkview, where food and drink are available to buy, the entrance to this route is just down the hill from the small car park, and marked by a Country Parks information board. The stairs begin your ascent to the Wilson Trail section 1 in reverse. Once you have topped out at Violet Hill you'll begin your descent to the saddle. On your left, views out towards Tai Tam reservoir and the dam, and on the right a glimpse of life on the south side of the island - beaches and the sparkling calm waters of secluded bays. The first long set of stairs gives way to some technical downhill trail before another, final set takes to you the top of the second 'Twin' and a gutsy descent down to the main road.
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The Dragon's Back
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Distance 6.1 mi
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Elevation 1,075 ft
A veritable weekend classic and staple of the casual Hong Kong hiker, this nearly 10km version will take you up and over the iconic 'Dragon's Back' trail on the south of the island, with incredible 360 degree panoramic views to gaze out on as you work your way along the ridge. You'll need to get a bus or taxi to the start point, where an initial testing climb sees you crest the ridge onto some very runnable and undulating trail, with several peaks along the way to stop for photo opportunities before you descend onto some flatter, tricker trail that provides good shade and cover with natural tree canopies. The rest of the route is a mix of flat tarmac and water catchment running, and you can stop in Big Wave Bay beach for a swim and some food.
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'The Phoenix' - Sunset and Lantau Peaks
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Distance 8.4 mi
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Elevation 2,786 ft
If it's elevation and grand vistas that you crave, then this 11km mix of mountain and trail running over two of Hong Kong's highest peaks will leave you satiated, if not breathless. Starting in the sleepy old town of Mui Wo, you'll need to catch a ferry from the Outlying Islands Pier 6 in Hong Kong (30 mins) before disembarking and following signs for 'Sunset Peak' and the Lantau Trail. After summiting both peaks, a descent to Ngong Ping and the Po Lin Monastery affords incredible views of the towering bronze Tian Tan Buddha.
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The Best of the Beaches
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Distance 15.0 mi
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Elevation 2,361 ft
If you want to see the wild and beautiful side of Hong Kong that few visitors ever do, this challenging 24km run around the High Island Reservoir and pristine coastal beaches of Sai Kung will only serve to whet your appetite for more adventure! Starting in Pak Tam Chung (a short taxi ride from Sai Kung town) and following sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose trail, you can shorten the run to 14km and cut out the first 10km of undulating road by taking a taxi all the way to the end of the dam. From there it's just a couple of kilometers to the first stunning views around Long Ke Wan, before a challenging climb up the next headland drops you down into more wonderfully secluded beaches, the views getting better with each turn. The next sections involve a bit more concrete as you hug the coast through old abandoned villages before turning inland to Pak Tam Au, the end of section 2.
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Getting High on Hong Kong
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Distance 3.6 mi
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Elevation 910 ft
The highest point on Hong Kong island, this short and undulating but predominantly flat loop around the Peak provides incredible views out over the city and harbour, to Kowloon and the mountains beyond. For even more elevation, or to finish off with some wicked hill repeats, head up Mount Austin Road after your first loop to the Victoria Peak Garden, where you'll be able to gaze out over the southern district to Lamma Island and the South China Sea.
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Bowen Road (Out & Back)
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Distance 5.1 mi
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Elevation 627 ft
Bowen Road and the Bowen Road Fitness Trail is a flat, mainly traffic restricted area that many people use to run, hike and walk their dogs on. It starts at the junction of Magazine Gap Road, near the Peak Tram rails, and finishes some 4km later at the Stubbs Road roundabout, where you can turn around and follow it back to the start.
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