Tsuen Wan club runners in top form
About 300 runners gathered at Sai Kung West Country Park to compete in the Hong Kong Cross Country Championships earlier this month.
The annual event, organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA), was held in Wan Tsai on October 7.
The competition was divided into individual and group races for both men and women. For individuals, there were junior, senior and master categories; for groups, there were school, junior and senior/master categories.
Runners had to compete on a muddy course full of stones and weeds. The tough conditions made the race more challenging for the participants.
The route was designed as a loop around the country park where the runners had to show their strength and power, while enjoying the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Junior runners had to run for two laps while senior and master competitors had to do double the distance.
The highlights of event were the men's senior and master (individual) and team race.
Tsuen Wan Athletic Club gave an excellent performance on the day.
Led by experienced distance runners Chan Ka-ho, Andrew Stevenson, Chan Kwok-cheung, Chan Wah-kwai and Cheung Man-chung, they won the men's senior team event.
In addition, the club's Chan Ka-ho and Yeung Shiu-lun clinched the men's senior and junior individual races in 39 minutes 4 seconds and 19 minutes 8 seconds, respectively.
Cheung Chi-wah, coach of Tsuen Wan Athletic Club, said they were very happy about their runners' performance.
Yeung took part in last year's championship as well, when he came fifth.
He was very excited to clinch the crown this year.
'I had to prepare for the A-Levels earlier this year. This is my first competition this year,' Yeung said.
'My confidence has been greatly boosted after winning the race.'
He said he did not expect to win the race.
His best hope was a top-five finish.
