The Hong Kong Trail: A Runner's Guide

Hong Kong Trail | 45km | Peak to Big Wave Bay | FKT: 3.5h

Since its opening in 1985, the Hong Kong Trail has become one of Asia’s most unique urban running experiences. Stretching 45 kilometers from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay, this winding route traverses five country parks on Hong Kong Island. It delivers a spectacular mix of lush forests and panoramic city views—all within the boundaries of Hong Kong Island.

What makes this trail special for runners is its versatility. The route is divided into eight well-marked sections, each with distinct terrain—from steep climbs to gentle forested paths. Trail markers keep you on track while shaded woodlands and cooling streams provide relief on warmer days. Despite its length, the trail’s clever design means the start and finish points are just 11 kilometers apart as the crow flies—a testament to its meandering, scenic routing!

Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 city hiking trails, the Hong Kong Trail offers runners a rare blend of accessibility and wilderness. 

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Hong Kong Trail - Key Facts

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Shek O as seen from the Hong Kong Trail - Section 8

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Our Experience Running the Hong Kong Trail

On a crisp March morning, we set out to run the entire 45km Hong Kong Trail in one push—aiming to complete it as fast as possible. It took us 4 hours and 51 minutes, a result we were more than happy with! 

We traveled light, carrying just enough hydration and nutrition to sustain us, with a critical pit stop at the Wong Nai Chung Gap gas station to refill water and grab quick snacks. The convenience of urban amenities and a well-stocked gas station mid-trail is one of the Hong Kong Trail’s unique perks!  

The going started getting tough in the later sections. Section 7, the endless concrete catchwater trail, wore us down with its monotony—a stark contrast to the varied terrain of earlier sections. By the time we reached Section 8 (the famed Dragon’s Back), fatigue had set in, and the steep, rocky descent into Big Wave Bay demanded every ounce of focus to avoid twisted ankles. We managed a final sprint to the finish—legs wobbly but spirits high!

Crossing the "finish line", the trail's final distance marker H100, in under 5 hours was a feat we are still proud of!

The Hong Kong Trail may not be the longest or wildest route, but its mix of urban access, technical trails, and relentless concrete stretches makes it a deceptively tough run. For those seeking a long-distance speed challenge, it’s a uniquely Hong Kong adventure!

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What Makes The Hong Kong Trail Unique?

Where else than Hong Kong can you bag a mountain peak and grab a bubble tea within an hour? 

The Hong Kong Trail is probably one the world's most distinctive urban hiking and running routes, blending wilderness and cityscapes in a way few other trails can match. Its start on Victoria Peak is just a short distance from Hong Kong's bustling business district. And after just a few kilometers of running, you'll find yourself surrounded by trees, with the city no longer in sight!

Overall, the trail winds through five country parks while never straying far from the city. You can be running through dense forests or past waterfalls one moment, then spotting Victoria Harbour’s skyscrapers the next! 

Designed in 1985 for recreational hikers, the trail features paved paths, stone steps, and handrails in steeper sections, making it unusually user-friendly for a mountain route. Yet it still challenges runners with its 1,500m cumulative elevation gain.

For runners, it’s a 45km playground that rewards speedsters with technical downhills and endurance junkies with relentless concrete stretches. 

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How Fast Can You Run the Entire Hong Kong Trail?

The Hong Kong Trail’s 45km distance and 1,500m of elevation gain make it a popular challenge for trail runners seeking speed.

The current fastest known unsupported time belongs to Hong Kong running legend John Ray Onifa, who blazed through the entire route in an astonishing 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 26 seconds on January 29, 2021. His record showcases the trail’s runnable yet demanding nature!

For most runners, completing the trail in under 5 hours is a strong achievement, while 6-8 hours is common for fit athletes treating it as a training run. The mix of technical descents (like Section 8’s rocky finish), relentless concrete catchwaters, and steep stair climbs requires both endurance and strategic pacing.

Of course, for hikers, the Hong Kong Trail is a full-day adventure—typically 10-12 hours if walked end-to-end. Many opt to split it over multiple days or tackle individual sections (like the Dragon’s Back) for a more relaxed experience.

Is There a Race On The Hong Kong Trail?

For those wanting to run the Hong Kong Trail competitively, the Green Power Hike, which usually takes place in January or February, is the ideal event. The route follows the entire Hong Kong Trail, and it is highly competitive.

At the time of writing, the best times for a male runner are 3h 39min by William Davies and 4h 9min by Lucy Marriott. The event also offers shorter distances (25km and 10km) for those who aren't ready for the entire Hong Kong Trail yet.

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What's the Most Scenic Part of the Hong Kong Trail? 

While the entire 45km route offers stunning views, three sections of the Hong Kong Trail stand out as postcard-perfect highlights:

Section 1: The Peak Circle (Lugard Road)

This gentle 7km loop around Victoria Peak treats you to Hong Kong’s most iconic urban panoramas. The elevated walkway clings to the mountainside, offering uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, and the outlying islands— especially magical at sunset. 

Only the first kilometers of the Peak Circle are a part of the Hong Kong Trail (Lugard Road). The full Peak Circle returns to Victoria Peak, i.e., the start of the Hong Kong Trail, along Harlech Road.

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Section 5: Jardine’s Lookout & Mount Butler

The climb up Jardine’s Lookout rewards hikers with 360-degree views spanning Tai Tam Reservoir, the South China Sea, and Hong Kong’s eastern coastline. It’s quieter than The Peak but equally dramatic!

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The View From Jardine's Lookout on Section 5 of the Hong Kong Trail

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Section 8: Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay

Crowned by Lonely Planet as one of Asia’s best hikes, this 8.5km ridge run delivers coastal drama. The undulating "dragon’s spine" offers vistas of Shek O Peninsula, Tai Long Wan, and the sapphire South China Sea, finishing at Big Wave Bay’s surf-friendly beach.

Tip for Photographers: Section 1 shines at golden hour, while Section 8 is best at sunrise to avoid crowds. All three can be hiked as standalone loops if you’re short on time.

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Practical Advice for Hiking the Hong Kong Trail

To make the most of your hike along the Hong Kong Trail, we recommend starting early—trails on Hong Kong Island get crowded by mid-morning, especially on weekends.

Also, know where amenities like restrooms (Mount Parker Road), kiosks (Wong Nai Chung Gap), or vending machines are located. Google Maps is good for finding out about these.

Pack light, but bring sun protection and enough water for exposed sections. Most importantly, enjoy!

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What's The Best Time of The Year to Run The Hong Kong Trail? 

Trail running in Hong Kong is best done during the winter months. Starting approximately in November and lasting until late March, winter is cooler, less humid, and less wet than Hong Kong's scorching summer months. We recommend December, which usually brings sunny and dry days to the city.

Running the Hong Kong Trail in summer is also not a good idea because of typhoons that regularly sweep through the city. Being out on the trails during a typhoon or heavy rain is dangerous, with water coming down the hillsides and trails turning into treacherous and slippery collections of mud, rocks, and soil. 

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Hong Kong Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty

The total distance of the Hong Kong Trail is approximately. 45km with more than 1,500 cumulative elevation gain. If starting from the Peak, it is generally descending with a few large ascents. It is overall very runnable and can easily be finished in a single day, even at a slow pace. The trail is divided into eight sections:

Section 1: From The Peak To Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

• Distance: 7 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Learn More About Section 1

Section 2: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir To Peel Rise

• Distance: 4.5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Learn More About Section 2

Section 3: Peel Rise To Wan Chai Gap

• Distance: 5.4 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Learn More About Section 3

Section 4: Wan Chai Gap To Wong Nai Chung Gap Road

• Distance: 6.9 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 4

Section 5: Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker Road

• Distance: 3.5 km
• Difficulty: Demanding
• Learn More About Section 5

Section 6: Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road

• Distance: 4.5 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 6

Section 7: Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan 

• Distance: 6.9 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 7
• Just a trail along a catchwater: Skip this section unless you run the entire Hong Kong Trail

Section 8: To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay ⭐

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Learn More About Section 8
• Also known as the Dragon's Back, one of Hong Kong's most iconic hikes