Great Runs in Hong Kong

Walkhongkong.org

You might be surprised to hear this, but great running options abound in Hong Kong. Yes, the city is crazily congested and hilly, but with a bit of effort you’ll be treated to some truly spectacular runs. The “go to” option is Bowen Rd., a 4km trail easily accessible from Central. The other “must do” is the Peak Circle Trail, which is part a great network of trails on Victoria Peak, including the longer Hong Kong Trail. Running on the Happy Valley racetrack is one of the more unique runs out there.

If staying at one of the hotels in Central, there is some pleasant running along the water in either direction of the Star Ferry terminal. If you have time for an excursion, there is fabulous running on Lantau (also the location of the Hong Kong airport), accessible by ferry. Hop over to Kowloon on the mainland for some nice waterfront running and great views of HKI. Runners who enjoy hills and trails will find particularly good options in Hong Kong.

A bit of geographic orientation: most visitors to Hong Kong will stay on Hong Kong Island. “Central” refers to the business district where most of the hotels and offices are located. Most of our running options are accessible from Central or the Mid-Levels. The “mainland”, also known as Kowloon, is a short ferry ride away. There are some good running options there, but except for the immediate waterfront runs, they take some getting to.

If staying on the island, it is very unlikely you will have a car. There is an extensive transportation system, with the MTR subway being the fastest and most efficient option. There are also buses and trams. The famous Star Ferry runs between HKI and the mainland, and there are ferries to other islands. The Peak Tram gets you to Victoria Peak, but it is a bit pricey and there can be queues. It is possible to run/walk/hike to the peak.

Geography and climate are the other defining elements of running in Hong Kong. Outside the waterfront, running in Hong Kong is hilly. As for the weather, the range is from mild to hot. Summers are uncomfortably hot and humid, with average highs around 90F from May through October. It does not really cool off at night. Winters are pleasantly mild, in the 60s and 70s during the day and much drier. Hong Kong can be cloudy and very rainy during all but the winter months, with frequent tropical downpours. Smog can also be an issue. So be prepared, clothing and hydration-wise.

We would like to add our thanks to the Namban Rengo running group in Tokyo for their tremendous help in connecting us with their network, who advised us on great running spots in Hong Kong.

The Iconic Routes

1. Bowen Road
2. Peak Trail
3. Hong Kong Trail (sections)
4. Waterfront Run (near Star Ferry)
5. Happy Valley Race Course

Bowen Road

5 miles. Start: Kennedy Rd., near the Blue House. MTR: Wan Chai. MAP

Commons.wikipedia.org

Bowen Road is probably the signature run in Hong Kong. Carved out into the side of a hill, this relatively flat, paved path runs about 4k one-way, providing great views of Central and Wanchai just below. There are fitness stations along the way, and the canopy provides reasonable shade. The highlight of the run is Lover’s Rock, which is toward the eastern terminus of the path. There is access from numerous points, but the best bet is up Kennedy Rd. from Wan Chai station (this part accessing the trail is steep — might have to be walked). Also, a nice add-on is to get off the Bowen Rd. path and take the Wan Chai Gap trail and the Dutch Path, which adds about 1 mile one-way.

Victoria Peak/Peak Circle Run

Short Run: ~4.5 miles, with numerous options. Start: Peak Tower. MAP
Long Run: ~6 miles. MAP

Access: Peak Tram from MTR Central or Bus 15 from Exchange Square terminus, or minibus 1 from MTR Hong Kong Station. Also, you can take the Mid-Levels Escalator to Conduit Rd (see below).

Running around Victoria Peak is one of the top running and tourist highlights of Hong Kong. There are fantastic views all along the 360-degree path. Try to plan it for sunrise or sunset to make it truly special! There are many options for running at Victoria Peak. The best option is to take the Peak Tram and base your start from the Peak Tower. You can run in either direction, but the main roads comprising the peak circle are Harlech Rd. and Luggard Rd. There’s a great lookout off Luggard Rd. You can also jaunt out to Victoria Peak, enjoying the Peak Garden and summit, and the waterfalls below Mount Austin Playground. The short run incorporates Harlech Rd. and Luggard Rd. and Victoria Peak. The long run adds a section along the Hong Kong Trail and the Pok Fu Lam Resevoir Rd.

Run To/From Peak Options

If you would prefer to run/hike to the peak rather than take the tram, there are good options.

• The Central Green Trail is a very pleasant paved walk/hike following the tram line. Start at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center (Central or Admiralty MTR stations about 1km away) and follow the trail, which is well marked. After about 1 mile, take Barker Road, toward the peak. It is 1.65 mi, and a gradual, 1175 foot climb. MAP
• Old Peak Trail. More challenging and steeper.
• Hatton Road. This is another good way up or down from the peak. Heading down, from the intersection of Harlech Rd. and Hatton Rd., take Hatton Rd. heading down (alternative: Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail, which parallels Hatton Rd., passes the Battery, and runs into Hatton Rd). You will pass the Pinewood Battery, which was built in 1903 and was extensively damaged during WW II when the Japanese army attacked Hong Kong. From the intersection of Hatton Rd. and Kotewall Rd., you can take Kotewall back into the city, or walk 0.5km through Honk Kong University to the HKU MTR station. MAP
• Mid-Levels Escalator. From Bonham Rd., take the Mid-Levels Escalator — the longest covered escalator in the world — to Conduit Rd. Once on Conduit Road, turn right and run along the foot path (sidewalk) about 1 km to the corner of Conduit/Kotewald/Hatton Road. Go up Hatton Road and this joins The Morning Trail which is paved path up to the Peak trail.

Additional Running Options in Peak Area

• Hatton Rd., from intersection of Harlech Rd. and Luggard Rd., to the University of Hong Kong. About 1 mile one-way.
• Pok Fu Lam Resevoir Rd./Family Walk. A pleasant, shaded flat trail to a reservoir, just past the Trick Eye Museum, near the tower. It’s 1.1 miles from the Tower to the tip of the Reservoir.
• Hong Kong Trail. A little more rugged, but runnable. From the intersection of Harlech Rd. and Luggard Rd., take Hong Kong Trail Section 1, past Queen Mary Hospital, a little over 1 mile to the intersection of Pok Fu Lam Resevoir Rd./Family Walk. Head east along the path, skirting the northern edge of the Resevoir, to the Tower. MAP

Hong Kong Trail

25km total. First two sections are ~8km one-way. MAP
7-mile loop run from Tower, Sections 1 & 2, return via Peel Rise. MAP
Stages 1–4 MAP. Detailed Hiking Guide

The Hong Kong Trail is a wonderful run/walk/hike trail that runs a total of 50 km, consisting of eight ‘sections”, from Victoria Peak to Tai Long Wan. The trail is well-signed, consisting of markers every 500m. The first two sections, totaling about 5 miles one-way, are the most suitable for runners, being closer to development and partially paved. Some sections are more rugged and remote. One pleasant aspect of the HK Trail is that it is quite wooded and shaded, and the altitude takes an edge off the heat. There are many ways to access the trail, and numerous other trails that connect to it, but the official Section 1 start is off the Peak Trail Loop at the intersection of Harlech Rd. and Hatton Rd.

A great 7-mile loop is to start at the Peak Tower, and take Harlech Rd. about 0.7 miles to the start of the HK Trail, do Sections 1 & 2 of the Trail, and just the beginning of Section 3, to where it runs into Peel Rise at about the 6 mile mark. Take Peel Rise north, and then Peak Rd., back to the Tower, about 1.1 miles. This is a hilly and challenging run: nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain over 7 miles, with the last 1.7 miles climbing 1,000 feet averaging 11.7% grade!

One nice add-on: from Hong Kong Trail Section 2, it’s possible to access Waterfall Bay Park.

Waterfront Promenade

Sun Ya Tsen Park to HK Arts Center. ~3 miles one-way. Access: MAP
Quarry Bay Promenade. 1.5 miles one-way. MAP
Access: Multiple MTR stations: Hong Kong, Central, Admiralty, Sheung Wan.

There is some very pleasant and scenic waterfront running near Central. Unfortunately, there is not a seamless waterfront path that goes for a long stretch. From Central hotels, the best bet is the waterfront path between Sun Ya Tsen Memorial Park, just west of the Macau Ferry, and the Hong Kong Expo Center to the east, about 3 miles one-way. You’ll pass the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Observation Wheel, Star Ferry terminal and numerous piers, and the Arts Center. At Sun Ya Tsen Memorial Park, there is an indoor public swimming pool.

A second section is the Quarry Bay promenade. This path starts just west of the east harbor crossing bridge, and runs for about 1.5 miles east, terminating just past Aldrich Bay Park. There are great views of the bay. Sites include the Sir Alexander Grantham Memorial and the Law Courts. Access on western end of path is Quarry Bay MTR, and Shau Kei Wan to the east.

Near Quarry Bay, just south of the MTR station, is a series of trails and paths including the Po Luen Path and Sir Cecil’s Ride. More info.

Happy Valley

1.37 km paved track. Open to public.
Access: Causeway Bay MTR station (Exit A), then 20 mins along Wong Nai Chung Road or tram to Happy Valley Tram Terminus.

For some green and some track workouts, running on the Happy Valley track at the Hong Kong Jockey club is a treat. The paved track is 1.37 km (0.85m) around. There are great views of the Hong Kong skyline and the causeway. Happy Valley is also a good place to run at night. It’s also fun because the track is raised above the fields, so you can watch the other athletes and games while running. There are lockers available for changing, bathrooms, and a snack bar. It’s quite a social scene there. Happy Valley is open to the public from 5am to midnight, except for race days.

Victoria Road and Mount Davis Path

Running along Victoria Road provides a nice scenic tour of the western part of Hong Kong Island. It runs abut 3.8 miles one-way from the Kennedy Town MTR stop to Pok Fu Lam Rd. near the Wah Fu estate. The first mile or so is a 3% uphill grade, then it’s a little gentler. Run as far as you like and turn around, or hop on the 43m bus that runs along Victoria Rd. A great option is to use Victoria Rd., and then do some detours. Some good options, starting from the Kennedy Town MTR stop, on our map:

• Just before the 1 mile mark, take the small road that goes off to the right, 1/2 km to a scenic spot with great water views
• At the 1 mile mark, join with the Mt. Davis Path, off to the left
• Just past the 2-mile mark at the Sha Wan Fire Station, a path to the right leads to down to the Hong Kong University fields and a pleasant, 1km run along the water, along Sha Wan Rd. Can also connect to Cyberport Rd., down to the Cyberport Waterfront Park.
• At the 3.5 mile mark, head down to Waterfall Bay Park, via Wah Chui St. and Wah Fu Rd.

For a great add-on, just past the intersection of Victoria Rd. and Pok Fu Lam Rd. is a path that leads to the Hong Kong Trail, Section 2.

Mount Davis Path

Mount Davis Path is a great off-road option on the western side of HKI, off Victoria Rd. There are a few options here. From Victoria Rd. heading south, bear left on Mount Davis Path, just before Mt. Davis Rd. After 0.1m, where the path can go right or left, go left to head to the summit. At the 0.6 mile mark is a “short cut”, a set of stairs leading to the Jockey Club/Mount Davis Youth Hostel. At 0.85 miles, there’s another fork. Bear left to go to the youth hostel, until the end of the path, at 1.25 miles, or go straight, where the path ends at the summit, at 1.27 miles. It is a steady, modest climb the whole way, but runnable. Once you are in this area, it is possible to connect to all sorts of other trails. Instead of the Mount Davis Path to the summit (where you turned left off Victoria Rd., take Mount Davis Rd. to the intersection of Pok Fu Lam Rd. to connect to the Pok Fu Lam park trails, the Hong Kong Trail (Section 1), and even the Peak trails.

Here’s a great link to a detailed Mount Davis Walking Tour .

Waterfall Bay Park and Telegraph Bay

4.1 miles, with options. Start: Wah Fu Estate.
Access: Various bus options

On the southwestern side of the island, Waterfall Bay Park is a pleasant destination with nice falls, the Wah Fu estate, and views of Lamma Island. There are 1–2 km of promenade, with folks playing chess, sitting among porcelain deities. Combine with the trails Telegraph Bay, using some connector roads. Best access is via bus.

Trail Running in Hong Kong

Despite the incredible density, some 40% of Hong Kong is protected parks. Many of the country parks are easily accessible. There are also some spectacular trail running opportunities — the Hong Kong Trail on HKI is the most accessible. But there are four long-distance trails in the area, on other islands and the New Territories: the Hong Kong Trail (50 kilometers / 31 miles), the Lantau Trail (70 kilometers / 43.5 miles), the Wilson Trail (78 kilometers / 48.5 miles), and the MacLehose Trail (100 kilometers). A great guide is this article: Trail Running in Hong Kong.

Further Afield

Our guide is focused on Honk Kong Island. If you have time, you might consider some running on the mainland (Kowloon). Also, running on Lantau Island is spectacular — but it’s a day trip.

Lantau Island

Access: Ferry from Central to Mui Wo. 40–60 minutes.
Full Info on all sections.

• Lantau Trail. Lantau Island has wonderful running options. There are beaches, trails, and bike paths. The highlight is the 70km Lantau Trail. Some sections are more accessible and runnable than others. Other sections are more remote and really for the experienced trail runner.
• Discovery Bay

Kowloon Waterfront

From Star Ferry terminal, heading east: 2.5 miles one-way to Fisherman’s Wharf. MAP
From Star Ferry terminal, heading west: 2.8 miles one-way to the end of West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. MAP

A great excursion, adding some variety, is to hop the Star Ferry over to Kowloon and run along the waterfront. The waterfront is more seamless for running on the Kowloon site than on Hong Kong Island. From the Star Ferry terminal, one can run ~2.5 miles east to Fisherman’s Wharf. On the Kowloon Public pier is Canton railway clock tower, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Avenue of the Stars, a Promenade with handprints & plaques honoring Hong Kong film stars, plus a Bruce Lee statue. This turns into the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which goes for about 1 mile and merges with the Hung Hom Promenade and the 5-star Kowloon Harbor Hotel. The path continues for another mile or so, passing the Tai Wan Shan swimming pool and ending at the Fisherman’s Wharf shopping mall.

Heading west from the terminal is not quite as interesting, but there are some nice sections. Start by heading north on Nathan Rd. to Kowloon Park, which has some nice but somewhat convoluted paths. The highlight of this run is the 1-mile stretch along the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. It’s 2.8 miles one-way from the ferry terminal to the end of the Promenade.

STAY

Most of the hotels in Hong Kong are clustered on the north side, between the Mid-Levels to the west and Causeway Bay to the east. Pretty much any hotel will provide access to one of the runs in our guide, or to an MTR station that can easily get you there. Hotels in Central and the Mid-Levels provide the easiest access to Bowen Road and the roads and trails around the Peak.

There are also lots of hotels to the east in Causeway Bay or Quarry Bay. They are more affordable. Good running options in that area include waterfront promenades in Quarry Bay; Sir Cecil’s Ride, which is a flat 2.5k dirt path between Quarry Bay and Fortress Hill that connects with the Wilson Trail; and the Happy Valley racetrack.

Stores and Group Runs

This is Hong Kong, so there’s no shortage of places to shop. All of the major running shoe and clothing brands have a store centrally located in Hong Kong. On Hong Kong Island, there is Lululemon, Nike, and Fila. On the mainland, near the harbor in Kowloon, there are Reebok, Asics, Adidas, and Puma stores.

There is also a handful of running specialty stores. On Hong Kong Island:

Racing the Planet. Outdoor activity oriented store with lots of running gear as well. Great for trail running.

Action X Outdoor Store. All sorts of outdoor clothing including great running gear. Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay locations on HKI and Discovery Bay on Lantau.

Gone Running. One of the only specialty running stores in Hong Kong. In Wanchai.

1ok Running Shop. Also on Wanchai.

Escapade Sports. Central, Casuseway Bay, and Repulse Bay on HKI.

Group Runs

There is a friendly and very casual running group called HK Harbour Runners, every Wednesday evening at 7:45pm. They run either from TST clock tower to west Kowloon, or Central star ferry pier 7 to Kennedy Town. Distance is about 8km and there are different pace groups (5min/km, 6min/km etc).

Events

Hong Kong has a vibrant calendar of running events.

Running event calendar #1 . Running event calendar #2.

Of particular note are some unique trail running and ultra events.

Resources

Hong Kong Runners is a great site for info on where to run, events, group runs, and other running resources.

Great resource for trail running in Hong Kong: Trail Running in Hong Kong.