"I found it enjoyable because it was a small, boutique style thing, incomparison to the other events out there. You really got to know the other participants and that made a community event more than a competitive race.
In a sense your competing with--or learning about--yourself."
John Engel
"Some constructive feedback for your consideration
1) Quantity of water and tent site was magic
2) Length of the race was spot on
3) Attitude of people continues to surprise on the upside - it really makes
these events fun and keeps you coming back
4) Doing it over a long weekend was PURE genius stroke!
Some possible areas to improve:
1) Man (women) the checkpoints - talking to someone was a 100 times more
uplifting than taking a sticker.
2) Supporters (which is a TOUGH job) should know the track for their forthcoming section. It was my fault for not having a map on Day 1, but in the 3rd stage before heading out I asked the checkpoint supporters how many kms to the end - they indicated 5km, it was more like 9 or 10km and this is part of what confused me.
3) Mobiles - I think it is important that some-how you have one person who is contactable at all times for safety reasons. There were 2-3 occasions when Nick / myself or others couldn't get hold of anyone... maybe a good idea to always position the campsite with this in mind also.
4) I really enjoyed the bushwhacking but, for many runners this really was a nightmare... its a trade-off between being true to the cause and also having a race where more than 6 people finish. Don't suggest you take it out... just be more transparent upfront so people are prepared (with a machete)
5) Have a proper website rather than emails
6) Revisit clarity of course map (your actual map in Lockhart Rd was great - email version was a bit blurry) - NO excuses for idiots like me who didn't bring a map to save 1ounce of weight
7) Pass a couple of snaps to SCPost to promote
All in all - a great event - well done Richard and team... looking forward to March"
Blair and Paula
Can only really say that Day 1 started far too late. Should have been 8am at very the latest. Also, I know Lantau very well, so the course wasn't a problem for me in that I did not even have to look for markers, however there were one of two places where marking could have been much better (approach from the coast to Pui O, breaking off Lantau trail near the catchwater outside Pui O)
Otherwise all seemed fine.
Let me know about upcoming races
Mark Blick
"Interesting & challenging course
Fairly average marking in places
Nice to get to a camp with hot water and tents set up
Would have been nice to see a few more participants
I'm sure you've heard it already though so nothing new. Would probably do it
again on a slightly easier course." Andrew Strachan
A common suggestion: make it not quite so arduous next time around. A higher completion rate would be better. John Engel
"Firstly congrats to all participants who finished the race and for organising such an extreme event. As for me, I was stung by hornets (about 15 stings) and had to retire after reaching big Buddha. I was in agonising pain and had to go to Matilda Hospital to be treated. I had fever and very low blood pressure which was related to the high number of stings and which made me feel very dizzy. I had to go back to Matilda today as the inflammation had spread to glands in the upper leg. Nothing is life threatening as I am lucky not be allergic and in good physical conditions (doctor was impressed I could walk another 2 hours after being stung).
You asked for suggestion or criticism and I would just like to mention that it might be a good idea to start the race much earlier on Saturday to allow more time to finish the course during daylight. The check points seemed to be a little too far apart and in hot, sizzling days like the couple we just had, it might be a good idea to provide water earlier. The course also needs to be well marked and if not, participants need to be given clear directions and maps. Finally, you need to tell racers that this is an extreme race that most people (or people without appropriate training) might not finish. If the course is dangerous, participants also need to warned so that they can prepare accordingly.
Although tough, Stuart and I enjoyed most of it and we would like to wish you all the best with the future races you want to organise. Congratulations to your team who were a very supportive group. Let us know if you decide to have a reunion (we have a couple of photos)
cheers/Alex (and Stuart who looks like Rocky Balboa after his fight, he was stung close to his eye. He hopes it will clear up before his TV interview on CNBC at noon on Thursday...:-))" Alex Malandain