LMX-KMX RACE

So, what does this mean?

The answer is to this is very simple, but in real life it can be very complicated and something that you can spend many hours, days or weeks trying to perfect!  This is what makes this style of racing so interesting.

Self-supported

Self-supported literally means no outside help, at all.  Each racer needs to carry everything they need to support them during the entire event.  If you don't have it in your pack, you can't use it.  Collecting provisions on route, visiting shops or being supported by someone who is not in the race is strictly against the "self-supported" principle.  This differs significantly from other ultra races in Hong Kong, where support is key, namely Wilson Trail and Trailwalker.

This self-imposed rule forces each competitor to make choices of what is really important and what is luxury.  In other self-supported races there is a compulsory kit-list, which you have to carry before you can start.  In The LMX and The KMX, there are only two essential items of kit, a mobile phone and a map, everything else is at the discretion of the racer.

There is NO recommended kit list for the events. At the start of each race there is no kit check.
It's up to the racer to decide what kind of kit they will need to help them complete the course.
As a competitor you may want to consider the merits of these items:

Small first aid kit
Blister kit
Light sleeping bag or sheet
Mozzie-spray
Sleeping mattress
Change of socks
Change of underwear
Hat,
Sunglasses
Vaseline,
Suncream,
Cup
Bowl
KFS
Re-hydrated food
Torch

Multi-day, stage

Other events stretch over multiple days, but the LMX and KMX differ in that there is a compulsory stop-over on the Saturday night. This makes it a two-stage race.  The times for each day are added together to give an overall time for the event.  Winners are the ones with the lowest combined times.

Trail-race

The LMX and KMX are trail-races, meaning there is no swimming, canyoning, biking or other disciplines found in Adventure Racing. The races will be held on trails, some better than others.  Often the paths will be broken or rarely used.  When the trail is poor will will endeavour to inform the competitors in the race briefing.

The only thing that racers are provided with are water at checkpoints and tents.  Note, the CPs do not have sport-drinks. You need to carry your own electrolyte mixes.

It is often commented that because the racer organizers only provide water and a tent, it's a simple race and not worth the money.  Actually the logistics to organize a multi-day race are mind-boggling and it is not something one does because the money is good.

Series

The LMX/KMX is a race series.  Each race will be held at the approximate same time each year.

Unlike, the Raliegh event, the LMX/KMX is a two race series.  You do not need to enter both races, but for those that do, there will be a chance to be the Race Series Winner.

Exceptions

The race organizers will provide first aid coverage to competitors.  This is not classed as outside help.  although you would be wise to carry a simple first aid kit.  This can include sun-cream if the sun is especially strong.

The Tent Village

The tents used in the race are super-domes, which can house from six to twelve people.  The tents are mixed and you need to sleep in your assigned space. 

The tent village also has power, and floodlights.  (Although our genrator failed in The LMX, we will make sure we have two generators for The KMX)

Cooking at the campsite

When you arrive at the campsite there will be boiling water to make re-hydrated food and hot drinks.

There will also be lit BBQ pits where you can cook if you want too.  We will not provide any utensils.

There will be bowls with washing-up liquid where you can wash your plates etc.

Competitors cook on an open fire in the middle of the Gobi

Washing facilities and toilets

More than likely, the campsite will NOT have a toilet block.  It may have a simple toilet, but even this is not guaranteed.  What we will guarantee is that there will be places to wash.  Either, streams, or large tubs of water.

Note: please DO NOT use soap when washing in streams as it disrupts the ecological state.

If you have any questions about the race philosophy or format then please email us.