Hong Kong audiences marvel at film documenting brutal 298km trail running event

A captivating film documenting the physical and mental hardships of runners taking on one of Hong Kong’s most daunting athletic challenges has been gripping audiences across the city.

Four Trails is an up-close-and-personal account of the elite band of participants in the 2021 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge.

Director Robin Lee, who was responsible for Breaking 60, the film which told the story of the 2017 event, captured every step of the winding 298km race, as runners navigated the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau trails.

Runners covering the distance within 60 hours are classed as ‘finishers’, while those managing to complete the event between 60-72 hours are anointed as ‘survivors’. The opening five editions of the annual challenge produced no finishers, highlighting the event’s magnitude.

Only 18 former ‘finishers and survivors’ were invited to compete in 2021’s blue-riband staging, which marked the 10-year anniversary of a brutal challenge that was the brainchild of German expat and Hong Kong trail runner Andre Blumberg.

“The challenges Andre Blumberg creates for the participants are what makes Four Trails a fascinating look at the world of ultramarathon,” Lee, whose brother Ben produced the film, said. “But it is the feats of human endurance, and the camaraderie and generosity of the athletes that carries an important message of hope and resilience for the viewers.

“I believe capturing that spirit on film is what makes Four Trails an experience that resonates with viewers.”

Four Trails has been chosen to feature in the 20th-anniversary Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, with no seats spare at either showing. Audiences around the city have packed private clubs for exclusive screenings.

Beautifully shot footage shines a spotlight on the jaw-dropping scenery and wide-open spaces which mark Hong Kong as a go-to destination for ultra-runners and endurance athletes.

But Lee said the athletes stole the show, creating “four or five” moments in the 101-minute film “where you could cry”.

“Most people watch these types of films to see the pain and the struggle people go through,” Lee said. “To see just how hard it is, to be inspired, or see if they could do it themselves. I think people will not expect just how much something like this can mean to somebody.”

Following the festival screenings, the film will move towards general theatrical, streaming and global release.