An ultra-runner who hails from Appleby and became the first woman in the world to finish the 298km Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge has completed it for a second time.
Nikki Han, 50, made history in 2019 when she became the first woman to complete the HK4TUC in under 60 hours.
Her record still stands and earlier this month she went on to complete the challenge for a second time when it was held over Chinese New Year from February 12 to February 14.
The HK4TUC links all four of Hong Kong’s major trails — the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau.
There are no checkpoints or support allowed, but runners have help travelling between the trails.
If participants reach the end, marked by the postbox in Mui Wo on Lantau Island, in under 60 hours, they are classed as a finisher.
If they reach the end in under 75 hours, they are a survivor and those who drop out of the challenge are retirees.
Nikki, who was born in Appleby and whose parents are Jim and Sheila Parkin, said: “I decided to do the challenge again as this was the tenth edition and only past finishers and survivors could take part.
“This meant I would be taking part alongside some of the best long distance trail runners in Hong Kong.
“I also wanted to represent females runners — something which Andre (the mastermind behind this challenge) is very
passionate about and ultimately would like to see more female participation in endurance
sports.”
Nikki, who lives on Lantau Island with her husband and two daughters, was one of six finishers of the challenge.
There were four survivors and eight retirees. Nikki finished in 59 hours, 42 minutes.
