Magic Teapot Run Hong Kong 2026

Magic Teapot Run returns to Hong Kong's Shing Mun Country Park on Sunday, 20 December 2026, with an unusual idea behind its courses: viewed on a map, the trails trace the outline of a teapot and a genie rising from it. Organiser No Race No Goal (NRNG) says an earlier landslide forced a diversion at a previous edition, but the reopened section now allows the full intended pattern to be used.

This is a trail race, not a flat road event. Both routes begin and finish at Shing Mun Grass Dam. The 28 km course starts at 2:00 pm, climbs approximately 1,171 metres, and has a 6½-hour time limit. It links Shing Mun Road with parts of the Wilson and MacLehose trails, Lung Mun Country Trail, forest paths, Lead Mine Pass and Needle Hill. The 11 km course starts at 5:00 pm, climbs approximately 418 metres, and has a 2½-hour limit. It follows Shing Mun Road, Wilson Trail Section 6, Tai Po Road, Golden Hill Road and MacLehose Trail Section 6. Both distances belong to the same event; consult the organiser for the longer division's entry details and any updates to the course.

Evening running and compulsory equipment

The late starts mean participants should expect fading light and sections of darkness. A headlamp or torch, windbreaker or emergency blanket, and charged mobile phone with network access are compulsory for both routes. The longer route additionally requires a whistle, at least 500 ml of water-carrying capacity, a minimum 500 kcal food reserve, and some cash or an Octopus card. Check the official course maps and checkpoint timetable before race day; this is a mountainous park setting and a road-running kit alone will not suffice.

Getting to the start

The organiser recommends green minibus 82 from Shiu Wo Street in Tsuen Wan to Shing Mun Reservoir, followed by an approximately ten-minute walk. Race-pack collection begins at 12:30 pm on race day at Shing Mun Grass Dam. A complimentary baggage drop is planned at the start area.

The individual men's and women's competitions have age groupings of 39 and under, 40–49 and 50 and over. The organiser lists finisher medals, electronic certificates and a choice of selected finisher gifts, with category trophies subject to participation conditions. Consult NRNG's event page for any changes to routes, mandatory equipment or arrangements before travelling.