Protrek New Year NE Mountain Race Hong Kong 2027

Protrek New Year NE Mountain Race 2027 (元旦東北縱走) is a long-established New Year's Day trail challenge in Hong Kong's northeastern New Territories. Organised by Wildtrek Trail Running Series, it traces its history to 2005 and features changing mountain routes from year to year. The 2027 race starts and finishes at Hok Tau Reservoir Barbecue Site 6, near Fanling, on Friday 1 January.

There are two mountain courses: the 31 km Elite route starts at 09:00 Hong Kong time and the 20 km Challenge route at 09:15. Elite runners have eight hours to finish, with a 17:00 finish closure; Challenge runners have six hours, with a 15:15 finish closure. These are the organiser's actual distances. ARC currently has only approximate 30K and 21K distance filters, which do not replace the stated 31 km and 20 km course lengths.

Both routes climb from Hok Tau Reservoir towards Wong Leng and return via Nam Chung Country Trail, Lo Lung Tin and Ping Fung Shan. The longer Elite loop continues across Pat Sin Leng, Bride's Pool Road, Wu Kau Tang, Kuk Po and Luk Keng. The Challenge course instead goes via Tsat Muk Kiu and Luk Keng Village. Expect steep ascents, exposed ridges and technical country-park paths rather than flat road running. The organiser provides downloadable GPX route maps.

Elite runners must pass Lions Pavilion by 12:30 and Nam Chung Pavilion by 14:30. Challenge runners must pass Nam Chung Pavilion by 13:00. All runners must respect the relevant finish closure. The Elite categories accept ages 18–69; Challenge categories accept ages 14–75. Both courses offer solo competition and mixed male-female teams.

Registration is scheduled to open at noon Hong Kong time on 20 October 2026. Early-bird fees apply through 8 November; higher standard fees apply from 9 November. The organiser may close entries early, so check the live form. Runners can select a commemorative event tee or vest. Finishers within the official cut-offs receive a completion trophy and downloadable e-certificate. Awards cover overall, age-group and mixed-team placings, plus Gold Runner trophies. The organiser lists ITRA and UTMB Index recognition for both courses.

For entrants registered by 8 December, race packs are collected at the Protrek Wan Chai shop in Hopewell Mall on 18–19 December, 13:00–19:45. Later entrants collect at the event centre before 08:30 on race day. Overseas runners unable to attend advance collection may collect 30 minutes before their start. Paid shuttle buses depart Admiralty and Kowloon Tong MTR stations, with return services to Fanling MTR. Allow time for transport, prepare for exposed hill terrain and respect the no-littering rule.