Trailwalker race back on track in 2023
Participants of Trailwalker, one of Hong Kong's signature outdoor trekking events, will be back on their feet running again next year, its organiser announced on Saturday, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the race to go online.  Oxfam Hong Kong had earlier decided to hold its fundraising event virtually between November 26 and December 18, and was said to be "actively working" on hosting an in-person Oxfam race in 2023. But in a statement on Saturday, Oxfam said it has received the greenlight from authorities to hold an in-person Trailwalker race from February 24 to 26 next year, with 600 teams – or 2,400 participants. "After three years, the 'Oxfam Trailwalker' was finally approved," the organiser wrote.  "In October, we submitted the latest proposal for in-person event to the government again, and finally received written approval from the government to hold an in-person event yesterday (Friday)." All participants are required to hold a blue health code under the vaccine pass scheme at least two weeks prior to the day of the event.  They must also present a negative PCR test result two days before the event, and pass a rapid antigen test on race day.  Oxfam said it does not recommend having support teams for participants, and added: "Instead, we will increase the supply of food and beverages at checkpoints. Details to be announced later." Teams that have already registered will receive a confirmation email within a week.  If the organiser receives more applications than the government-approved quota, it will prioritise teams that have raised over HK$20,000, before randomly selecting others with results to be announced at the end of November.  Separately, more cyclists can register to take part in the Hong Kong Cyclothon, following an overwhelming response after applications opened on Saturday.  The Tourism Board, which co-organises the event on December 18, said it was raising the quota of participants to 5,000, from the original 3,000. Those who haven't taken part in the cyclothon before will have to pass a skills test to join the event.  All participants will have to be triple-jabbed and produce negative Covid test results, but they do not have to wear masks during the race.