Translantau. If you are familiar with the trail running scene in Asia, then the mere mention of this trail race will evoke all kinds of emotions. This is one race that is known for its countless numbers of staircases, undulating terrain and changing weather. Simply put, it’s brutal.

Translantau trail race has been around for many years. Typically, the race distance categories included 100KM, 50KM and 25KM. However, after a 4-year absence, it is back this year, debuting into the UTMB World Series as “Translantau by UTMB” and added a 100M category (unfortunately shortened to 129KM due to the recent typhoon that affected the original planned course).

Yes, the 50KM and 100KM categories are brutal; and so is the 129KM one. However, the 25KM category – also known as TL25 – is relatively kinder and somewhat beginner-friendly. Strange but true. To put things in perspective, 565 runners started the race, and only 6 had DNFs. Fortunately, I’m one of the 559 that completed this course.

Cut-off time is 7 hours, with an elevation gain of around 750m. Altitude varies from sea level up to slightly above 230m above sea level only. Two checkpoints on the course, so this race can be summarised into three segments.

For this year’s edition, the race started at 10am on Sunday 12 Nov at Mui Wo Sports Centre. Runners. Temperature was about 30 deg C, and the early morning rain had only stopped about an hour prior to the race.

Runners made their first kilometre towards Mui Wo Ferry Pier before ascending the first – of many – sets of staircases at Distance Post L1239. The trail ran along the pipelines, with beautiful coastal views of the left. Rolling hills. Lots of concrete before hitting soft trails.

The first checkpoint was at a 6.9 km point at Chi Ma Wan Reservoir. There were a few portable toilet facilities. Water, energy drink, fruits and nuts were readily available.

Runners then crossed the reservoir and the next 10 km stretch was towards inland. Lots more canopy cover but also lots and lots of steps. At around the 16 km mark, there was a flight of steps towards the right, but the course marshals would direct all runners to hit the second checkpoint about a few hundred metres away at the South Lantau Rural Committee building area, at Pui-O. Likewise, very well stocked food and drink supplies, and proper toilet facilities there.

Then it was time to make a U-turn to go back to the steps where the marshals were. From here, it was about 8 km to the finish line. But this last segment was probably the hardest one compared to the first two. Up the steps, runners went through Chinese tombs and cemeteries. Lots more stairs, some were really steep, both in ascending and descending. Rocky grounds. Saw some runners who slipped and fell as some parts were still wet from the earlier rain.

Directional signages were clearly marked. Marshals and medical personnel were strategically positioned. At around the 23 km mark, the route merged back to the earlier pipeline trail, down the stairs, back to the pier, and ended at the Mui Wo Sports Centre.

For the record, I completed this course at 4:23:18 hrs, ranked 286 of out 565 starters. That put the reasonably-fit me at around the median mark, where I ran, walked and stopped quite a number of times for photoshoots. As context, TL25 winner Vlad Ixel from Australia took 1:56:32 hrs.

Final Thoughts on this TL25 course:-

• It is suitable for beginners and casual runners, with an ample 7-hr cutoff time.
• Yes, you would still need to train for it and respect the distance and terrain; but it is generally doable. For runners based in Singapore, lots of stair training and Bukit Timah and running at Macritchie Reservoir would prepare you for this course.
• Choice of shoes matters. Hybrid or soft trail shoes would work, not those with aggressively-lugged soles; they may get too slippery for the wet tarmac segments.
• Sunscreen and cap come in handy as the course is relatively exposed with only a little canopy cover.

If you are always intrigued by the reputation of Translantau but are not ready to go for the longer categories, then TL25 may just be a good, easy start to get hooked to Translantau by UTMB. Time to start planning for the 2024 edition!