Whether it is visiting one of the country parks or hopping on a plane to a destination in Asia, trail running is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

No longer just for elite athletes, the sport is popular with all those looking for something that is easier on the body than road running and offers more variety with scenic backdrops.

With plenty of hidden gems in Hong Kong and around Asia, from dense tropical jungles to coastal mountains, there are lots of options for those looking to challenge themselves and have some fun. Here are five worth training for.

Lantau 2 Peaks

Considered one of the toughest tests out there, the Lantau 2 Peaks is the official trail season opener in Hong Kong. Covering a distance of either 17km or 25km, the extreme mountain challenge attracts competitors looking to conquer Hong Kong’s second and third highest peaks: Lantau Peak (934m) and Sunset Peak (800m+).

The steep and technical route pushes athletes to the limit.

“Legs will feel like spaghetti noodles going down Wong Lung Hang valley as you drop from 800m to sea level in the 25km full Lantau 2 Peaks, but the reward is less than 3km of flat at the end where you’re hanging on for survival,” Michael Maddess, the race director, said.

When: October 4

AloJapan.com