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WITH some 450 runners signing up to take part
in the inaugural Lantau Run race last December, given the incredibly arduous and unforgiving nature
of the route from Shek Pik Reservoir to Tai O Village, and in view of the mountainous and remote
nature of the course, it was felt that the race should be restricted to only 100 of the most prepared and
athletically fit officers from within the Force.
It is perhaps a coincidence that the 100 or so officers finally selected to take part in the event came from NTS Region, the organising Formation. |
 DRC NTS Ian Nicholson presenting SP EU NTS and his men with their trophies |
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The race route follows the Lantau Trail route from Shek Pik Reservoir and contours around the Tai O peninsula to Tai O, a distance of 18 kilometres. The first half of the route is on a gently undulating catchment road, but the last eight kilometres take the competitors over steep inclines, across sandy beaches and down muddy dirt tracks. Because of the remoteness of the route CASEVAC's could only be arranged with the assistance of either GFS or Marine. This also presented a problem with arranging first aid and water stops all of which added to the logistical difficulties prior to the event. The race started with 101 officers eager to cover the distance in time for a decent shower prior to post-race entertainment at the Cheung Sha Police Station. The field was an interesting mixture of rarefied and committed athletes down to the occasional plodding "how-much-further?" die-hards who must have doubted the wisdom of swapping a nice comfy office for the rigours of a two-hour mini-mountain marathon. Given the above, the race quickly spread out with the fastest runners back home in one-hour-and-eight-minutes, and the slowest completing the course in a modest time of 2:30. The first male runner back was PC 11408 from KWTDIST who was closely followed by PC 45018 of LTDIST, no doubt benefiting from familiarity with the course. The first woman runner back was WSGT 15960 of LTDIST with a very creditable time of 1:24. DRC NTS Ian Nicholson presented the winners with trophies and awards and KWTDIST, fresh from their recent intensive karaoke training carried away the team trophy. And with two hours (or so) of solid exercise behind them, the runners were more than happy to indulge in some carbo-loading at Cheung Sha Police Station, courtesy of DC LTDIST where a pig-roast awaited. The event proved to be most successful, and will most probably go ahead next year. | |
 DDC CLK Chris Wilson enjoying a post-event leg massage |
Now that the route has been tried and tested, it is hoped to extend it to the rest of the Force with Formations invited to send their top representatives (after all, they're up against NTS personnel) in order to limit the number of competitors to 250, which is probably the upper limit of the course capacity. A big vote of thanks is needed to all those assisting units, in particular Jim Walker and his staff from S&R, LTDIST personnel, especially Martin Cadman, DVC LTSDIV who kindly volunteered to mark the route with SSP Peter Morgan to ensure he didn't get lost (or worse) and, finally, Marine Region for saving the Marshals a long walk-in - and out. |
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SPORTING NOTES The second (and final) event of the 1997/98 season will take place on Friday 27 March in the Hok Tau Area. Entry details will be circulated by PEN message in early March. The event will be followed by the AGM of the Police Orienteering Club. Anyone having difficulty obtaining entry details should contact the following committee members: Richard Morgan (P Wing): 2860-3667; William Chan Hung-him (PTS): 2814-4361; Chris Bilham (Crime Wing): 2860-8183. The 5th Nt South 9-kilometre Shing Mun Race will be held on Friday 13 March at Shing Mun Reservoir. More info call Li Wai-leung:2640-5448. Will be held on Saturday 14 March and begins at 10:30am. All competitors are required to register at FPD HQs, Queen's Hill, Sheung Shui, before 10am on the day of the 8.8-kilometre race. This inter-formation basketball competition for the coveted Luscombe-Leslie Cup will begin in mid-March. A meeting will be held at 3pm on 6 March at the PSRC for the drawing of lots, distribution of tournament rules and collection of entry fee ($250 per team). Enquiries: Lam Hung-chuen at 2731-7275 or 7321-6516 (fax:2369-0793). The annual Police Tenpin Bowling Indvidual Competition and selection of force Reps for 98/99 will be held at the PSRC over nine days beginning on 2 March. All members of the Force, including regular officers, auxiliary officers, civilian and traffic wardens are welcome to participate in this event. Enquiries: SIP Chan Chi-wai: fax 2761-9027. The Hong Kong Police Singles /Doubles Tennis Championships 1997/1998 start on 7 March 98 at the PTS Tennis Courts. The competition is open to all serving or retired regular, auxiliary and civilian officers, and their spouses and children under the age of 21. Deadline for entries is 28 Feb (Sat). Entry forms can be obtained from the reception counters of POC and PSRC. Entry fee for singles is $60 per entry for Police Tennis Club members, $80 per entry for non-members and $40 per entry for children. Doubles events are $80 per entry for Police Tennis club members and $100 per entry forms together with a crossed cheque payable to 'Police Tennis Club' are to be returned to Cheung chun-por, CIP c/o Happy Valley Police Station. Enquiries CIP Cheung Chun-por: 2835-5201 or WSGT Au Suk-yee: 2529-1349. The third Civil Service Walk for Charity will be held on Sunday 15 March at 0am. The fundraiser for the Community Chest is a pleasant 7.5K walk starting and finishing at the Shatin Park. The event, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete and is suitable for all ages ,will be officiated by the Chief Executive. In the previous two walks, the force won both the "Highest Fund Raising" and the "Highest Number of Participants" awards. Participation by all police is therefore encouraged to help maintain the Force's excellent records. Participating officers should seek as much sponsorship and support as possible. sponsor forms are available from the Sport and Recreation Division. Call SIP Angela Kwok: 2804-1133; or SIP Kenny Yeung: 2804-1126. Will be held on 22 March at the Police Sport and Recreation Club. The competition is open to all serving officers, auxiliaries and civilian staff(male and female). Deadline for entries is 21 February. Entry forms can be obtained from the Police Tai Kwon Do Club at the PSRC on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm, or Fridays from 6:30pm to 8pm. Entry fee is $50 per person. Enquiries: Rocky Tse Leung-wah: 2860-3413. The Arsenal House 4/F fitness training room is closed for maintenance to the floor and for minor building work. Consequently the Police Amateur Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Club will suspend its training programme until renovations are completed, which are expected to be in mid-March. Enquiries: LAU Chi- keung, SSP NB: 2860-8901. |
