Force Cross-Country Championships
The Force Cross Country Championships were run under clear blue skies, across the sun-dappled green swards of the golf courses in Fanling on Monday November 11. There were 295 entrants for the 7-km race, 15 more than the previous record. They were vying for 36 trophies, an increase on last year.
In the Men's Open, Police Tactical Unit Headquarters (PTU HQ) Sergeant, Mr Wong Wing-kuen, took the lead early on in the race, Kowloon West Emergency Unit Chief Inspector, Mr Andy Naylor, hard on his heels. In their hard-fought dual for supremacy the two soon put an unassailable distance between themselves and the following athletes. As they approached the home straight, down a 300 meter fairway, Mr Wong suffered a momentary break in stride and that was all Mr Naylor needed to pass him and win the race by a few seconds at 20 minutes and 9 seconds. More than a minute passed before the third and fourth-placed runners crossed the line.
Veterans Pull Some Surprises
In the Senior's category PTU HQ Sergeant, Mr Chow Chi-keung, was the winner and in the Ladies Category, run over a shorter course, PTU HQ Auxiliary Woman Sergeant, Ms Luk Wing-han, finished first in a time of 15 minutes and 57 seconds.
The Veteran's Category was both fast and exciting, the winner, Central District Senior Police Constable, Mr Ko Fuk-ming, came in seventh overall position in a time of 22 minutes and 18 seconds, with the next four veteran athletes all in the top 25.
Of the 15 Men's Open trophies, four went to PTU runners, ensuring that, once again, PTU carried home the Specialist Unit's Trophy. In the other formations competition it was Central District who claimed the trophy for the fastest team, followed by Kowloon West Emergency Unit and New Territories North Headquarters.
There has been significant growth in the older age-bracket categories: 44 men in the 35 to 40 age bracket and 64 men in the 41-and-over bracket. This has prompted a decision to split the 41-and-over into two categories for next year: Veteran I for those aged 41 to 46 and Veteran II for 47-and-over.
Regional Commander New Territories North, Mr John Chung Hiu-pang officiated as the guest of honour and he was assisted by New Territories South Regional Commander and Chairman of the Police Sports Council, Mr Mike Dowie.
Once again, PTU dominates the championships