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For 20 years, Stone Tsang Siu-keung has raced across mountains as an elite trail runner. But in recent years, Tsang is no longer just trying to get faster, but he is also protecting the environment he runs in.
“Through trail running, I’ve stayed in constant contact with nature,” the 48-year-old said. “Over time, I became increasingly aware of environmental issues and the significant impact humans have on the outdoors.”
In 2017, he started a trail conservation project called Little Stones. The group rebuilds Hong Kong’s paths with rocks, fallen timber and other natural items. They hope to avoid using concrete on trails.
“The goal is to make the trail look as though it has always belonged there,” he said.
Twice, Tsang has finished in the top 10 of the Ultra Trail World Tour. He is the only Chinese runner to finish three times in the top 20 of the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc, the world’s most competitive trail running race.
Now, competing is no longer the most important part of his passion for the trails.
His next mission is to run 400km in four weeks across the famous landscapes of mainland China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. His goal is to raise HK$300,000 for the Little Stones Charity Foundation.
“I’d rather explore the ancient trails of Asia and understand local cultures and conservation messages,” Tsang said. Along the way, he plans to run workshops, connect with local groups and film a documentary.
“What excites me now is exploring the world, meeting people, and feeling the pulse of a place through my own feet,” Tsang said.
Training young runners
Under his charity, Little Stones, Tsang trains a small group of young trail runners every year for The North Face Summit running club. The group aims to find young people who love the outdoors.
This year’s 30 athletes include students Ken Zeng and Luciola Yiu. Both returned to the programme for their second year because they admired Tsang’s passion.
“I’ve been a road runner since Form One, but the trails are so much more interesting,” said Zeng, who is 20. “The scenery is beautiful, and it’s why I want to keep developing in this sport.”
But compared with running on the roads, trail running has its own challenges.
“Running on trails at night is much scarier than the day because it’s so dark and you can’t see much,” Zeng said. “There are so many spiderwebs – it’s a very unique and honestly quite creepy experience.”
Yiu said she was still afraid of running on the trails at night. “I remember falling behind once on a mountain path and feeling really scared by the animal noises around me,” the 18-year-old shared.
Despite the challenges, they keep coming back for the rewarding experience.
“For me, the best part is reaching the highest peak and overlooking the trails below,” Yiu said.
Waiting for the wind
On the trail, when runners feel like quitting, Tsang teaches his students to break down their next steps.
They can focus on the next 5km, the next rest stop or the next small goal.
“Don’t look too far ahead ... You’ll crumble because it feels impossible,” he said.
In a world that focuses on speed, Tsang advises young people to be patient. He urged them to take time preparing themselves for their moment of opportunity. He believes success is built in steady steps, not always in giant leaps.
“You don’t become great in two weeks; real progress is measured in years,” Tsang said.
