In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge is built on an overt contrast between the metropolis and thousands of kilometres of trails. The film “Four Trails” recounts the ordeal, showing in particular how participants chain together multiple runs between trail sections. The challenge takes place in an intense urban setting, with transitions organised via public transport.
The challenge was created by local and expatriate German ultra-trail runner Andre Blumberg. In 2012, he completes the crossing in four days, covering 298 kilometres and 14,500 metres of elevation gain. His approach is also prompted by a personal question, fuelled by the idea of linking the four major trails of Hong Kong into a single sequence.
The four courses include 100 km on the MacLehose Trail, 78 km on the Wilson Trail, 50 km on the Hong Kong Trail and 70 km on the Lantau Trail. Each is described as bringing its own difficulties, with a shared stake: runners time their transitions between trails by metro, ferry and car across Hong Kong. The documentary highlights this chaining logic, both sporting and logistical.
In 2013, Blumberg invites other runners and sets a strict target of 72 hours, before the reference time is reduced to 60 hours. The film spotlights the status of “survivor” for those who finish in under 72 hours, with a traditional celebration marked by a champagne spray at the green letter box, signalling the end. To date, the text cites 38 finishers as an indicator of the challenge.
“Four Trails”, directed by Robin Lee, follows runners taking part in the 2021 edition, with five athletes closely tracked. Among them, Jacky Leung becomes the first person to go under 50 hours in the event, while Nikki Han records a finish in under 60 hours, presented as her second time under that threshold. The film also seeks to tell the perseverance of “survivors”, including Will Hayward.
The documentary also left its mark on the local industry: at its theatrical release in Hong Kong, it raked in HK$10 million, or $1.27 million, and became the second most profitable documentary in the history of cinema in Hong Kong. Robin Lee also receives the Best Young Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2025. Later, “Four Trails” is available free to stream on Tubi, Fawesome and Fandango.
