Route Information

About Wilson Trail

Sir David Wilson, the former Governor of Colonial Hong Kong, was a very enthusiastic hiker. The idea of Wilson Trail was initiated by him and the Trail itself was a collection of his recommended routes. The Wilson Trail was developed by Friends of the Country Park and sponsored by various private organizations. The construction work of the Trail began in 1994. The Wilson Trail was first opened on 21st January, 1996.

The Wilson Trail is 78km long and is divided into 10 sections. The Trail begins in Stanley and ends in Nam Chung, spanning from south to north across the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. The trail crosses eight country parks, including Tai Tam, Quarry Bay, Ma On Shan, Lion Rock, Gold Hill, Shing Mun, Tai Mo Shan and Pat Sin Leng Country Parks. The Wilson Trail includes both scenic spots, which are perfect for families, and difficult rocky paths, which challenge the hikers. It requires about 31 hours finishing the whole of the Wilson Trail.

General Information

1. Distance posts are located along the Wilson Trail. There is a number (such as W004, W represents Wilson Trail) and a Grid Reference printed on every distance post. Participants should pay attention to the number on these posts during practice and competition. In case of emergency, the number and Grid Reference may help the Organizer to locate your position efficiently.

2. The Event route covers most parts of the Wilson Trail. The total distance is around 78 km and is divided into 9 sections. There are Checkpoints (CP) at the end of each section for recording the arrival time of each team, and providing food and water. There are also Sub-Checkpoints (SCP) at selected locations to avoid participants losing their way. Please be reminded that time recording and support are not available at SCP. (Note: Part of the route and sectioning of the Event route are not the same as that of the original Wilson Trail.)

		Sections	Checkpoints	Distance (km)	Difficulty	Others	Route Map – New !!!For download
			Start Point - SP Tai Tam Reservoir Road
		Start Point     (Tai Tam Reservoir Road)                         > Checkpoint 1    （Hong Kong Parkview）	CP1 Hong Kong Parkview	6.5	**	AMS
		Checkpoint 1     (Hong Kong Parkview）                   > Sub-Checkpoint 1 (Devil’s Peak）                         > Checkpoint 2    （O King Road,Yau Tong）	CP2 O King Road,Yau Tong	9.8 #	**
		Checkpoint 2    (O King Road,Yau Tong）                       > Checkpoint 3    （Tseng Lan Shue）	CP3 Tseng Lan Shue	5	**	AMS
		Checkpoint 3    （Tseng Lan Shue）                        > Checkpoint 4    （Shatin Pass）	CP4 Shatin Pass	8	***	AMS and Physiotherapy	New
		Checkpoint 4    （Shatin Pass）                       > Checkpoint 5    （Tai Po Road）	CP5 Tai Po Road	7.3	*		New
		Checkpoint 5    （Tai Po Road）                       > Checkpoint 6    （Shing Mun Reservoir）	CP6 Shing Mun Reservoir	5.3	**	AMS
		Checkpoint 6    (Shing Mun Reservoir)                  > Checkpoint 7    （Yuen Tun Ha）	CP7 Yuen Tun Ha	10.2	**	AMS
		Checkpoint 7    （Yuen Tun Ha）                        > Checkpoint 8    （Hok Tau Reservoir）	CP8 Hok Tau Reservoir	11.6	***	AMS and Physiotherapy
		Checkpoint 8    （Hok Tau Reservoir）                 > Sub-Checkpoint 2（Hsien Ku Fung）                      > Finish Point       (Nam Chung)	Finish Point - FP Nam Chung	14.8	***	AMS

* Easy Walk               ** Fairly Difficult                *** Very Difficult

# Participants should travel to Yau Tong by MTR. It is suggested to take the MTR at Quarry Bay Station.

3. Checkpoint Details

	Name	GR	Feature	Closing Time
				Whole Course		Day Course			Night Course
				Original	New*	Original		New*	Original
SP	Tai Tam Reservoir Road	KK117 641	BBQ Site No.2	N/A
CP1	Hong Kong Parkview	KK112 640	Wilson Trail Section 2 Entrance	(11/10) 12:45		(11/10) 12:30			N/A
SCP1^	Devil’s Peak	KK157 677	Pavilion No.2^	N/A
CP2^^	O King Road,Yau Tong	KK161 688	Pavilion^^	(11/10) 16:15		(11/10) 16:00			N/A
CP3	Tseng Lan Shue	KK155 724	Pavilion	(11/10) 18:15		(11/10) 17:45
CP4	Shatin Pass	KK116 748	Maclehose Trail Distance Post No.101	(11/10)		(11/10)
				21:30	22:00	20:30	21:00
CP5	Taipo Road	KK073 748	Wilson Trail Section 6 Entrance	(11/10)		N/A			(11/10) 23:30
				23:30	24:00
CP6	Shing Mun Reservoir	KK063 775	Main Dam	(12/10)					(12/10) 01:45
				02:00	02:30
CP7	Yuen Tun Ha	KK079 830	Pavilion	(12/10)					(12/10) 05:30
				06:00	06:30
CP8	Hok Tau Reservoir	KK099 901	Enquiry Sign	(12/10)					(12/10) 10:00
				10:45	11:15
SCP2	Hsien Ku Fung	KK154 891	Trigonometric Station	N/A
FP	Nam Chung	KK127 924	End point of Wilson Trail	(12/10)		N/A			(12/10) 16:30
				17:30	18:00

*       The route between WC044 to WC047 is blocked by landsides. For the sake of participant’s safety, all participants must follow the instruction of the Organizer and use the NEW route. Otherwise, the participant will be disqualified. For details of the NEW route, please refer to the route page
^      SCP1 is located at the Pavilion No.2 along the Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery Road.

^^     CP2 is located at the pavilion in between Chiu Keng Wan Shan and Ng Kwai Shan.

Adverse Weather Arrangement

Before Registration

If the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, Thunderstorm Warning or Any Typhoon Signal is still hoisted after 21:00 on 10th October 2008, the arrangement for the Event will be announced through the Event Website and e-mail before 22:00 on 10th October 2008 (For Adventurer – Night Course, announcement will be made before 17:00 on 11th October 2008 on the Event Day).

During the Race

In case of adverse weather condition during the race, participants should proceed to a safe place and inform the Organizer their locations and wait for further arrangements.

Participants should pay attention to weather report broadcast (Dial-a-weather: 1878-200), or contact the Organizer (Event Hotline: 8101 4622) for adverse weather arrangement.

Rules and Regulations

All participants must follow the rules, regulations and instructions laid by the Organizer. Any team violating those rules, regulations or instructions can be disqualified. The Organizer reserves the rights to refuse any team to participate in or continue the race. All the Organizer's rights including the right to institute legal proceedings against such a participant are expressly reserved.

1. All participants MUST be aged 18 or above on or before the Event Day and they must proceed in team.
2. Teams must complete the registration procedure at specific time and location before the start of the race.
3. To ensure the safety of all participants, each team must carry a fully-charged mobile phone. Each team member must carry a whistle and a torch / head lamp with sufficient batteries and show them to the officials when requested. All those equipments must be in good working order throughout the race. The Organizer has the discretion to request participants without the required equipment to discontinue the race.
4. Participants must complete the entire race on foot (except traveling to Yau Tong by MTR). Traveling on any form of transportation or subsidiary tools during the event is not allowed.
5. All participants must follow the Organizer's instructions and complete the designated route on time in order to be ranked and be eligible for competing for the prizes.
6. From Start Point to Finish Point throughout the race, teams must register, start and report to checkpoints as a team with all members present.
7. The completion time of a team will be recorded as the completion time of the whole team with all members present.
8. All participants must display their number bibs in noticeable positions throughout the race.
9. For loss of number bib before or during the race, participants must apply for  a re-issuance and HK$50 will be charged as the administration fee per number bib lost.
10. For loss of Electronic Record Card before or during the race, participants should report to the next checkpoint. No re-issuance of Electronic Record Card will be given and the deposit of HK$200 per team is non-refundable. The team may continue the race. However, the team will not be ranked.
11. Teams that cannot arrive at the checkpoint before the specified closing time must report to the nearest checkpoint or call the Event Hotline (8101 4622) immediately. They should, according to the Organizer’s instructions, stay at the checkpoint and wait for the arrangement by the Organizer. Under such circumstances, they may continue the race with the Organizer’s approval, but the teams will not be ranked.
12. For the sake of participants' safety, any participants withdrawing from the race for any reasons must call the Event Hotline or report to the nearest checkpoint.  The withdrawn participant must be accompanied by at least 1 of his/her team member(s) or obtain the Organizer’s approval of his/her leave. Under such circumstances, the remaining team members (at least 2) may continue the race only with the Organizer's approval but such team will not be ranked.
13. Team’s result is based on results stored in the Electronic Record Card. The Organizer reserves the right of finalizing the results.
14. Regrouping or change of members is not allowed once the race is started.
15. Participants must obey the Country Codes. They shall not litter or leave unattended fires.
16. Participants must obey traffic regulations and make use of the crossing facilities properly.
17. Participants have to fill in a health declaration form on event day; the Organizer reserves the right to refuse any participants who have fever or other discomfort to continue the walk.
18. The Organizer reserves the rights to cancel the event for the sake of participants’ safety, (e.g. under adverse weather conditions). Under such circumstances the application fee and donation will not be refunded.

The Organizer reserves the rights to amend and interpret all the terms and conditions listed above. In the event of any discrepancy between the Chinese and English version of the Rules and Regulations, the Chinese version shall prevail.

Race Procedures

Registration
A. Registration Area
During registration, the Organizer will:

1. Request participant to show his/ her Identity Card/ Passport to verify his/ her identity;
2. Distribute an Electronic Record Card to each team;
3. And have the following equipment check:

Team Equipment	• Mobile phone (with sufficient batteries);
Personal Equipment	• Torch or head lamp (with sufficient batteries); • Whistle.

 
B. Photo-taking area
A team photo will be taken in the photo taking area.
(These photos will only be used for the event and possessed by the Organizer)
 
C. Luggage Handling Area
Check in the well-packed belongings.
 
D. Waiting Area
The whole team should wait at specified area and get ready to start.
(For Explorer - Day Course and Challenger - Whole Course, the race starts at 09:30, 11 October 2008 at Tai Tam Reservoir Road ; For Adventurer - Night Course, the race starts at 21:30, 11 October 2008 at Shatin Pass. )
 
  
Arrive at Checkpoints (CP) (Including Checkpoint 4 and Finish Point)

1. The whole team should gather and register immediately upon arrival, and report to the staff at checkpoints:
2. Put the Electronic Record Card on the RECORD station. Please ensure there is a “BEEP“ sound from the station or a RED light is on, which indicates a successful recording;
3. First-aid kits, water and food (such as: fruit and bread) will be provided at all checkpoints.
4. Physiotherapy or first-aid services will be provided in some checkpoints.

 Arrive at Sub-Checkpoints (SCP)

1. The whole team should gather and register immediately upon arrival, and report to the staff at sub-checkpoints:
2. Put the Electronic Record Card on the RECORD station. Please ensure there is a “BEEP“ sound from the station or a RED light is on, which indicates a successful recording;

Note: The purpose of setting up the sub-checkpoints is to ensure that the participants are on the right route. NO food or water will be provided.

1. Arrive at Checkpoint 4, Shatin Pass

 

For Explorer - Day Course

1. Register immediately as a full team at the Registration counter and put the Electronic Record Card on the FINISH station.
2. Put the Electronic Record Card on the MASTER station.
3. Submit the Electronic Record Card to the specified counter and get back the deposit. (Note: deposit will be returned in form of check)
4. Participants can collect their luggage stored by the Organizer.
5. This is the finish point of Explorer - Day Course. Team completing the designated route with the shortest time and without violating the Rules and Regulations will be the winner;
6. Physiotherapy and first-aid services will be provided at Checkpoint 4 (Shatin Pass).

For Challenger - Whole Course

 Arrangement will be the same as other checkpoints. Participants should pick up and store their luggage in this checkpoint.

Arrive at Finish Point for Challenger - Whole Course and Adventurer - Night Course (Nam Chung)

1. Register immediately as a full team at the Registration Counter and put the Electronic Record Card on the FINISH station
2. Put the Electronic Record Card on the MASTER station
3. Submit the Electronic Record Card to the specified counter and get back the deposit. (Note: deposit will be returned in form of check)
4. Participant can collect their luggage stored in the Organizer in this checkpoint.
5. This is the finish point for both Challenger - Whole Course and Adventurer - Night Course. Team completing the designated route with the shortest time and without violating the Rules and Regulations will be the winner;
6. First-aid services will be provided at Finish Point (Nam Chung).

Suggested Equipment

In addition to the required equipment, participants are suggested to bring the following items during the race:

• Small amount of money
• Mobile phones with abundant batteries
• Medicine for personal needs (stomach tablets, painkillers, deep heating, massage cream etc)
• Hygiene necessities (towels, tissues etc)
• Wilson Trail map
• Compass
• Water Bottle (The Organizer will provide water at all checkpoints. Please bring enough water between checkpoints)
• High-energy food
• Torch or head lamp with batteries and Fluorescent stick
• Knee and ankle support (help avoid muscle, tendon or joints injuries)
• Hiking stick (especially useful for long-distance hike)
• Jacket (it is windy up on the hill during night)
• Spare clothes (to change when you gets wet)
• T-shirts (long sleeves are preferred)
• Trousers (to provide a better protection than shorts)
• Socks (2 pairs: wear a thicker one over thinner one to prevent abrasion between your feet and shoes)
• Hiking shoes/ boots
• Shoe pads
• Rainproof equipment
• First-aid Kit
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection items (sun block, cap, sunglass etc)
• Camera & film
• Radio (weather report)

Participants may also note that:

1. Plan ahead other team equipment, share and take turn to carry among members.
2. Cut the toenails 1 week before the race to avoid being hurt during down hill.

Safety Guidelines

The Organizer, sponsors and supporting organizations are not responsible for any accident or mishap which may cause injury or death or for any damage to or loss or destruction of personal property before, during and after the event. You are strongly advised to take out personal insurance against injury or death.
The following safety instructions are adapted from "Safety Hints for Hiking in Country Parks" which is available free from Country Park Visitor Centre or can be downloaded from the Country Park Homepage (http://www.hkwalkers.net/longtrail/eng/hike_safety_e.html). We advise all participants to read the following guidelines thoroughly prior to the competition.

Mountain Torrent

The devastating power and speed of mountain torrent should never be underestimated. A small stream may swell and converge into raging torrents in heavy rain and wash away travelers, resulting in casualties within minutes.

Safety Guidelines

• Listen to the weather bulletin. Avoid hiking when the weather is unstable, especially when the rainstorm-warning signal is hoisted.
• Don't hike along watercourses when it rains. Leave the watercourses without delay and head for a high spot ashore.
• Don't stay at the watercourses for a rest, especially at its lower reaches.
• Don't wade in the stream after heavy rain.
• Never attempt to cross any inundated bridges. In case of heavy rain, leave the watercourse right away.

Emergency Measures

• Rapid flows, turbid water with sand and mud are early signs of torrents. Leave the watercourse without delay.
• If you fall into a rapid flow, grip or hold on to the rocks, branches or vines near the banks; try to get ashore and leave the river course right away

Landslide

Landslides are not uncommon when a large amount of rainwater has soaked a natural or artificial slope during a downpour or after a few days of heavy rain.

Safety Guidelines

• Avoid going near or staying around steep slopes during heavy rain or after a few days of heavy rain.
• The oozing out of a large quantity of muddy water from the base or the weep holes of a slope indicates that the slope is saturated with water.
• Exposure of inner soil of the slope and appearance of new cracks on the slope are early signs of a landslide. Keep away from such slopes.
• Don't proceed by stepping on loose mud if landslide blocks your way; retreat or seek another safe route to leave the scene right away.

Emergency Measures

Unless you are fully equipped and properly trained, don't try to resume life buried in a landslide. You should call for a fully equipped rescue team to avoid further casualties.

 

Hill fire

Hill fire advances rapidly upward and windward on a steep grass slope in dry weather. Never underestimate its devastating power.

Safety Guidelines

• Listen to the weather bulletin. If the fire danger warning is red, handle kindling materials with great care.
• Except at designated barbecue sites or campsites, never light a fire within country parks. Smokers should refrain from smoking; all cigarette-stubs or matches should be totally extinguished before discarding into litter boxes.
• Hill fire is difficult to detect in daytime. Always pay attention to flying ashes or burnt smell. If a hill fire is spotted, leave the fire scene right away.
• It is difficult to assess the spreading of hill fire. Don't risk continuing your journey in case of a fire nearby or you may get trapped in the fire.

Emergency Measures

• Don't panic and keep calm.
• Never attempt to attend a hill fire indiscriminately.
• Note the following for a quick evacuation from the scene of fire:
  1. The direction in which the fire spreads - avoid escaping in the same direction of the prevailing wind;
     
  2. The gradient of the paths nearby – Choose the one which is easiest for escape.
  3. The height and density of the vegetation nearby - Find a place with less vegetation for escape.
     
     
• The gradient of the paths nearby - Choose the one that is easiest for escape.
• It is easier and quicker to escape through existing paths.
• If the fire is imminent and there is no way out, you should cover your exposed skin with wet clothing and then make for the burnt area. This can minimize the chance of getting injured.
• Never run uphill if the situation permits.
• Don't run into shrubs or grass-grown area, fire usually spreads rapidly and the temperature may soar in these areas.

 

Lightning stroke

Lightning normally strikes at the highest point of an object and the electric current is conducted to the ground via the least resistant path.Hikers attacked by lightning usually have the symptoms of muscle spasm, scalds, suffocation and cardiac arrest.

Safety Guidelines

• Listen to the weather bulletin. Avoid hiking when the weather condition is unstable, especially when the thunderstorm-warning signal is hoisted.
• Wear shoes or boots with rubber soles in outdoor areas.

Emergency Measures

• Don't stand at hilltop or near any object with high conductivity. As trees and poles can easily be struck by lightning, stay away from them when there is lightning. After striking an object, the electric current of lightning will spread through the ground. Therefore, Don't lie on the ground, especially wet ground surface. Squat and minimize the contact area with the ground as far as possible.
• Stay away from iron fences or other metal objects. Don't touch any antenna, water pipes, iron mesh or other similar metal installations. Remove all metal objects (e.g. gold ornaments) from your body.
• Take shelter in a building whenever possible.
• Don't swim or engage in other water sports. Leave the water and seek shelter right away.
• Don't touch any inflammable materials, such as kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas.

 

Getting Lost

It is easy to get lost during bad weather or when not properly prepared.

Safety Guidelines

• Choose only maintained paths that are clearly way marked and plan the route before setting out carefully.
• Pay attention to the current weather bulletin and avoid hiking if the weather is bad.
• Remember to bring all necessities including maps, compass, torch, radio, first-aid kit, whistle, mobile phone, and so on.

Emergency Measures

• Finding your location with the use of a compass and a map.
• Recall the route you have covered and retrace your steps to your original position. If this is not possible, Stay and wait for rescue.
• Don't go further; this would waste your energy. If you must advance further, take note of all the paths that you have tried. Avoid steep ravines as it is not easy to locate oneself in this topography
• Head for a high spot if you fail to identify your location. It is easier to identify directions there and to be discovered by the rescue team.
• In case cold weather sets in but you do not have sufficient warm protective clothing or if thunderstorm or hill fire occurs, leave the high spot until the situation improves and go back to the high spot again and wait for rescue.
• Give out international distress signals. (see below )

Heat Stroke and Overheat

• Heat stroke is caused by one's inability to regulate body temperature through transpiration at high ambient temperatures. The victim feels hot, dizzy, uneasy and even becomes unconscious. When the temperature exceeds 40oC, the victim's skin will be dry and flushed; breath and pulse rate will increase. In some serious cases, the victim will suffer from shock. Lower his body temperature and seek medical assistance right away.
• Overheat of the body will also lead to heat exhaustion which usually occurs when one is engaging in sports in hot humid weather, especially when one fails to replenish his body fluid and salt lost through sweating. The symptoms are exhaustion, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle spasm, paleness, clammy skin, rapid but weak breathe and pulse.

Safety Guidelines

• Have good rests during the journey. Don't overwork as this would lead to exhaustion.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Drink lots of water.

Emergency Measures

• Move the victim to a cool shaded place. Remove his clothing and have him lie down with feet elevated; give him lots of fluids if he is conscious. Avoid the victim being surrounded by people. Continue to replenish him with drinks and seek medical treatment right away.
• If necessary, employ other body-cooling techniques like immersion in water, wetting clothing and fanning until the symptoms disappear.
• If the victim sweats heavily and convulse, serve him with salt water in the ratio of one teaspoon of salt to one liter of water.

 

Hypothermia

It is caused by drop of body temperature due to lack of sufficient clothing in a cold place. Even in summer, rapid drop in temperature due to sudden cold rain or rainstorm will also cause hypothermia.

Symptoms

Fatigue, exhaustion, clammy skin, stumbling, shivering, muscle spasms, stammering and hallucinating etc.

Safety Guidelines

• Have a good sleep on the night before the journey. Don't join the journey if you are not feeling well.
• Have a nutritious meal before setting out. Have high-energy food like chocolate during the trip.
• Bring warm protective and rain-proof clothing and a spare set of clothes for change.
• Rest at intervals; don’t overload yourself with bulky object.
• Don't overstrain to conserve energy.

Emergency Measures

• Seek refuge from the rain and change wet clothes right away.
• Cover your head, face, neck and body with clothing or sleeping bag to keep warm. Take hot drinks and high calorific food to maintain body temperature.

Snakebite

Common venomous snakes in Hong Kong include banded krait, many-banded krait, king cobra, cobra, bamboo pit viper. They are active in spring, summer and autumn.

Safety Guidelines

• Wear long trousers and ankle boots.
• Use only the maintained paths; Don't venture into new paths or walk into overgrown area or mixed forest.

Emergency Measures

If you see a snake, keep calm and still. Let the snake run away.
Note the following in case of snakebite:

1. Don't cut, suck or wash the wound. Keep the victim lie down at rest. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
2. Don't elevate the wound or make unnecessary movement.
3. If possible, apply a firm bandage to the part above the bite. If the wound is on the limb, you may apply a broad bandage to the part above the wound.
4. Pacify the victim and rush him to a hospital for treatment. If possible, identify the type, color and band of the venomous snake. If the snake responsible for the bite has been caught, bring it along to the hospital so that the right antivenin can be used.

 

Bee Sting

Bees, hornets or wasps are common in the countryside. Be careful not to touch their combs, this would avoid being attacked and stung by their swarm.

Safety Guidelines

• Don't venture into new paths; avoid going into bushes and ferns where insects and wasps inhabit.
• Don't disturb combs. Never strike bushes with branch or stick.
• Spray insect-repellent on your body and clothes. Avoid using aromatic body lotion.

Emergency Measures

• If there are only one or two hornets hovering above, ignore them and keep going as usual. If there is a comb blocking the way, circumvent it and proceed.
• When attacked by a swarm of hornets, squat still and cover your head and neck with outerwear for protection, or lie curled on the ground and evacuate slowly after the swarm has dispersed.
• If the sting is left in the wound, remove it with a pair of forceps. Don't squeeze the poison gland to prevent any residue poison from entering the body. You may apply a cold compress and apply it lightly to the wound to soothe the pain temporarily.
• Seek medical treatment right away if stung seriously.

Dangerous Plants

Some common plants in the wilderness are harmful to hikers. For example :

• Wax Tree - skin allergy
• Prickly Ash- scratches
• Wild Fruits - Poisonous; can be fatal if eaten.

Safety Guidelines

• Avoid going into dense bushes.
• Wear long sleeved clothes and long trousers and bring a pair of gloves.
• Protect your head and face or exposed skins with handkerchief or clothing if you have to pass through a bush.
• Always exercise extreme care when touching an unknown plant. Don't touch the Wax tree.
• Beware of thorns when gripping on a plant.
• Wild fruits are similar and can be poisonous. Don't attempt to eat them

Emergency Measures

• Seek immediate medical treatment if skin allergy occurs after touching a plant or you are poisoned by wild fruit.

 

Means to Seek Help in the Wilderness

• Give first aid to the injured in the mountains.
• Send out continuous international distress signals until the arrival of a rescue team.
• If possible, at least one member should stay behind to accompany and look after the injured while the other two should go together to seek help.
• To avoid delay in rescue, the person who goes to seek help should write down the essential information to reduce the inaccuracy of the distress message delivered by him due to tension and his unclear verbal communication.

Essential information to be provided while seeking for help:

1. Nature/cause of accident
2. Time/location of accident
3. Location/Grid reference/the number of the nearest distance post
4. Terrain/special landmarks in the vicinity
5. Personal details of the injured including his name, age, sex, telephone number and address
6. Extent of injury
7. First aid given
8. Weather condition
9. Condition/Intention of other members
10. Other relevant information

 

International Distress Signals

Send out six long blasts within one minute; pause for one minute and repeat the same. Don't stop until the rescue team comes (keep on giving out the signals even if the rescue team has discovered you from a far distance so that the rescuers can identify your exact position).
Ways of sending signals:

1. Blowing a whistle
2. Reflecting light with a mirror or metal sheet
3. Flashing with your torch light at night
4. Waving colorful or shiny clothes to attract attention

SOS Distress Signal

 If possible, use stones or tree branches to form the characters of SOS (Save Our Soul) on a flat and open space. (At least 6m x 6m for each character)

Distance Post

The Agriculture and fisheries Department has erected distance posts at intervals of 500m along long-distance hiking trail as MacLehose Trail, Wilson Trail,  Lantau Trail and Hong Kong Trail for users to identify their location. In case of emergency, they can state their position by referring to the number on the nearest post, thus facilitating search and rescue operation.

Adverse Weather Arrangement

Before registration

If the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, Thunderstorm Warning or Any Typhoon Signal is still hoisted after 21:00 on 10th October 2008, the arrangement for the event will be announced through the event website and email before 22:00 on 10th October 2008 (Adventurer Night Course will be announced before 17:00 on 11th October 2008) .
During the race

In case of adverse weather condition during the race, participants should proceed to a safe place and inform the Organizer their locations and wait for further arrangement.
Participants should pay attention to weather report broadcasted (Dial-a-weather: 1878 200), or contact the Organizer (Event Hotline: 8101 4622) for adverse weather arrangement.

Prevention and Treatment of Common Injuries

Metabolic or electrolyte disturbances

1. When having strenuous exercises, the heat energy generated by your body is 15 to 20 times that of the resting mode. Your body will sweat to dissipate the heat energy by evaporation.
2. When sweating continuously, the body will have dehydration easily. This will lead to a decrease of blood volume and affect the blood supply to muscles. Without sufficient blood supply, there will be inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles (hypoxia). Muscle strength and endurance will deteriorate accordingly. If the condition is not treated appropriately, this will lead to muscle spasms (heat cramps), and even heat stroke.
3. Replenish 150-250 ml water every 10-15 minutes (Rehydration) will help to prevent the decrease in blood volume, the acceleration of heart beat and temperature.
4. During exercises, depending on exercise level and weather, water will be lost continuously. Normally, your body will lose 1-1.5 litres of water by sweating, and even as high as 3.5 litres or above. Every 500ml of sweat carries away 200 calories and salt (mainly sodium salt). Without replenishment, the sodium level in blood will decrease, leading to possible problems of hyponatremia.

Symptoms

The sufferer will experience dizziness, exhaustion, muscle spasm, unconscious and convulsion.

Management

1. You should stop racing once you experience above symptoms.
2. Drink beverages containing electrolytes to replenish water and salt.
3. If the patient is confused and unconscious, no oral route for rehydration should be allowed. Replacement of body fluid by intravenous infusion of normal saline is indicated for severe case. 

Safety Guidelines

1. To have appropriate rest and do not overload oneself during the race.
2. As you will continuously dissipated energy during the long race, one has to drink water or eat some light food regularly from time to time to replenish the water and energy lost.
3. Do not drink only when you feel thirsty. Ideally, you should drink 3-4 litres of water during the race. The exact amount depends on temperature and humidity.
4. Remember, sufficient nutrition brings the best performance. Optimal hydration status keeps your muscles away from easy fatigue and maintains oxygen perfusion to muscle. This is very important to elevate your performance level

Blood Glucose level Imbalance 

1. During the long marathon race, one should have sufficient amount of carbohydrates to replenish the glucose used for energy metabolism during tremendous exercise.
2. Participants should take light food or beverages with glucose. When the glucose is absorbed in gut and diffused into circulation, it will be transported to muscle tissues directly for energy utilization rather than glucagon metabolism.
3. For a normal person, the storage amount of glucose is less than 1200 calories. This amount can easily be used up during the race. Please be reminded that inadequate glucose level will affect your performance in the race directly.

Hypoglycemia

If participants have not taken food with sufficient calories and with little energy reserve , in addition to significant energy dissipation during the race, this will lead to hypoglycemia

Symptoms

Clinical presentations includes paleness, clammy skin, stammering, hasty and shallow breathing, tachycardia, exhaustion, dizziness, shivering, muscle spasm, and convulsion in severe case.

Management

1. When you experience the above symptoms, stop racing right away.
2. Drink beverage with glucose.
3. Massage muscles suffering from cramps lightly.
4. For those patients with extremely low glucose level, ensure the patient airway and adequate breathing with high concentration of oxygen if patient getting confused or fall unconscious.  Depending on the severity, emergency medical treatment with intravenous injection of high concentration glucose may be indicated.

Safety Guidelines

Before the event, make sure you have taken food with carbohydrates and enough calories to cover for the energy used. Please replenish with glucose drink during the course of the race.