Discovery Bay Action Sprint title taken by Zien Williams for record seventh time as series makes post-Covid-19 restrictions return
- Briton won six titles between 2012 and 2018, and returns to win again on home course
- Vlad Ixel grabs third men’s title and sets course record in process during brief visit from Australia
Zein Williams made a habit of winning the Discovery Bay Action Sprint race between 2012 and 2018, she returned to the event this year and added a record seventh title to her collection.
The Hong Kong resident covered the 12km course, which took runners up to Tiger’s Head and back down past the golf club and Trappist Monastery before finishing on the beach, in a time of one hour, 26 minutes.
She was followed in by Ainoa Mombiel, who was second in 1:33, and Karen Hung in third in 1:34.
“I love this course. It always means a lot when racing on Lantau as so many friends here to keep me on my toes,” Williams said.
Mombiel said she had had enjoyed the “very fast course” despite it being a hot day on Sunday.
“It was great fun, super nice going up with great views,” she said. “I had great fun around the golf course trail. It was nice swimming in the ocean, great day, great race and had a lot of fun.”
In the men’s race, Vlad Ixel, a stalwart of the Hong Kong running scene before he moved to Australia, claimed his third Discovery Bay Action Sprint title.
And his trip back was worth it, as he set a course record in finishing in a time of 1:06.
Ixel made his intentions clear from the start by running up Tiger’s Head, a steep climb that reduces most competitors to walking pace.
“It was tough as you have that big climb at the beginning, then you have all the views making it worth it, beautiful, beautiful trail, perfect conditions, mix of uphill technical trails, technical downhills, amazing views and amazing atmosphere. Hope to back next year,” Ixel said.
Ixel was followed home by Matthew Carey in 1:13, and Jeffrey Cho Yu-hin in 1:20.
“I was happy coming in second in today’s race as super good course,” Carey said. “Very technical, lost my headphones, but it was totally worth it.”
