Ram Maya Budha celebrates her win [Photo credit: Anta Guanjun]
The Anta Guanjun Hong Kong 100 Ultra, one of the most prestigious and competitive trail races in Asia, celebrated its 15th anniversary in spectacular fashion over the weekend. This year’s event, held on the breathtaking trails of Hong Kong’s iconic landscape, saw course records fall and an extraordinary display of athleticism by Nepal’s trail running superstars—the Budha sisters, Sunmaya and Ram Maya.
In a remarkable turn of events, both sisters dominated their respective races, rewriting the history books with record-breaking performances. Ram Maya set the tone early by smashing the course record in the Hong Kong 100 'The Half', and her older sister, Sunmaya, followed suit, obliterating the course record in the full Hong Kong 100 Ultra.
Here’s how this historic weekend unfolded.
The Budha Sisters’ Unique Double
Trail running enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable moment of sibling synergy as the Budha sisters completed a rare double—both taking victories in their respective races while setting new course records.
1. Ram Maya Budha: The Half
The weekend kicked off with a stunning performance from Ram Maya Budha, competing in the Hong Kong 100 ‘The Half’, a challenging 56-kilometer race that covers steep climbs and technical terrain. Ram Maya delivered a masterclass in endurance and pacing, storming to the finish line and shattering the previous course record.
Her Winning Time: Ram Maya completed the race in 6 hours, 14 minutes, a performance that left spectators and competitors in awe.
Dominance on the Trails: Known for her explosive power on climbs, Ram Maya pulled away from the field early and never looked back.
Her victory was a defining moment for the 23-year-old Nepali trail runner, who is quickly carving out her own place in the ultra-running world alongside her accomplished older sister.
2. Sunmaya Budha: The 100
Following her sister’s record-breaking performance, Sunmaya Budha took center stage in the marquee 100-kilometer race. With a field stacked with elite international runners, Sunmaya delivered one of the most impressive performances in the history of the event, crossing the finish line in record time.
Her Winning Time: Sunmaya finished the grueling course in 11 hours, 27 minutes, breaking the previous record by a substantial margin.
A Master of the Long Distance: Known for her endurance and tactical brilliance, Sunmaya surged ahead in the second half of the race, navigating the technical trails with precision and speed.
Her performance marked her as one of the world’s elite trail runners, further solidifying her status as a trail running icon in Nepal and beyond.
About the Anta Guanjun Hong Kong 100 Ultra
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Hong Kong 100 Ultra is one of the most prestigious trail races in Asia, attracting top talent from around the world. The event includes two main races:
Hong Kong 100 Ultra (100K): A grueling 100-kilometer course featuring over 5,000 meters of elevation gain. The race takes runners through Hong Kong’s most scenic trails, including dramatic coastline views, mountain peaks, and dense forests.
Hong Kong 100 ‘The Half’ (56K): A shorter but equally challenging race with steep climbs and technical descents, perfect for those looking to push their limits over a shorter distance.
The combination of the race’s challenging course and stunning scenery makes it a favorite among elite trail runners and recreational athletes alike.
Nepal's Growing Dominance in Trail Running
The Budha sisters’ performances are the latest chapter in Nepal’s growing dominance in trail and mountain running. The country, known for its towering Himalayan peaks and rugged terrain, has become a hotbed of trail running talent, producing athletes who excel in the sport’s most challenging events.
Why Nepali Runners Excel:
High-Altitude Advantage: Growing up in the mountains gives Nepali athletes a natural advantage in endurance and climbing ability.
Resilience and Grit: Nepali runners are known for their mental toughness, often training in harsh conditions and challenging terrains.
Trail Running Culture: Trail running is woven into the fabric of Nepali life, with many runners coming from farming communities where physical endurance is a way of life.
The Budha sisters, alongside other Nepali stars like Mira Rai, are shining examples of this dominance, showcasing their talent on the global stage.
Key Moments from the Race Weekend
Incredible Conditions: The weekend’s weather provided near-perfect conditions for racing, with clear skies and cool temperatures helping runners push their limits.
Course Records Fall: In addition to the Budha sisters’ record-breaking performances, several runners in the men’s and women’s fields achieved personal bests, making it one of the fastest editions of the race.
Spectator Energy: Crowds lined the trails at key checkpoints, cheering on runners and creating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled many athletes to exceptional performances.
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