Langkawi International Ultra Run: Hong Kong’s Wong is fastest woman and beats the men too
Wong Mei-yan took part because her husband wanted to tackle the 100km course, but while he did not finish, she was the surprise winner
It was meant to be her husband’s big day, but instead it was Wong Mei-yan who stole the show at the Langkawi International Ultra Run, becoming the fastest overall finisher in the 100km Round Island Ultra-Road.
The Hongkonger, better known for her marathon and trail-running exploits, clocked a blistering 10 hours, 29 minutes and 38 seconds, not only topping the women’s field but also outrunning all male contenders.
What made Wong’s triumph all the more remarkable was the fact it was her first road ultra and she was in Langkawi only because her husband, Wong Wai-chung, wanted to attempt the 100km distance.
“He was the one who found this race online and said we should try it together,” Wong said. “But guess what, he gave up at 35km. He DNF’d. I finished, he quit.”
Despite her endurance background, the 32-year-old had zero expectations of winning the event last weekend.
“I usually run marathons or trail ultras, which are slower because of the elevation,” she said. “I just told myself to keep moving, except for some of the slopes, and I’m really surprised I finished first overall.”
Running through the night posed its own challenge. Wong ditched her headlamp because of discomfort and instead carried her light by hand.