To numerous individuals, completing a 42-kilometer (26-mile) marathon stands as a milestone accomplishment worthy of their dream list. However, Hong Kong resident Kevin Field aims for an even loftier goal.
Beginning this coming Saturday, the individual aged 28 intends to complete a 50-kilometer ultramarathon each day over seven consecutive days. His daily routine involves performing ten laps of a 5-kilometer circuit connecting the Central Harbourfront with the Wan Chai Promenade, which takes him more than four hours per day.
Field aims to raise HK$35,000 (US$4,500) for Run Hong Kong, a local organization that helps the city’s refugees and asylum seekers via sports activities. As of Friday morning, he has already secured approximately HK$11,000.
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Although he recognized that certain individuals might view his moving objective as eccentric, he explained that it was primarily aimed at motivating others toward a noble purpose.
"What I truly want to demonstrate is that if you invest a small amount of time and exert a modest effort, you can accomplish incredible feats," he stated.
Half British and half Korean, Field grew up in Hong Kong and currently divides his time between the city and Singapore, where he serves as a gym manager. A passionate rugby enthusiast, he played the sport extensively during his teenage years in Hong Kong.
He mentioned, 'I truly enjoy the idea of challenging my body to its utmost limits and observing the benefits that come from such efforts.'
Field mentioned that he was motivated to initiate this challenge following conversations with several of his clients. Having worked as a gym manager, he has frequently encountered individuals who claim they couldn’t accomplish particular activities or found them excessively challenging.
In the final nine months of his life, he faced intense challenges. Prior to undertaking his 350 km endurance test, the longest distance he had ever covered in one go was just a 21 km half marathon.
His workout plan includes running four times a week along with two to three strength training sessions at the gym. Upon beginning his journey last July, he used to run up to 40 kilometers per week, which progressively rose to around 100 kilometers leading into the event.
He mentioned that the most challenging aspect of his preparation was the weekly long-distance sessions.
As he was located in Singapore, he would rise as early as 4 am on Sundays to avoid the intense heat and humidity that the country is notorious for.
Field remembered an especially disagreeable morning when he found himself trapped outdoors during a heavy rainstorm. At that point, he was 15 kilometers away from home with no option except to place his phone and earbuds inside a tiny plastic sack and dash homeward through the darkness without any sound for company.
"I believe that might have been one of the most challenging experiences I've had," he stated.
The runner mentioned that he discovered Run Hong Kong through a childhood companion and was inspired to collaborate with the organization following tales of resilience shared by those who had been helped by its services.
Approximately 15,800 asylum seekers reside in Hong Kong. While the region doesn’t provide formal asylum status, it does offer “non-refoulement” protections, which means they commit not to return people to nations where their safety could be at risk.
"Regardless of how difficult you believe your life might be, or how tough certain aspects of your training may seem, it’s likely insignificant compared to what many others have endured," Field stated.
Meeting them and witnessing the unyielding positivity they exude was also incredibly inspirational.
When the Post caught up with Field in early March, he completed a 50-kilometer training run in approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes.
He mentioned feeling somewhat fatigued and having achy feet afterward, yet remained assured that he could still manage to complete the task successfully for an additional six rounds throughout the challenge.
What’s his hidden ace? A tin of fruity soda paired with a packet of gummy candies.
He mentioned, 'The simple carbohydrates are delicious, and they both have excellent flavor.'
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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