Hong Kong 100K men’s champion disqualified
The ultrarunner was disqualified for receiving support outside the race's checkpoints
Unreal stuff. China’s Jing Liang and Min Qi cross the 2018 Vibram Hong Kong 100k 1-2 within 1 second of each other. The official winner isn’t known though. #HK100 pic.twitter.com/gb5xuECsvj
— iRunFar (@iRunFar) January 27, 2018
The initial winner of the Hong Kong 100 was disqualified for receiving assistance outside of an official aid station.
China’s Jing Liang crossed the 100K finish line in first place clocking 9:28:35, one second ahead of then-second place finisher Min Qi (also of China), who was later upgraded to men’s champion. According to the race website, “outside assistance is only permitted at the checkpoints. Support crews are only permitted at the checkpoints. Support outside the checkpoints is not allowed, except in an emergency. There is, however, no restriction on buying drinks/food from the shops, restaurants, hawkers and vending machines along the route.”
The Hong Kong Standard reports that Liang “snatched their water bottles during the race” referring to non-participants on the trail at the time. Liang says he believed he had permission to take the water. Another person on the trail claims that Liang littered on the course.
Vibram Hong Kong 100k Race Director Steve Brammar announces at the finish line that leader Jing Liang will shortly cross the line but that his ‘result will likely not count’ due to accusations with evidence of ‘improper behavior’ on the course. #HK100 pic.twitter.com/aEqoOmPQGM
— iRunFar (@iRunFar) January 27, 2018
According to iRunFar, race director Steve Brammar made the following statement in regards to Liang’s disqualification:
“Runner Liang Jing (bib #34) crossed the finish line in 9:28:35 and in first position, but has been disqualified for receiving support outside the checkpoints, which is not permitted by the race rules. Liang Jing explained that he asked for water from a hiker and understood that he had permission to swap his empty bottle with her full one, as he pushed himself to the limits. He expressed regret at this misunderstanding, apologized for his behaviour, and stated that there would never be a repeat.”
The water bottle exchange occurred 36K into the race, according to iRunFar.
Far from LegCo, there’s a second DQ controversy roiling HK right now: 1st place finisher in the #HK100 ultra trail race Liang Jing is now facing a possible DQ for “unsportsmanlike conduct” and littering on the trail (pic via @nictinworth) pic.twitter.com/3aA3ysdPQL
— Ryan Ho Kilpatrick 何松濤 (@rhokilpatrick) January 27, 2018
Clean photo of Jing Liang, Just 400m to Shing Mun Dam / 城門水塘 83k, Jing Liang came in 7:24, still 10 min under D’Haene’s CR. #HK100 pic.twitter.com/3765jj5PLr
— Dogsorcaravan (@Dogsorcaravan) January 27, 2018
Qi’s time of 9:28:36 is a new HK100 course record breaking the previous mark held by 2017 UTMB champion François D’haene.
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