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Hong Kong 100K men’s champion disqualified

The ultrarunner was disqualified for receiving support outside the race's checkpoints

Hong Kong 100

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.

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.

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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