The Dragon Run 2010 (Hong Kong)

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Friday, 27 August 2010  |  Written by Rob Mousley

Aussie clean sweep - Dragon Run 2009 Credits: Graham Uden

Huge Field Expected

Last year the Aussies put the sword to the South African paddlers in one of the biggest and most competitive races of the season.  Ironman professional Shannon Eckstein won the race with Jeremy Cotter and Tim Jacobs second and third respectively.  The first South African across the line was Clint Pretorius who came fourth, with Dawid Mocke and Daryl Bartho in fifth and sixth places.

Scheduled just six days before the Dubai Shamaal (which has just been moved from 1 Dec to 3 Dec), the two races makes for a great (and highly competitive) Asian Surfski Tour.

The South African Squad sets off at the start of the 2009 Dragon Run (L-R: Dawid Mocke, Tom Schilperoort, Clint Pretorius, Hank McGregor, Daryl Bartho)

Course

As in previous years, the race will start in Clearwater Bay, and will then proceed SE to the beautiful and rugged Ninepins Islands, then SW past the spectacular Cape D’Aguilar (home of the Hong Kong Marine Reserve) and then to the finish line at the world-renowned tourist destination of Stanley, the home of the famous Stanley Market. The course will cover approximately 24km and, with the seasonal NE monsoon winds blowing, should see 10-20 knot winds and great downwind conditions for the majority of the race. A race map is attached.

Given that Hong Kong has a tropical climate, water temperatures at that time of year will be around 23 degrees Celsius, with air-temperature between 18 and 27 degrees (although last year we had a cold snap and it was decidedly chilly out there!).

Tourist Attractions

Hong Kong is famous for its tourist attractions, it shops and its restaurants but it also offers a range of great Eastern and Western cultural experiences. Also, as many paddlers who have visited us in previous years will tell you, it is a truly world class party destination.

Shannon Eckstein wins the 2009 Dragon Run

Prize Money

We haven’t finalized the prize money breakdown yet, but the total purse on offer will be not less than US$15,000. The total amount of cash prizes will be offered based on the level of (international) competition and the number of competitors in each division and will be at the discretion of the race organizers. The prize money break down will be announced soon.

Ski Hire

There will be a limited number of Epic and Fenn surf skis, as well as OC1’s, available for rent. If you are interested in participating in the race and need to hire a surf ski please drop an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (for Epic hire) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (for Fenn surf ski and OC1 hire).

“Chicken Run” – OC6

This year, we’ve opened the “Chicken Run” (the short course option) up to OC6 competitors. This is an ideal race for local and overseas clubs to target as a short-distance competitive race. For overseas clubs, please contact Lara Wozniak ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to see if we can help arrange to have an OC6 available for rental.

Entry Fees

The race entry fee for Dragon Run HK$750 (just under US$100). The race entry fee for the short course, or Chicken Run, is HK$500.00 (approximately US$65.00) This fee also covers the cost of the race registration function and post race party where food and beverages will be provided.  Plus, this year’s race pack will include a Dragon Run shirt from 2XU and a Powerbar for the race.

Contact Us

For race enquiries, please contact Jon Dingley ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), Andy Orr ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Lara Wozniak ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

To assist organizers with race planning, please confirm your intention to participate by dropping an e-mail to Jon Dingley, Andy Orr or Lara Wozniak before October 31, 2010.

Safety

The use of life jackets/PFDs and leg leashes will be compulsory.

A race registration function will take place at the Sea School in Stanley (same venue as last year) at 7pm on Friday November 26th and all participants must attend.

Race Website

The race website has been updated. Please visit: http://www.thedragonrun.com.hk/