Join a race that snakes through Hong Kong country parks to avoid a run-in with loved ones

The third day of the Lunar New Year is considered an unlucky day. Shake off that bad luck with a run that snakes through country parks

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Runners on Wildtrek Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Dragon Tour in 2024. This year’s run, the Snake Tour, is the second edition of what is planned to be an annual running event. Photo: Wildtrek Hong Kong

Published: 5:15pm, 26 Dec 2024Updated: 5:28pm, 1 Jan 2025

From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series.

If you are looking for a “safe” outing in Hong Kong on the third day of the Lunar New Year – considered an ominous day according to folklore – then head to Wildtrek Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Snake Tour 2025.

The tour is not so much a tour as it is a pair of trail races through Sai Kung East and West country parks, in the New Territories, on January 31.

The third day of the new year is known as chi kou or red mouth in the Chinese calendar, and is a day where you are most at risk of quarrelling with someone. Tradition suggests it is best to take part in outdoor activities and embrace nature on this day rather than visiting relatives, or having people in your home, to avoid giving or taking offence.

One of two routes for Wildtrek Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Snake Tour 2025. Photo: Wildtrek Hong Kong

The two races start and end at the Pak Tam Chung PHAB (physically handicapped and able-bodied) site. The 27km (17-mile) race begins at 9am with an eight-hour time limit; an 18km race begins at 9.30am with a 6.5-hour limit.

You can run on your own or with a partner, and race finishers will be awarded a crystal snake trophy.

SCMP Series

Year of the Snake 2025: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

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