It was fourth international trail running title for Rai, who hails from a remote village of Bhojpur, in a matter of four months. Rai had previously won the first series of the same race and followed it with the titles of 57km Sellaronda Trail Race and 83km Trail Degli Eroi in Italy in September. In the 1km course at the Lanatau Peak which stands at an altitude of 934m, Rai timed 48 minutes and 32 seconds to win the women’s category.

Rai beat China’s Dong Li into second place by over 3.5 minutes. The race began from the ocean shore to the top of Lantau Peak piercing Hong Kong’s impressive layer of smog on the way. With a few minor descents, the otherwise relentlessly climbing trail brings the runners up almost 1000m in less than 5kms.

Rai also broke the existing course record. “She’s announced her arrival on the trail running world stage today,” said Matt Moroz who has coached Rai in Hong Kong. “It was very hard, but I am very happy to win,” said the 23-year old Rai.

On December 7, Rai will compete in the second 50km race of the International Skyrunning Federation-sanctioned MSIG 50 Series against a world class field, including Stevie Kremer

from USA, currently one of world’s best female mountain runners. It has been a giant leap for Rai in trail running who began her participation in Nepal with the 50km Himalayan Outdoor Race in March. She followed the title with the Mustang Trail Race.

Vertical Kilometre races are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and USA as serious athletic challenges and the format now has a world series.