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NNormal, launched in 2022, is a partnership between the world-renowned elite runner Kilian Jornet and Spanish footwear company Camper. Guided by the “Your Path, No Trace.” philosophy, Kilian Jornet built his gear to last. Her personally tested the Kjerag shoes for nearly 1,400km (winning 3 races!), aiming to minimize overconsumption and impact on the environment.
Shifting to Hong Kong, NNormal’s first Asian-sponsored athlete is HK4TUC (Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge) record holder Wong Ho Chung (Chung Sir). Beyond his impressive achievements, he actively trains the next generation, promoting sustainable trail running. This interview explores his adventures, his mission, and his concept of youth trail running development across 10 questions. Let’s get started!“To me, NNormal represents the concept of developing sustainable trail running, and I deeply believe in this. Whether it's environmental protection, youth training, or various directions, the efforts are all aimed at the concept of developing sustainable trail running.”
#1 How you first got into this adventurous sport?
When I was young, I really enjoyed running through the mountains, though the sport of trail running was not yet a thing of popular. Until I grew up and began road running in 2013 that I discovered Hong Kong actually hosted trail running events.
After participating in my first trail running competition, I was instantly captivated and fell in love with it, and that's what sparked my venture into the world of trail running.
#2 Trail running often takes us to beautiful and challenging landscapes. What are some of the most breathtaking places you've had the opportunity to run in?
Each region offers unique, breathtaking beauty. Running in Europe, I’m struck by the majesty of the towering peaks and lush valleys. The desert is captivating with its boundless golden sands and fascinating sandstorms. But the most unforgettable experience was the mesmerizing, endless white of the South Pole region—a truly pristine trek across frozen ground. Trail running is ever-changing and every trail has its distinct beauty and charm.
In 2022, Wong Ho Chung traveled to France to participate in the UTMB trail race (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc). (Image Source: The North Face Adventure Team Facebook)
(Photo Credit, Thiago. Image Source: Wong Ho Chung's Facebook)
In 2018, Wong Ho Chung completed The 4 Deserts Ultramarthon Series (the Namibia, Gobi March, Atacama, and Antarctica), winning the overall championship with three gold medals and one silver. (Image Source: Wong Ho Chung’s Facebook)
#3 Trail running can be tough and demanding. How has this sport shaped you as a person, and what life lessons have you learned along the way?
The pivotal lesson came in 2013 at the Qishan 100km race. Hitting the wall at the 50km mark as a new runner, I stopped and seriously considered withdrawing. I took a critical 45-minute rest, watching other competitors pass by.
That experience taught me a vital lesson: you don't always have to quit immediately when faced with an insurmountable challenge. Sometimes, all you need is a moment to stop, breathe, and reassess before pushing forward. This has shaped how I approach all difficulties in life: never surrender, even when the problem seems overwhelming. The right answer is always there—you just haven't found it yet.
#4 What is the most memorable trail running experience?
My most memorable experience was my first trail competition: the 30km "Care Action Cup" race.
I was fortunate to run the entire way with a senior who took me under his wing. He maintained a steady pace, always encouraging me. Even in the final 6km, when my legs started cramping, he was right there at the checkpoints, getting me bananas and applying muscle rubs before pushing me for the final sprint.
I was young and had better short-burst speed, and I ultimately placed 6th while he finished 7th. The whole race was an unforgettable blend of physical exhaustion and the profound human connection inherent in the trail running community.
The very first trail running competition of Wong Ho Chung- the 30km "Care Action Cup" race. (Photo Credit: Issac Wong. Image Source: 【黃浩聰跑步回憶錄】第六篇 —— 越野跑熱鬥小馬
Another unforgettable race was the TOR 330 Tor des Géants (August 2023)—a continuous 330km effort with over 25,000m of elevation. Conquering 25 mountains above 2,500m, I finished in 77 hours, placing 8th overall, an unprecedented result for an Asian athlete.
The sheer distance and altitude risk were immense. On the second night, around 60 hours in, I lost consciousness and experienced hallucinations. I questioned why I chose such suffering, but the realization that this was my path fueled me to keep going. This experience solidified my belief that I can conquer even the most demanding races. I am now in a reflective period, seeking the next global ultra-challenge.
In August 2023, Wong Ho Chung traveled to Italy to participate in the "TOR 330 Tor des Geants" race. The route circled the entire northern mountain range of Italy, covering a distance of 335.5 km with a total elevation gain of 29,608m. (Image source: Wong Ho-chung's Instagram)
#5 The trail running community is known for its support and friendship. How have you experienced the sense of community and connection within this sport?
The best way to explain the trail running community is through a personal story. My son, after watching me race, questioned why I crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with a competitor at the 2019 UTMB race in Chamonix, France, saying it contradicted the spirit of competition.
I explained that in extremely long distances, out in the unpredictable natural environment, you realize how small and insignificant we are. Fair competition is the goal, but mutual aid is the unwritten rule.
During that UTMB race, after 22 hours, three of us were fighting for the final top ranks. In the last 10km, I had a fierce battle with a runner from Ecuador. Even after I took a wrong turn and slightly sprained my foot, he consistently checked on my well-being.
As we neared the finish line, exhausted but evenly matched, we acknowledged our shared struggle. Under the roar of the crowd, we decided to cross the line together. That sense of friendship and camaraderie, alongside fierce competition, is what makes the trail running community so unique and special to me. My son finally understood the difference between track and field versus trail running.
Wong Ho Chung had a fierce battle with another runner from Ecuador, they eventually crossed the finish line together under the cheers of the crowd. Their finishing time was 22 hours, 47 minutes, and 48 seconds, which placed Wong Ho-chung in 6th position - the first Hong Kong runner to finish in the top 10 at UTMB. (Image source: 山と溪谷社)
#6 We know you’re actively giving back to the sports, and training the youth. How do you see your path in this?
As an elite athlete, I often felt a sense of loneliness in my training, struggling to find partners who could match my level. However, my perspective shifted when I began coaching and founded THE PEAK HUNTER club in 2015. I found deep fulfillment in designing programs and guiding young athletes from a beginner’s perspective.
The real turning point came in 2018 when I worked with marginalized youth through the Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme. I realized trail running was an excellent educational tool that could help young people find a positive path, just as it had done for me.
Following this, I made a concerted effort to develop youth-focused programs. Our core YOUTH TEAM has 40 members and has been operating for 7 years, reaching around 500 young people annually. Seeing members who started at 14 or 15 now return as coaches has truly realized my vision: passing on the legacy of this excellent sport to the next generation, ensuring its ongoing positive impact.
Since founding THE PEAK HUNTER in 2015, Wong Ho Chung's youth program reaches 500 young people annually (40 core members). Seeing their athletic performance and growth year after year brings him immense satisfaction, opening up future possibilities for the sport. He notes that casual, non-running conversations with members are a wonderful complement to a fulfilling life. (Image source: THE PEAK HUNTER INSTAGRAM)
#7 How do you see the new generation or the community towards environmental protection?
My hope is to pass on the spirit of trail running to the next generation with an important part on how to protect our environment.
My commitment to the environment stems from my childhood experience of marginalization and realizing that running was my only option for escape and self-protection. Watching my old neighborhood (Sau On Estate) be redeveloped and its natural spaces—the familiar rivers, trees, and rocks—disappear deepened my determination. The loss of those personal trails made it clear: I must protect what remains and pass on this ethos.
This is why our core Youth Program emphasizes moral development and environmental protection as key components of the formal curriculum. Beyond athletic performance, we arrange four practical courses annually, including cleanups, habitat restoration, and tree planting. The goal is to cultivate a deep appreciation and respect for nature, nurturing the next generation of environmental champions.
#8 How do you feel when seeing all the trashing on the trails?
My first impression is that it’s dirty and entirely unpleasant. Nature should be lush, green, and filled with the natural colors of soil and stones—the random plastic bags and other trash look unnatural and completely out of place. We frequently encounter plastic bags, and during the pandemic, masks and plastic-infused tissues, which are even harder to decompose.
The issue is how long these items linger. We once found an intact plastic bottle from the 1980s, demonstrating the scale of the problem. Compounding this, misconceptions about items like fruit peels lead people to think they disappear quickly, but decomposition is highly variable. Volunteers are often the reason litter isn't visible, not natural decay.
That’s why our cleanups are vital: it’s not just about removal, but education. We use the visible trash to teach people, especially young participants, about waste decomposition and the permanence of plastic. We want to reinforce that while we will clean it up, the ultimate goal is to encourage mindfulness and responsibility. Young people are blank slates who quickly absorb this knowledge, making them crucial champions for keeping our natural spaces clean.
(Image Source: Wong Ho Chung's Facebook)
#9 Become the brand’s first Asian pro athlete, how does NNormal align with your values and goals in trail running?
My core value of environmental protection and the sustainable development of trail running perfectly aligns with NNormal's slogan: "Your Path, No Trace." I believe this mission is about both protecting nature and upholding durable, long-lasting product design.
Product Validation and Durability
I appreciate that NNormal upholds this principle throughout their product range. The running shoes I wear have endured rigorous testing, accumulating over 1,000km of use (including 7 races and 3 championships) since I received them last December. Impressively, the tread pattern remains clearly visible. I am eager to see if they can reach or exceed the 1,700km mark, as having one pair of durable shoes is crucial for tackling long challenges like the 700km GR5.
The Innovation of #INVISIBLEBAG
The brand’s commitment extends to their packaging. NNormal’s new eco-friendly #INVISIBLEBAG is a significant advantage, as it tackles the modern problem of plastic waste. This alternative dissolves in hot water without risk of blockage. Its non-toxic principle is similar to medical capsules, ensuring that even if it mistakenly enters the natural environment, it leaves no harmful microplastics behind. This innovative approach is key to reducing waste and preserving our trails.
On the day of the interview, Wong Ho Chung was wearing the Tomir from NNormal.
#10 You inspire others to pursue this sport. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start on their trail running journey?
I would share my own evolving perspective. As an athlete, I initially focused heavily on athletic performance—scientific techniques, speed enhancement, injury prevention, and recovery.
Now, my holistic understanding of the sport is deeper, and I emphasize three core aspects: safety, code of behavior, and training methods. If we can achieve a balance across these three areas, I believe the sustainable development of trail running—and the personal growth of the runner—can be significantly elevated.
Learn more about Wong Ho Chung:
Wong Ho Chung (Chung Sir) is a renowned Hong Kong trail runner who left his firefighting career in 2021 to become a professional athlete and coach. He is the HK4TUC record holder and achieved global recognition by winning the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series overall, and placing 6th at UTMB in 2019.
In 2015, he founded THE PEAK HUNTER to promote trail running safety and training. His core mission is training the next generation, aiming to pass on the spirit and legacy of the sport in Hong Kong.
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Photos by Zachary Law
Athlete supporter: Crimson Brands
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