The Legacy of Allied Shadow Unit: Hong Kong's 'Cool Sports Team'

In 2017, a unique running crew was formed in Hong Kong by Rex, a passionate athlete with a deep love for running, trail running, and triathlon. He created the Allied Shadow Unit (ASU) to inspire people to enjoy these sports and to share his passion with others. Although no longer active, the crew's story is one of a team of dedicated athletes who came together to support and motivate one another to reach their goals.

The philosophy of Allied Shadow Unit was perfectly captured in their motto: "To succeed - No miracles only accumulate." This principle guided a community that defined itself as a "cool sports team" comprising a "collective of crazy people" with a massive passion for endurance sports. They believed in mutual encouragement and learning from each other to achieve their training goals and results, using sport as a way to have fun with friends while enjoying life.

The culture of ASU was built around a consistent and challenging weekly schedule. During their active years, they met on Monday evenings for runs at the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground and on Thursday evenings for road runs on Castle Peak Road. The team, being passionate about the outdoors, would usually meet on Saturdays or Sundays for more adventurous trail runs. They catered to a range of fitness levels, with pace groups typically running at a pace of between 4:30 and 6:00 minutes per kilometer.

Although the Allied Shadow Unit is no longer active, its legacy is defined by its welcoming spirit and passion for endurance sports. They were a team of around 30 members from diverse backgrounds who welcomed anyone who shared their love. Their story remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Hong Kong's running culture.

The Hong Kong Running Scene ASU was a key part of Hong Kong's thriving and diverse running scene. The city is home to a multitude of other crews, including the large and social Hong Kong Harbour Runners, who meet twice weekly in the heart of the town, and the female-led Prism Runners, dedicated to empowering women through the sport. Other groups, such as the fun-loving Wazup Running and the social enterprise FoodSport Crew, also contribute to the rich ecosystem for every type of runner.

The city of Hong Kong is an exhilarating place to run, with its unique combination of dense urban landscapes and stunning natural scenery. The city is home to numerous parks and world-class trails that offer breathtaking views of the mountains, the sea, and the iconic skyline. Iconic routes include the challenging trails of Victoria Peak and the world-renowned Dragon's Back ridge-line run. The premier racing event is the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, while the legendary Oxfam Trailwalker is a significant goal for the region's top trail runners.