2 Athletes, 1 Tips for Moontrekker 2026
Posted on June 17 2026
When it comes to tackling the brutal Moontrekker race, there's no substitute for learning from those who've conquered it multiple times and technically be the top winning positions. Other than interviewed the four time champion Jeff Champbell, this year, we sat down with two champions who've dominated the trails of Lantau Island to share their hard-won wisdom for anyone brave enough to take on Moontrekker 2026.
Preparing for long distance race required a comprehensive planning, start from on site training plan to build your muscle strength, nutrition strategies that prevent mid-race crashes or muscle cramp to gear choices that could make or break your night run, avoid blisters, black toenail..etc. These insights come straight from athletes who've turned the punishing 30km and 40km courses into their personal playground. Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran looking to shave minutes off your time, their advice might just be the difference between finishing strong and crawling to the finish line.
Meet the Champions
Katrina Hamlin: The 30K Queen
Katrina has made Moontrekker her personal domain, claiming first place in the 30K division for four separate years. Her times speak for themselves:
- 2025: 04:01:45 (1st place 30K)
- 2024: 04:06:35 (1st place 30K)
- 2023: 03:52:09 (1st place 30K)
- 2018: 04:11:19 (1st place 30K)
Living directly on the course has given her an intimate knowledge of every rock, root, and technical section that awaits runners.
Ryan Whelan: The Multi-Distance Master
Ryan's dominance spans both distances, making him one of the most versatile Moontrekker athletes:
- 30km winner: 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024
- 40km winner: 2018, 2025
Having participated in 9 editions since his early trail running days, Ryan brings a decade of course evolution experience to the table.
Race Experience and Future Plans
Katrina has lost count of her Moontrekker appearances but estimates she's tackled the 30km course "at least half a dozen times." For 2026, she's ready to step up her game: "Yes! I'll try the 40km this year."
Ryan won't be joining the 2026 edition as he's "taking a break from trail to focus on a road block," but his years of experience provide valuable insights for those who will be toeing the starting line.
The beauty of Moontrekker lies in its ability to humble even the most experienced trail runners while rewarding those who respect the course's challenges.
Course Strategy: Navigating the Challenges
The Technical Sections
Katrina identifies the technical single track along Sunset Peak as the race's biggest mental challenge: "It will feel slow after the early sections, but don't worry, you'll reel it in, and the big checkpoint at the end of that stretch is always a party."
Ryan keeps it simple: "Lantau Peak – it never gets any shorter or less steep!" His years of experience have taught him that some challenges never become easier; you just get better at handling them.
Pacing Wisdom
Both athletes emphasize the importance of course familiarity. Ryan specifically recommends doing reconnaissance runs over August and September when conditions are still challenging: "This always helps for a smoother race in October when the weather is (usually!) a bit kinder."
Training Approach
Weekly Structure
Katrina's training philosophy adapts to life's realities: "I usually do a mixture of shorter runs during the working week, including a couple of structured workouts with short intervals or hill reps, and a couple of super easy runs. At the weekend, I do a longer one on Saturday and a rest day Sunday."
She's refreshingly honest about time constraints: "When my son was a baby I often had less than 30 minutes on a weekday, plus a couple of hours on the weekend. Now the kids are bigger I can find more time by sneaking out in the mornings."
Terrain-Specific Preparation
Ryan focuses on replicating race conditions: "Always important to practice on both technical terrain as well as a steep climb to replicate Lantau Peak."
Katrina admits to having a significant advantage: "I literally live on the course, is that cheating?! If you can't move to Lantau, plan a few visits or even a long weekend to see what you're in for, including a night run, if possible."
Nutrition and Hydration Strategies
Training Nutrition
Both athletes emphasize consistency between training and race day nutrition.
Katrina uses Umara products exclusively: "I use the same Umara drinks and snacks that I race with, so that I am used to them. And I make sure I freeze my bottles before the long runs."
Ryan takes a more varied approach: "A mix of real food, usually bananas early on, Tailwind or sport drink from the aid stations as well as gels."
Race Day Fueling
Katrina's race plan is methodical: "I take a gel every 30 minutes, and I'll also carry two flasks - one with sport drink and another with water. I'd refill those twice for the 30km course."
Ryan keeps it flexible: "I am not too strict on counting but aim for roughly 2 gels per hour on top of real food and drinking some calories."
Hydration Philosophy
Katrina trusts experience over calculations: "I don't run the numbers. For me it's more practice and experience than measuring. I know roughly how much I usually take, and if it's unusually hot I may add an extra flask of water."
Ryan echoes this practical approach: "Totally dependent on the weather. But a good rule is drink to thirst. If it's a long distance to the next checkpoint, I try and drink a bottle there and then and take two with me."
Mental Game and Energy Management
Staying Positive When Things Get Tough
Katrina has developed creative strategies for maintaining morale: "Some cheesy music or aggressively befriending another runner on the course usually helps too. Moontrekkers are a lovely bunch."
She also emphasizes goal setting: "I find it really helps to set a bunch of goals for race day to stay focused. For example I might have a time goal for a good day, a really good day, and a tough day. And I have goals for different sections of the course - like trying to run the short but steep hill by the monastery without stopping."
Nutrition as Mental Strategy
Ryan stresses the psychological benefit of nutrition consistency: "I will always try to practice my nutrition in training that I will do on race day - so there will be no upset stomach or surprises."
Essential Gear Recommendations
Footwear
Katrina prioritizes grip and stability: "You want trail shoes with a reliable sole. I usually pick a pair with Vibram grip. A little bit of bounce for the tarmac sections is good but make sure you feel stable because the technical bits will be sketchy otherwise."
Ryan echoes this sentiment: "Its quite a technical course so a trail shoe with decent grip is key."
Lighting
Both athletes emphasize quality lighting for the night sections.
Katrina believes in investing in the best: "Treat yourself to the best, brightest light you can afford. I'd rather have a super bright light for this one so that I can move faster and not have to concentrate or worry too much about where I'm putting my feet. I've used the Ferei lights from Gone Running for about ten years and they work for me."
Ryan focuses on redundancy: "I will always take a decent head torch and also a decent spare. If you have a torch malfunction you don't want it to be game over."
Additional Kit
Katrina recommends specific gear combinations: "T8 shorts with generous pockets for snacks plus handheld flasks for drinks are a great combo if you prefer to travel light. T8 ice bandanas for hot conditions are a game changer too!"
Course Preparation Strategies
The Value of Reconnaissance
Ryan can't overstate the importance of course familiarity: "Always pays to do a recce of the race course, so you know how to pace it and it also helps you mentally when you know where you are on the course and what's to come."
Local Advantage
Katrina makes the most of living on the trails: "They're my local trails so I make the most of that." For those without this advantage, she suggests planning dedicated trips to familiarize yourself with the terrain.
Key Takeaways for Moontrekker 2026
Based on these champion insights, successful Moontrekker preparation comes down to several core principles:
- Respect the technical sections - Don't let Sunset Peak's single track discourage you.
- Practice your nutrition religiously - No race day surprises with food or drink.
- Invest in quality lighting - Bright, reliable illumination can make or break your night.
- Choose grip over comfort - Technical terrain demands reliable traction.
- Set multiple goals - Having different targets helps maintain motivation when times get tough.
- Know the course - Reconnaissance runs pay dividends on race day.
The Moontrekker course demands respect, preparation, and the right mindset. These champions have proven that with consistent training, smart nutrition planning, and quality gear choices, even the most challenging sections become manageable.
Whether you're chasing a podium finish or simply hoping to cross the finish line with a smile, their advice provides a roadmap for success on one of Hong Kong's most demanding trail races.
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