2014 Steelcase Dragon Run - Race Announcement
Hank McGregor wins the 2013 Steelcase Dragon Run
Credits: Barbara Yendell
The Steelcase Dragon Run in 2014 will take place in Hong Kong on Saturday November 22nd. [Editor: whether you're in it for the racing or the exotic venue, the Dragon Run should be on your bucket list - it's one of my favourite events.]
Courses for all
We will again be running 2 races for surf skis and OCs – the “normal” long course race and an out- and- back short course race. In conjunction with the 2 surf ski/OC races, we will be running short course and long course races for SUPs.
Long Course
As in previous years, the long course race will start in Clearwater Bay, and will then proceed SE to the beautiful and rugged Ninepins Islands, then SW past the spectacular Cape D’Aguilar (home of the Hong Kong Marine Reserve) and then to the finish line at the world-renowned tourist destination of Stanley, the home of the famous Stanley Market. The course will cover approximately 24km and, if the seasonal NE monsoon winds are blowing, should see 10-20 knot winds and great downwind but very technical conditions for the majority of the race. A race map is attached.
As the race organizers want to maximize downwind racing conditions, the course may be altered to best take advantage of the forecast wind direction on race day.
Dragon Run - Long Course
Short Course
The course will be approximately 9km for skis and OCs, and will start and finish at the Sea School.
SUP Courses
The short course will be approximately 3.5km, and the long course 8km. Both courses will start at Tai Hang Tuk and finish at the Sea School.
Conditions
Given that Hong Kong has a tropical climate, water temperatures at that time of year will be around 23 degrees Celsius, with air-temperature between 18 and 25 degrees. However, despite being in the tropics, because we sit on the bottom of the huge land mass that is China, cold snaps are possible so come prepared!
Prize purse, ski hire, entry fee
The prize money purse is yet to be finalized but we are hopeful of again being able to offer prize money of US$20,000, with a similar break down and qualification criteria to previous years.
There will be a limited number of Epic, Fenn and Think Kayaks surf skis available for rent. If you are interested in participating in the race and need to hire a surf ski please drop an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for Epic hire) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for a Fenn or Think Kayaks hire).
The race entry fee for the Steelcase Dragon Run long course race will be HK$850 (just under US$110). The race entry fee for the Steelcase Dragon Run short course race will be HK$550 (approximately US$70.00). The race entry fee for the Steelcase Dragon Run SUP races will be HK$500 (approximately US$65). These entry fees also cover the cost of the race registration function and post race party where food and beverages will be provided.
To assist with race planning, it would be appreciated if those intending to participate in the Steelcase Dragon Run 2013 drop an e-mail to Craig Nortje or Jo Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by September 30th 2014.
The use of life jackets/PFDs and leg leashes will be compulsory.
A race registration function will take place at the Sea School in Stanley (same venue as last year) at 7pm on Friday November 21st and all participants must attend.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR AGAIN THERE WILL BE NO ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT THE SEA SCHOOL.
2013 Steelcase Dragon Run: the Glickman Report
Click here for Joe Glickman's article on last year's race, won by Hank McGregor