Ultrarunner and occasion director Andre Blumberg first began working in response to a midlife disaster. At 39 years outdated, the hardworking marketing consultant was immersed in a work-hard, play-hard way of life in Singapore that didn’t embody train or the outside. His weeks entailed lengthy hours on the desk, late-night heavy meals, and partying — a tempo that he had sustained for practically 14 years.

Then his annual medical examination confirmed extraordinarily excessive ldl cholesterol readings and an obese-level physique mass index. “I used to be about to show 40 years outdated and was nicely over 100 kilograms (220 kilos) in weight. The physician mentioned he wanted to place me on cholesterol-lowering treatment,” mentioned Blumberg, who’s now 52 years outdated.

In a single day, Blumberg stopped ingesting alcohol, radically modified his weight loss plan, and booked a weeklong cleanse retreat in Northern Thailand to have fun coming into his fifth decade.

Andre Blumberg earlier than he found working, in March 2007 in Macau. All images: Patchanida Pongsubkarun

Cleanse Retreats

“You drink a lot of teas, and provides your intestines and colon a break from needing to work on a regular basis. I used to be simply amazed. It was very tough initially, as a result of I’m additionally a giant espresso addict and had complications from the withdrawal. Popping out of the cleanse, I felt reborn after having misplaced some weight but additionally having psychological readability that I hadn’t skilled in a very long time,” mentioned Blumberg, who registered for a number of extra cleanses over the following six months after which determined he would begin to train in 2010.

“I used to be too heavy to do something weight bearing, so I didn’t run, as a result of it’d be too painful on my knees. I began stationary biking for 10 minutes, then as much as 20 minutes, then half-hour, then 60 minutes. Then I moved to a treadmill and labored myself up,” mentioned Blumberg, who had lived in Hong Kong for 9 years at that time.

Born and raised in a 500-person village within the countryside of Germany, close to Cologne, Blumberg dabbled in sports activities however didn’t have “massive sporting ambitions,” hadn’t tried observe and subject, and an energetic way of life wasn’t part of his household life.

In faculty, he ran a bit whereas attending the College of Cologne, the place he studied enterprise administration, enterprise informatics, and laptop science. In 1995, he graduated and landed an internship in Singapore as a marketing consultant implementing massive info expertise software program options. He additionally had shoppers in neighboring international locations like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Right this moment, he’s lived in Asia and the Asia Pacific Area for 27 years, together with 21 years in Hong Kong. Now, Blumberg is the chief info officer of CLP Energy Hong Kong, an electrical utility firm.

A Strong Hong Kong Path System

However again when Blumberg was going by his midlife shift, he’d been in Hong Kong for practically a decade and had by no means set foot on any trails. “Most individuals see Hong Kong as a metropolis stuffed with concrete and metal skyscrapers and as a dense metropolis, which it’s. However most individuals who haven’t been right here don’t understand that 70% of Hong Kong is nation parks, a hilly panorama, and an in depth path system,” mentioned Blumberg, who obtained bored with figuring out on the health club and had a revelation when he discovered a path system existed. Nonetheless comparatively unfit, he mentioned, he began by mountain climbing.

“I might run for hours with out seeing anybody, and the paths are so shut. I reside on the 59th ground of a high-rise constructing, and I can see considered one of our peaks at 3,000 toes. I can see plenty of the path system, and also you don’t need to drive. I can run 20 minutes and I’m on two totally different trails, or I can leap in a taxi,” defined Blumberg.

After these first six months, he misplaced 60 kilos, and the continued weight reduction made it simpler for him to maneuver. His health and coaching continued to enhance each week.

In April 2010, he signed up for his first race: the Around the Island Time Trial, an area, small-scale occasion. “I completed and I used to be instantly hooked. I went to run The North Face 100k – Singapore in September 2010 and got here in third. I by no means anticipated to podium. So, I went from a work-hard, play-hard way of life to an ultrarunning dependancy. For a beginner who was grossly overweight and a borderline alcohol addict 10 months prior, it was outstanding for me,” mentioned Blumberg.

A Knack for ‘Slams’

Subsequent, he ran the 2011 Vibram Hong Kong 100k, ending in tenth place. Blumberg shortly “developed a knack for slams.” He tackled all 5 The North Face 100-kilometer occasions within the Asia Pacific together with in China, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines inside a 16-day interval.

Blumberg working the 2011 The North Face 100k – Philippines.

“I’d journey and do a race on the weekend, then fly again to Hong Kong to work. I mainly did three 100ks over three successive weekends in numerous international locations. Australia is an effective nine-hour flight away, so it’s not simply leaping on a flight. That’s after I mentioned, ‘Ah, I appear I get well fairly nicely,’” mentioned Blumberg, who then experimented with a vegetarian weight loss plan for 18 months, which helped to scale back the irritation in his physique and enhanced his restoration. There have been restricted vegetarian meals choices the place he lived on the time, so he didn’t preserve the weight loss plan.

Creating the Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem

Additionally in 2011, Blumberg was deciding what to do over the Chinese language New Yr, a four-day nationwide vacation. Normally, he and his spouse, Paper, would journey, however they determined to remain dwelling in Hong Kong that yr.

He began learning 4 long-distance trails that encompass Hong Kong and an thought percolated to mix the 4 right into a single goal.

The 4 trails had been the 70k Lantau Path, the 78k Wilson Path, 50k Hong Kong Path, and the 100k MacLehose Path.

“I requested round if anybody had ever run these 4 trails in 4 days. Folks mentioned, ‘No, after all not, it’s unimaginable and can’t be achieved.’ I mentioned, ‘Let’s strive.’ The overall is 298 kilometers roughly, and 14,500 meters of elevation acquire. To my shock, I managed to complete them: one a day. I used to be glad I completed however I used to be additionally dissatisfied, as a result of it was too simple,” mentioned Blumberg.

The unique grassroots four-trail occasion grew to become referred to as the Hong Kong 4in4 Problem, which has grown in reputation and is held yearly throughout Christmas.

The next yr, in 2012, Blumberg tinkered with the format, mixed the 2 shortest trails, and completed all 4 trails in three days. Six runners began and three completed.

Blumberg additionally accomplished his first 100 miler in 2012, the Northburn Station 100 Mile in New Zealand adopted by the Extremely-Path Mt. Fuji in Japan, which can also be 100 miles lengthy. “I felt that the longer distances suited me higher, as a result of I’m not very quick however I appear to compensate by being cussed and never quitting and attempting to hold in there,” he mentioned.

In 2013, he modified the format of the four-trails problem once more, rearranging the sequence to make it logistically wise for a nonstop format, which made it much more tough.

“I didn’t run it, as a result of in that third yr, it grew to become widespread, and I wished to direct it and I’ve achieved that ever since. I haven’t been in a position to run it once more, but. It’s a absolutely self-supported occasion, there are not any further course markings, and nil assist is allowed. It’s on path, and there are path indicators. You may have assist between the 4 trails, that are distinct and noncontinuous. You may have a crew decide you up and drive you to the following path, however the commute is included within the total time,” defined Blumberg.

Right this moment, this nonstop occasion is called the Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem, with all 4 long-distance trails lined in a self-supported format in 60 hours, held yearly every January. The format takes runners within the reverse route of the unique format: the 100k Maclehose Path, 78k Wilson Path, 50k Hong Kong Path, and the 70k Lantau Path.

“Lantau is the final path and it’s a loop round Lantau Island. The beginning and end is at Ferry Pier. In entrance of the pier is a inexperienced colonial publish field that you must kiss to designate the end of the problem,” mentioned Blumberg.

The Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem course map.

For the Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem and the Hong Kong 4in4 Problem, a course map and GPX file will not be offered. Impressed by the Barkley Marathons, Blumberg additionally throws in variations annually, including a bit extra problem. One yr, no trekking poles had been allowed and one other yr, no audio gadgets had been allowed.

Total, Blumberg sees internet hosting the occasions as a approach to give again to the ultrarunning neighborhood.

“I don’t need these to be elite occasions. I would like all kinds and variety of members,” mentioned Blumberg, and added, “I’ve been eager to get extra ladies to take part and tried numerous makes an attempt like selling the occasion to ladies and researching feminine ultrarunners and alluring them or asking them to contemplate taking part. One yr, I had a rule, if a male participant could make two profitable referrals to ladies, then he can get a spot. I’m happy to say, on this yr’s Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem we had eight ladies take part and eight males, so it was 50/50 gender participation,” mentioned Blumberg.

Blumberg additionally enjoys sponsoring athletes to journey, masking their flights and resort, and race in high-profile occasion. “For different occasions, I’ve supported much less privileged athletes within the area together with from Thailand and the Philippines to come back to Hong Kong to compete within the Vibram Hong Kong 100k and The North Face 100k – Hong Kong. Having the ability to afford it, it’s my approach to give again and to assist in giving publicity to folks which can be athletically proficient and do nicely domestically however don’t have monetary means to journey internationally,” he mentioned.

Pleased finishers after the 2018 Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem.

The U.S. Grand Slam of Ultrarunning  

In 2013, he obtained into the Western States 100 and determined to do the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, which entails working 4 of the 5 oldest century-distance races in the USA all in the identical summer season: the Western States 100, Outdated Dominion 100 Mile, Vermont 100 Mile, Leadville 100 Mile, and the Wasatch Entrance 100 Mile.

“I employed at the moment Karl Meltzer as my coach. I felt like, that is actually subsequent degree and I wish to get higher and never let that once-in-a-lifetime alternative go with out good preparation. Karl is understood for his wins and experiences. He coached me for a yr through the Grand Slam. I flew to the U.S. after which flew again to work: 4 flights over there and again, so a big funding in money and time. I spent nearly all of my annual depart on working the Grand Slam, and it was a very nice expertise. I really like the 100-mile distance, and I really like the U.S. tradition and vibe round 100 milers,” mentioned Blumberg, who obtained “hooked on the 100-mile distance and U.S. ultrarunning scene.”

Andre Blumberg ending the 2013 Western States 100, alongside his spouse and crew, Patchanida Pongsubkarun.

He saved rising his distance, registering the next yr for the 2014 Badwater 135 Mile and the inaugural Tahoe 200 Mile.

After his expertise on the Tahoe 200 Mile, “I used to be considering to do a triple crown or slam of 200 milers within the U.S., however it’s a bit an excessive amount of when you must fly forwards and backwards from Asia, as a result of that’s one other degree of dedication. You are able to do a 100 miler in a weekend however with 200 milers, it’s at the least every week plus the commute. I haven’t made the dedication of the time.

“If I might spend two to a few months in the summertime within the U.S. that may be excellent and possibly you possibly can fly twice the entire summer season. I might take pleasure in renting a truck, driving round, coaching, and discovering totally different states and dwelling that way of life. However it might be tough to mix with my job, so possibly after retirement or between jobs,” mentioned Blumberg.

Andre Blumberg ending the 2014 Tahoe 200 Mile with race director Candice Burt.

Subsequent, he did the 2015 Angeles Crest 100 Mile in California. “It’s an incredible occasion. Paper, my spouse, has at all times been very supportive, and he or she would at all times take up crewing duties. We might have these vacation spot races and plan a vacation across the race, so possibly 10 days in Los Angeles, California, earlier than or after. It’s a very good mixture. She likes to journey and I like working,” shared Blumberg.

The German Grand Slam

In 2016, Blumberg did the German equal of the U.S.’s Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, comprised of 4 long-distance occasions: three on path, one on street, and a complete of greater than 1,000 kilometers, so one other notch up in distance. The occasions had been the Jurasteig Nonstop Ultratrail 239km, the 200k Hexenstieg Extremely, the TorTour de Ruhr – 230km Nonstop, and the WiBoLT 320 km Nonstop-Ultralauf, and so they all befell in April and Might of that yr.

“Every of these Germany races are nicely over 100 miles, the final one is 200 miles, and so they’re very compressed. The Grand Slam within the U.S. was in 10 weeks. The German Grand Slam was in a span of seven weeks. I lined them over three flights, forwards and backwards, which is a 12-hour flight one-way from Hong Kong. One journey I did two of them collectively,” mentioned Blumberg.

“I just like the logistical facet of ultrarunning and these slams with my timing splits and charts, my provides, and the planning. I just like the logistics of plotting out my journey and annual depart and optimizing and maximizing the profit I get out of it, which is a pleasant aspect impact in these targets,” mentioned Blumberg.

Upcoming Objectives

Up to now, Blumberg has accomplished practically 30 ultrarunning occasions. By 2018, he felt like he’d reached his “finest yr ever” for health and coaching. He gained and set a course file on the TorTour de Ruhr – 230km Nonstop, a street race, completed the Hardrock 100, and one other street race in Greece, the Spartathlon.

Blumberg at King Leonidas’s toes, on the finish of the 2018 Spartathlon.

The following yr, he was overcoming an damage adopted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to trigger strict journey necessities into Hong Kong, making touring for races extra sophisticated, costly, and dangerous.

“I actually struggled with not having a race on my calendar, and I nonetheless want to come back again from that now. I hope that [freedom] will come again at some stage, quickly. I don’t have concrete working plans, however I hope to get again to the Hardrock 100 at some point. I’ve bucket-list runs now however nothing concrete simply but,” mentioned Blumberg, who gave up his spot in Hardrock for 2022 because of the tight journey restrictions.

For the rapid and long-term future, he’ll proceed to host the native Hong Kong 4 Trails Extremely Problem and the Hong Kong 4in4 Problem.

“It’s fascinating to see how former members collaborate and share ideas and methods, much like different ultras, and the instances get higher yr after yr. The runners turn out to be smarter at their methods and logistics. I like that in regards to the sport that it’s each collaborative and aggressive,” mentioned Blumberg.

Name for Feedback

• Have you ever run with Andre Blumberg? Share your Andre tales within the feedback part!
• Have you ever participated in one of many occasions he hosts?
• Are you acquainted with the 4 Hong Kong trails lined on this article?