On October 16, I’m going to spend the night walking 40km. In the dark. Uphill. It’d be nice if you paid me for it. Well, technically, you wouldn’t be paying me. The money goes to Room to Read, a charity funds educational initiatives in developing countries.

Why did I agree to this suffering? Beyond raising money for a worthwhile cause, upon reaching the top of Lantau Peak I’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises in all of Hong Kong (and possibly a beer).

The event is MoonTrekker and it’s organised by William Sargent. This aptly-named man saw a serious deficiency of well-organised overnight trail races in Hong Kong and decided to do something about it. His foremost concern was to benefit the charity with all proceeds from the race going directly to Room to Read.

Within Sargent’s first night of just announcing his intentions online, he received ten pleas for entry forms. The event has since ballooned into a 300-strong (and growing) group, all with the intention to get up Lantau Peak before sunrise. No word on repercussions if we’re late, but best not to disappoint Mr Sargent.

Andrew James

See www.moontrekker.com  for details. Registration deadline Sep 16, contact info@moontrekker.com to request a sign-up form. Volunteers for the race night are also needed. Donate to Time Out’s Andrew James at www.justgiving.com/andrewjames/