■Which Trailwalker were you involved with? And when?
In Hong Kong. I was involved with the event from 1994 to 2003 for 10 years as a support crew.

■What motivated you to participate in this event?
I was working at a Japanese wholesale company in Hong Kong since 1994. My colleagues and clients formed a team for Trailwalker and I wanted to support their team.

■How did you organize a support crew? Did they ask you to do that?
The company I worked for in Hong Kong sponsored the event called “TRANS AMERICA FOOT RACE” (walking from Los Angeles to New York in 64 days). I worked as a staff member organizing the event in the States in 1995 and 1996. During the event I suggested the runners make a team to participate in the Hong Kong Trailwalker and I also asked some companies to sponsor the team. The team consisted of American, Australian and Japanese marathon runners and they went to Hong Kong in 1996 and 1997. They aimed to defeat the “Gurkhas murdabad” team but they couldn't do it. They did win first in the civilian category and the third in the general category. Since 1998 I have supported "Team Green" which won second in the civilian category in 1997.

■What did you do as a support crew?
Since I was the first one to suggest Team Moonbat participate in the 1995 Hong Kong Trailwalker, I became the support crew captain. There were two support crews for the one team: the primary crew handled a majority of the work and the second crew mainly assist the first one. We had two cars and each car was assigned specific checkpoints. The car with the main support crew monitored the progress of the team and told the other support crew where and when to provide drinks and meals.

■Did you also assist with fundraising? If so, how did you do?
I told my work colleagues, clients and friends what the event was about and what its goals were and asked for their sponsorship.

■Did you have to do anything special? Were they willing to help you?
I have to do anything special, I just described the people involved and what the meaning the challenge was and they were willing to help us.

■How did you explain about “fundraising” itself?
Hong Kong society is very influenced by British culture, so it was not difficult for people there to understand the concept.

■How did you prepare for the event and how did you transport all the members to the event?
When I supported “Team Green” in 1998, we had a meeting with both the support crews a week prior to the event to check what to bring and confirm assigned checkpoints. There were five checkpoints where our cars could park. We double-checked what runners would need at each checkpoint. We did a little support at several points. Because we would run along with them when we helped out, we could also check the timetable and how they were progressing in addition to the member’s physical condition. All the team members and support members went to the starting point by car. If the starting time was 9 AM, we tried to be at the starting point by 7:30 AM.

■Did you have any difficulty before or during the event?
The preparation a day before the event was not easy. We had to buy lots of stuff and split them so that things they need can be availabe at each check point according to our checklist. But, there is always some kind of trouble even though we prepare so well beforehand, so we have to be very flexible to act according to circumstances.

■Are there any particular things to bring?

a. Salt tablet, painkiller, stomach medicine, glycerin drug, taping, etc.

b. Any food team members can easily eat (like mashed potatoes and bananas) besides sports bar and Gel

c. Toothbrush and toothpaste. (Runners really need them!)

■What did you care about most before and at the event?
The most important things to remember are to try and avoid any dangerous situations and complete the event. Especially during the hottest part of the first day, runners should set a slow and steady pace and be sure to keep well hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion. It is also a good idea to take supplemental salt to prevent muscle cramps.

■What did you bring?
Things runners might not have with them like drinks (orange juice, coffee) and food (soup, noodles). Additionally you should bring things like: drugs and medicines for stomachaches and vomiting, antiseptic wash/cream, emergency bandages, spare torches, batteries and stopwatches.

■Did you have any problems?
While driving between checkpoints, we have gotten stuck in heavy traffic, taken the wrong way, and even got a flat tire. Many more to tell....!

■What fascinates you about a support crew?
I can say that a support crew is really an extension of a team. Every team member and support crew tries to do the best he/she can to cross the finish line together.

■What drew you to Trailwalker?
After all, it is a team of four people and not an individual competition. It is not just about how fast you go, because you need to have all members complete the 100km together to accomplish the Goal. That’s what I find fascinating about Trailwalker. I think many people cooperate as supporters because the completion is only counted as a team. That’s why people around the team are both comfortable with, and even pleased, to help out with fundraising.

■What would you say to those considering participating?
It’s extremely difficult to find four members on the same level, and it is very important that you practice mountain hiking together, over and over, so you become familiar with each other’s personality. 100km is a long distance, and conditions of both the trail and the members will have its ups and downs. If you are feeling better than the others, help them out and give them a hand.The feeling of accomplishment is many times greater with your whole team than alone. I wish you all good luck and enjoy!