This month, The North Face 100 Hong Kong Trail Running Challenge 2024 attracted many newcomers to trail running, including actress Cecilia So, who participated in her first trail race. In a post-race interview, she expressed her satisfaction with her performance: “After this TNF race, I was amazed by my body’s potential. I initially thought I wouldn’t be able to run at all. I expected it to take four hours, but I finished in just two hours and forty minutes.”
Having previously tried road running, Cecilia found that trail running offered her much more enjoyment. She commented, “Road running can sometimes feel monotonous since the routes are often the same. I try to find ways to make it fun, like comparing myself to other runners to push myself to go faster or thinking about random things in my head.”
In this race, Cecilia not only pushed her limits but was also inspired by the other female participants: “I think it’s really impressive to see women running in the mountains because it’s such a challenging endeavor. During the race, I saw many determined women who completed the course with great resolve. I felt the strength of women’s resilience. I believe we all need to continuously uncover our own endurance and perseverance, just as I did that day.”
Cecilia, who has always loved hiking and being in nature, sees the outdoors as a healing force that allows her mind and spirit to settle. While training for trail running, she discovered the joy of the experience: “Although trail running is full of challenges, looking up at the mountain peak feels like seeing a finish line that constantly encourages me to keep going and take one more step toward my goal. In contrast, with road running, if I feel tired, I can easily stop without hesitation.”
Surrounded by nature during her trail runs, Cecilia loves having conversations with herself, feeling her heartbeat, and listening to the rhythm as it quickens. This experience allows her to fully savor the moment, immersed in the effort of running through the mountains. The emotional reward of achieving each goal deeply moves her.
Since taking up running, Cecilia has unknowingly strengthened her willpower. She believes that the resilience she builds through running translates into her everyday life. “When I face difficulties in life or work, I might struggle at first,” she explains. “But when I’m tempted to give up, I remind myself that I can achieve personal breakthroughs while running. If I just hold on a little longer and try again, I might overcome the challenge.”
For this race and her training sessions, Cecilia wore The North Face “Altamesa 500,” which was named “Best Running Shoe” in the 2025 Gear Rankings by the renowned running magazine Runner’s World. This shoe features The North Face’s innovative DREAM foam midsole technology, providing a lightweight, soft, and highly elastic experience while delivering exceptional propulsion, excellent rebound, and long-lasting cushioning.
The outsole is made from Surface CTRL™ rubber and includes a 4mm deep traction pattern, ensuring stability on various rugged terrains during trail runs. Additionally, the shoe’s specially widened design enhances grip, allowing runners to navigate challenging landscapes with confidence.
