Lingnan University holds a Fundraising film screening of Four Trails.
Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration), delivers a speech.
Prof William Hayward, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Psychology at Lingnan University, tells the audience about some of the most unforgettable moments of the race at the post-screening sharing session. (From left: Director Robin Lee, Producer Ben Lee, Prof William Hayward and runner Stone Tsang.)
Director Robin Lee and Producer Ben Lee hope that this film will inspire anyone with their own challenges in life.
VIP guests at the post-screening sharing session included Prof William Hayward, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Psychology at Lingnan University, who is also one of the runners featured in Four Trails, as well as Director Robin Lee, Producer Ben Lee, and renowned trail runner Stone Tsang Siu-keung. During the session, the guests described their unforgettable experiences in the race and making the film. By showing the film, Lingnan University aims to inspire the Lingnan community by telling the runners’ dramatic stories, especially their resolve and endurance in pushing on beyond their limits.
In his welcoming address, Mr Ernest Chan Chi-man, Vice-President (Administration) of Lingnan University, expressed his admiration for Prof Hayward’s inspiring perseverance and courage, and said the documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the Lingnan spirit, which encourages both faculty and students to continuously pursue excellence in academia and research. This spirit, born of passion, loyalty, perseverance, openness to different ideas and cultures, and a readiness to serve, encourages Lingnanians to push beyond their limits and hunger for success in all areas of life.
One of the leading characters in Four Trails, Prof William Hayward,said that he has been passionate about sport since he was a child, and has been running in ultramarathons for 15 years. He is also a two-time ‘Survivor’ of the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, and describes the race as “a dual test of physical endurance and mental willpower” due to its strict rules and regulations, including no external support on the trails, and the need to rely on the provisions runners bring themselves, using only the resupply stations along the route.
The professor said “When I run for many hours, my legs actually get very sore. It’s not really a comfortable thing to do, yet I find it motivating to try to push past the limits of comfort.” Prof Hayward said that from time to time after work he runs along the cycle track from the Tuen Mun campus towards Tin Shui Wai or Yuen Long, enjoying the sense of achievement by setting himself different tests. From a psychological perspective, using this mindset at work enables him to overcome different challenges in his academic research and professional life.
He also encouraged teachers, students and audience by telling them “Work-life balance is a very important concept to manage. I believe that cultivating interests and hobbies outside of work can help us keep the challenges of work in perspective and provide support for our mental health. I try to integrate exercise into my daily routine so that it becomes a normal part of my day. Maintaining a daily practice also provides mental training and helps me manage pressure and cope with change in my job and in my personal life.”
Director Robin Lee and Producer Ben Lee said “We hope that this film will inspire anyone with their own challenges in life, whether they are at a low point and need inspiration, trying to find the motivation to take on new challenges, or just want to experience the rush of adventure - there is something for everyone.”
Released at the end of 2024 and given the Audience Choice Award at the 2023 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, Four Trails documents the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge 2021, in which runners had to cross 298 kilometres of Hong Kong's four major hiking trails - the Maclehose Trail, Wilson Trail, Hong Kong Trail and Lantau Trail - within 72 hours, pushing themselves to the limit.
