Hikers on Sunset Peak and the surrounding section of the Lantau Trail Section 2 have been issued a safety reminder ahead of the weekend’s TransLantau by UTMB 2025 ultra-trail run.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) alerted walkers that large numbers of runners will pass through the peak’s iconic silvergrass meadows and asked them to keep left, walk in single file, and be mindful of on-coming participants.

Participants in three of the four event categories will traverse the route and cross the viewing vantage near the summit of Sunset Peak, prompting the department’s request that hikers maintain awareness of runners, avoid excessive noise and refrain from straying off the official footpaths to protect the silvergrass vegetation.

The AFCD also pointed out that trails on the island are rugged and visitors should check weather, wear suitable gear and carry sufficient water and snacks.

The TransLantau event, part of the UTMB World Series, features distances of up to around 120 km and is held on Lantau Island’s two country parks, including the terrain on and around Sunset Peak.

The route’s narrow and uneven terrain means that hikers and runners share a significant portion of the trail during the race window.

In past editions large elevation gains and tough conditions were noted.

In addition to the shared trail usage, the AFCD raised an environmental concern: social media posts over recent weekends have shown groups of visitors moving off the path into dense silvergrass meadows on Sunset Peak, leading to vegetation trampling.

The department said it had deployed extra patrols, signage and outreach messages this month to protect the fragile high-altitude grassland.

Hikers heading to the area are advised to plan ahead, stroll with caution, keep noise levels low, and respect trail protocols.

With dozens of experienced trail runners descending and ascending the same ridge, the agency warned that both safety and conservation depend on cooperation.

The event logistics mean that from Saturday onwards, trail traffic will be heavier and priority should be given to race participants in designated segments.

The AFCD’s guidance forms part of the broader framework for hiking safety in Hong Kong’s country parks, which emphasises using maintained paths, packing out litter and not venturing into unmarked routes.

Given the popularity of Sunset Peak and its scenic silvergrass ridges, the department’s advisory seeks to cater to both nature enthusiasts and endurance athletes sharing the landscape this weekend.

Visitors are reminded that public trails remain open, but they should anticipate heavier traffic, particularly along mid-elevation sections, until the event finishes.