HARD AS…
10 MAY 2026
CLEARWATER BAY
15KM AND 7KM
THE DETAILS >
THE DETAILS >
The inaugural Hard As Nayls race on April 19, 2015, stood as one of Hong Kong’s most meaningful charitable events, honoring the memory of Superintendent Andy Naylor, a legendary athlete and beloved community figure who tragically died during the swimming leg of the New York City Ironman in August 2012.
The 2015 edition featured three challenging distances across the stunning terrain of Clearwater Bay and Tseung Kwan O: a demanding 45km trail and road marathon with 2,000m of elevation gain, a spirited 17km half course, and an inclusive 8km family run. With 456 participants across all distances, the race captured Andy’s spirit perfectly—combining his love for the trails he regularly ran with his commitment to community and family. Race Director Steven Carr, who had transformed from a “slightly overweight beer drinker to an ultrarunner” in just eight months specifically to honor Andy’s legacy, created an event that embodied everything Andy represented: athletic excellence, community involvement, and unwavering support for others.
Now, with it’s return to RaceBase, we have evolved the name from “Hard As Nayls” to simply “Hard As” to broaden our mission and represent all those who have shown incredible strength through life’s greatest adversities—whether battling cancer, overcoming mental health challenges, or facing any form of hardship that tests the human spirit. This name change reflects our understanding that being “hard as nails” isn’t just about athletic prowess; it’s about the resilience, courage, and determination displayed by countless individuals who refuse to let adversity define them, honoring not only Andy’s memory but celebrating the strength found in every person who continues to fight, run, and thrive despite the obstacles life.
This race is about celebrating life’s journey and embracing what’s ahead.
THE COURSE >
THE COURSE >
15.5KM
7KM
CHARITY PARTNER >
CHARITY PARTNER >
St. James’ Settlement is one of Hong Kong’s most established and comprehensive social service organizations, founded in 1949 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop R.O. Hall of the Anglican Church as a simple club for boys and girls in a temple in Stone Nullah Lane, Wanchai. What began as a small community initiative has evolved into a multi-service agency that now operates 114 service points across Hong Kong, serving over 3.5 million person-times annually with more than 1,982 staff members and supported by 3,844 volunteers.
The organization’s mission centers on providing high-quality comprehensive services to meet society’s diverse needs, enabling individuals to help themselves and others while building an integrated, harmonious community. St. James’ Settlement serves as both a direct service provider and a connector, linking stakeholders and resources to create meaningful change for service users and the broader community.
Their comprehensive services span eight key areas: Youth Services (supporting ages 6-24 with school social work and career services), Education Services (including kindergartens and special needs support), Rehabilitation Services (serving people with intellectual disabilities since establishing Hong Kong’s first sheltered workshop in 1973), Continuing Care (elderly services operating since 1967), Family & Counselling Services, Community Development Services, Health Services, and innovative Charity Services that fill service gaps through donor-supported programs.
Notable achievements include pioneering Hong Kong’s first community care service for dementia elderly in 1989, winning UNESCO’s Award of Excellence for heritage conservation through their VIVA Blue House project, and recently celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2024 with the theme “Connecting Smiles, Empowering Lives”. The organization operates with an annual budget of HK$1.3 billion, funded through government subvention, charitable donations, and corporate partnerships.
St. James’ Settlement exemplifies social innovation through programs like their People’s Food Bank, Kindness Centres, community pharmacies, and “The Voice” newspaper—Hong Kong’s first Chinese publication for elderly readers since 1976 with 30,000 monthly circulation. Their core values of passion, autonomy, innovation, and social justice guide their work in addressing Hong Kong’s challenges including aging population, income disparity, and evolving community needs
