Culture and Competition Ignite at XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run

October 22, 2024

ZHANGJIAJIE, CHINA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The XTERRA Trail Run World Series expands its global reach with the inaugural XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run, set for October 26-27, 2024. This landmark event marks the first international trail run to be hosted in the unique landscapes of a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering sandstone pillars.

Athletes from 27 countries and regions will traverse the mythical “Avatar Mountains,” navigating newly unveiled trails that offer both challenging terrain and rewarding vistas. The event features 10K, 25K, and 50K courses designed to test runners with rocky ascents, winding paths, and significant elevation gains. Each turn promises a new discovery, blending the physical demands of trail running with the natural beauty that has inspired artists and filmmakers alike.

Embracing the theme “More Than a Trail,” the event aims to provide an immersive experience that goes beyond the races. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the unique culture of the region through music, art exhibitions, and environmental preservation efforts such as X-Plogging and tree planting initiatives, fostering international camaraderie while highlighting the importance of environmental and cultural awareness.

As part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, the 50K Trail Marathon and 25K Half Marathon serve as qualifiers for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia, Wales, scheduled for July 12-13 at Eryri National Park with 232 qualifying slots available this weekend.

Course Previews

A total of 15,200 Chinese Yuan will be awarded to the top finishers in the 50K and 25K courses. Additionally, select sections will feature marked segment challenges on downhill, flat, and uphill stretches, offering runners the chance to earn extra series ranking points. The top 20 participants in each category will be rewarded, recognizing the fastest sprinters, climbers, and downhill specialists.

50K Trail Marathon

The 50K Trail Marathon takes seasoned trail runners deep into the heart of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan’s jungles, combining freshly opened paths with long-forgotten trails. With a total elevation gain of 2,400 meters, participants will navigate dense singletrack sections lining the forest floor, along with multiple rocky ascents and descents. This race is characterized by its challenging elevation changes and rugged terrain, making it one of the toughest on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series.

25K Half Marathon

Offering a blend of adventure and natural beauty, the 25K Half Marathon allows runners to explore the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The course features a total elevation gain of 1,400 meters and cuts through the depths of the jungle floor. Participants will encounter a mix of singletrack trails, technical rocky climbs, and steep downhill sections. Designed for intermediate and advanced runners, this race provides an opportunity to experience one of the most mystical global terrains.

10K Trail Run

The 10K Trail Run invites runners of all abilities to immerse themselves in the scenery, culture, and history of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. With an elevation gain of 900 meters, the course weaves through towering sandstone pillars and thick forests for both newcomers and seasoned athletes alike. Participants will join the XTERRA Community in celebrating one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, making it an ideal event for friends and family to take part.

Notable Athletes From Near and Far

Trail runners from 27 countries and regions are set to participate across various age divisions. Competitors hail from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, The United Kingdom, The United States, Canada, Italy, The Philippines, Russia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Slovakia, South Africa, Mexico, Singapore, Colombia, New Zealand, Poland, Malaysia, Belarus, and Spain. This diverse lineup highlights the unification of cultures through sport, bringing together the XTERRA Community from around the world to celebrate adventure, challenge and discovery.

Among the top contenders is Sheng Zhang (CHN) in the Half Marathon with 58 completed races covering 2,855 kilometers and an elevation gain of 146,095 meters, he ranks among the top 0.02% of male athletes worldwide. Zhang has secured first-place finishes at the Inner Mongolia Sumu Mountain Off-Road Run (40K) and the LONGJI Ultra Trail Running Race (75K). He also placed second at the Mingyue Mountain Trail (60K) and the China Four Mythical Beasts Blue Dragon Station (50K). His endurance and consistent podium finishes make him a top threat.

Yuanyuan Wu (CHN), participating in the Trail Marathon has 39 races under her belt, covering 3,435 kilometers and gaining 188,980 meters in elevation, ranking her among the top 0.04% of female athletes globally. Wu’s notable achievements include a 13th-place finish at the Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB (160K) and seventh-place finishes in both the Yangxian 100K Trail Challenge and the Moganshan 100K Ultra Trail Race. Her participation in iconic events such as the UTMB Mont-Blanc and Val d’Aran by UTMB shows just how far she is willing to go to elevate and hone her craft on diverse trails.

Another strong contender in the Trail Marathon is Jiqian Wang (CHN), who has demonstrated his strength across multiple ultra-distance disciplines, with standout performances including second-place finishes at the Mount Yun by UTMB (143K) and the Chongli 168K Ultra Trail. In 2024, he placed 12th in the highly competitive TDS at Mont Blanc (148K) and secured sixth at the TNF100 Ultra Trail Challenge in Beijing (43K). His consistent podium performances in ultra-marathons position him as one of the top trail runners in Asia.

Wenfei Xie (CHN), competing in the Trail Marathon, has impressive performances across multiple UTMB events, including first-place finishes in her category at both the Mount Yun by UTMB (143K) and the Golden 100K Hong Kong. Xie also secured second place at The 9 Dragons Ultra (143K) and third at the Yangxian 100K Ultra Trail Challenge. Her endurance shone brightly at the 2024 TDS at Mont Blanc, where she placed fifth in her category over 148K with 9,300 meters of elevation gain.

Rounding out local representation in the Trail Marathon is Yanqiao Yun (CHN), who has delivered solid performances across major ultra-distance events. His results include a first-place finish at the 2023 China 100K Mountain Cross-country race and another victory at the Chongli Ultra Trail (72K). He finished second at the 2023 Translantau by UTMB (129K) and secured 19th place in the competitive 2023 UTMB Mont Blanc (171K). His consistent participation in both national and international events reflects his commitment to the sport.

Yoann Stuck (FRA), set to compete in the Half Marathon, has made a significant impact in the world of ultra-trail running. His UTMB career includes impressive finishes in the challenging CCC race, placing 18th in 2021 and 35th in 2022. In the MCC race, he secured eighth place in 2023 and improved to seventh in 2024. Over the past few years, Stuck has delivered some of his best performances, including a second-place finish at the Grand Trail du Saint Jacques 100K in 2024 and fifth place in the grueling 252.8 km Marathon des Sables.

Stuck explains, “Trail running is a sport I find extraordinary, where you share and experience unforgettable moments.” His continues a statement that is reflective and relatable to many who will take part in this immersive experience over the coming weekend: “Long distances in nature, where you feel so small compared to the reality of our existence, make me appreciate these moments even more. I enter a meditative state, which helps me reconnect with myself.”

Quotes From The XTERRA Team

Landry Benoit, XTERRA APAC Technical Director:

“The trails in the jungle are dense and single-track, almost like they’ve been forgotten and swallowed up by nature. It’s exciting to reopen these trails, and I’m sure the participants will really appreciate these hidden gems brought back to light.”

Nico Lebrun, XTERRA Global Technical Director and former XTERRA World Champion:

“Athletes should be ready for a mix of rocky ascents and descents, along with some really twisty turns. There’s also a significant amount of elevation gain that adds a tough layer to the course. The 50K is going to be challenging, probably one of the toughest in the Trail Run World Series.”

J-D Cousens, XTERRA VP Operations & Marketing:

“With its global reach, XTERRA has established itself as a leader in organizing top-tier off-road events, attracting both elite competitors and passionate enthusiasts. The introduction of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series to Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan reflects our dedication to discovering exceptional destinations and offering athletes an extraordinary and memorable experience.”

Festival Highlights and Cultural Celebrations

By connecting athletes with diverse cultures, the event encompasses the rich traditions of the Tujia, Bai, and Miao ethnic groups, who comprise 77% of Zhangjiajie’s population. Runners and spectators will have the opportunity to engage with traditional customs, taste local cuisine, and experience unique artistic expressions. This cultural integration ensures that the XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run celebrates the region’s diverse heritage and history.

The festivities begin with the Athlete’s Night on October 26, featuring live music performances, cultural showcases, storytelling, and local dishes. The evening will include a blend of folk-rock combining traditional Chinese instruments with Mongolian rap, classical and jazz pieces by the Zhangjiajie Philharmonic Orchestra, ethnic rock incorporating Tujia elements, modern pop-jazz bands, and DJ sets with Chinese-inspired electronic music. Various exhibits will be on display ranging from:

Tracing the Past: A visual representation of Wulingyuan’s geological evolution using 105 suspended ribbons, highlighting its transformation from ocean landscapes to sandstone peaks over millions of years.

X-Discovery Films: Featuring Tujia cultural traditions, wild mushroom harvesting, and exploring the relationship between humanity and nature.

Sustainable Action Zone: Featuring the X-Plogging initiative, which combines trail running with environmental cleanup, and highlighting reforestation efforts in partnership with the China Green Foundation’s Million Forest Project.

Global Footprint Display: A timeline illustrating XTERRA’s growth since 1996, highlighting events across 47 countries and celebrating the global trail running community.

“Trail Talk” Podcast: Live sessions hosted on-site to share stories about environmental stewardship along with runners discussing their preparations and impressions of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. Launched in 2020, “Trail Talk” explores trail running stories and knowledge, available on platforms like WeChat, Xiaoyuzhou, and Himalaya.

Stay Connected

Event highlights and updates will be available on the XTERRA Trail Run Instagram account, and video content from this iconic location can be found by subscribing to the XTERRA YouTube channel.

About XTERRA

XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.

High-resolution images for publication and social media use here. (Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterraplanet)