The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) has confirmed that the 2026 Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships (APTRC) will take place from Thursday, November 12 to Sunday, November 15, 2026, in Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China.
Following its debut in Ulju, South Korea, in 2024, the second edition of the championships will bring together the top trail runners. Athletes will compete for individual and team titles, as well as an overall cup.
Wuyishan is a UNESCO dual World Heritage Site, recognised for both its natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The area is home to Danxia landforms, subtropical forests, and the Nine-Bend Stream, with forest coverage exceeding 96%.
Culturally, it is known as the ‘Southern cradle of Confucianism’ and the home of Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism coexist in the region, which also boasts Da Hong Pao tea trees – a symbol of Chinese tea culture.
“This is more than a race – it’s a continuation of culture and poetry,” said Andrea Yuan, Co-Race Director of APTRC 2026 and founder of the Grand Wuyi Trail Race.
“We hope to show the world China’s millennia of culture and Wuyishan’s natural wonders. Through this race, we tell the unique story of trail running in the language of China.”
The 2026 APTRC will include:
- Long Trail (80km)
- Short Trail (40km)
- U23 Trail (15km)
Participation will be reserved for the highest-ranked athletes in each country or territory, selected via the ITRA Performance Index. The official event website will launch in October 2025 in both English and Chinese.
Alongside the championship, the public will be able to enter the Grand Wuyi Trail Race, which will offer multiple distances and is open to runners worldwide.
The championships are co-hosted by the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, the People’s Government of Nanping City, and ITRA, and organised by the People’s Government of Wuyishan City. Event operations are led by Xiamen Ruixing Culture Development, creator of the Grand Wuyi Trail Race.
Janet Ng, President of ITRA, said “The best athletes in Asia Pacific will be competing, demonstrating to the world their trail running ability and playing their part in a celebration of our sport in the region.
“I am certain that the local organisation committee, with their passion for trail running and proven experience, will present us with another unforgettable edition.”
