In an expansion of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, the inaugural XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run has been scheduled to take place on October 26-27, 2024.
This event marks the first international trail run to be hosted in the landscapes of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in China’s Hunan Province. The 21K and 50K race distances aim to showcase Zhangjiajie’s landscape.
XTERRA’s VP Operations & Marketing, J-D Cousens said “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.”
XTERRA’s APAC Technical Director Landry Benoit said “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.”
XTERRA Global Technical Director and former XTERRA World Champion Nico Lebrun added “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.”
Participants and spectators will have the opportunity to engage with regional customs, taste local cuisine, and witness traditional artistic performances. XTERRA adds that this cultural integration ensures that the XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run… ‘is not only a sporting event, but a holistic experience celebrating the region’s diverse rich traditions and history.’
As part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, the Zhangjiajie event serves as a qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. With 232 slots available, athletes participating in both the 21K and 50K races will have the opportunity to earn their place on the starting line and compete for the title of XTERRA Trail Run World Champion.
