China’s top trail running ‘Legion’ leave pandemic behind and turn attentions to UTMB
- Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc chief praises ‘outstanding performances’ of Chinese runners at top European races, as they look to make splash in Chamonix
- ‘This is a strong signal of the strength of Chinese runners, and confirms China is a major country in the trail running world,’ Michel Poletti says
China’s “Legion” of top trail runners are hoping to continue their recent success at next month’s Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in Chamonix after returning to the race calendar with a splash.
The sport has undergone explosive growth in China in recent years, with athletes reaching the very top of the game.
Before the pandemic, runners like Shen Jiasheng, Zhao Jiaju, Xiang Fuzhao, Qi Min and Yao Miao were tussling with rivals from traditional powerhouse nations Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland for supremacy in the world rankings.
But events in China have remained largely suspended because of Covid-19 restrictions, until July 22’s Chongli 168 Ultra Trail.
A lack of international flights, soaring ticket prices, flight cancellations and hotel quarantines upon return have meant that only the most driven athletes have ventured outside China to compete.
Yet a squad of elite Chinese trail runners recently arrived in Europe and have been lighting up the continent’s top competitions. Chinese runners and fans following their compatriots’ exploits on social media call them zhong guo jun tuan – the “Chinese Legion”.
