IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, A RUNNING BOOM HAS HIT THE WORLD’S MOST POPULOUS NATION. UPWARDS OF 20 MILLION CHINESE ARE EXUBERANTLY TAKING TO URBAN STREETS AND VILLAGE TRAILS, AND GRADUALLY SHIFTING THE IDENTITY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC IN THE PROCESS.
CHINA’S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW TRAIL RACE BEGAN WITH TECHNO JAZZERCISING.
It was five in the morning, and the starting line felt like a nightclub. Runners gathered behind a traditional Chinese gate doing jumping jacks and toe touches, syncing their stretches to thumping bass music. An instructor covered in spandex led the calisthenics, shouting through a headset. Smoke machines exploded in rhythm with the music, and floodlights lit up a banner hung from the gate: Gaoligong by UTMB.
A Chinese runner nodded to me in approval. “Not bad at all, the vibe here.”
EDM pulsed for the next half hour, until Li Zhaohui, the event’s emcee and broadcaster at the Beijing Olympics’ track-and-field events, took the stage. That morning, he donned a vintage American Air Force flight jacket, embroidered with the emblem of the Flying Tigers, the U.S. squadron that fought alongside the Chinese in this region, just north of the Myanmar border in Yunnan Province, during World War II. Strapped around his forehead were retro 1940s flight goggles.
“We are here... in Tengchong, the most beautiful city!” he proclaimed, first in Chinese, then in heavily accented English.
“You can conquer the mountain… of Gaoligong! You can fly. You… can touch the sky… like an eagle! You are all heroes! It is… amazing!” The runners, nearly 400 strong, cheered along with the crowd.
Next to me was Pavel Toropov of Xingzhi Exploring, the Chinese company organising Gaoligong alongside UTMB, the top ultra race in the world, based in France. The spectacle didn’t faze him. He’d been organising races all over the world since 2011, and Gaoligong was his latest project.
This story is from the March 2019 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2019 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FEUD FOR THOUGHT
As the Paris Olympics approaches, bringing healthy rivalries and lofty ideals to the fore, we shine a light on running's dark side.
WELCOME TO THE - GUT LAB
Between all of the social media 'hacks', the sensational promises and the scientific jargon, the path to better gut health can feel nearly impossible to navigate. Allow us to give you an insider's guide.
THE ULTRA GURUS
TAKING ON AN ULTRA requires both dedication and expertise. Here are three world-class experts to help you maximise your training, form and race-day mindset - and unleash the long-distance runner in you.
24 REASONS TO RUN IN 2024
How every step you take will change your life for the better this year.
ADVANCED HALF MARATHON TIPS
Expert advice on how to maximise your 21.1 potential.
YOUR BETTER HALF
Why - and howyou should run your best 21.1 right now.
IMPROVERS' TRAINING PLAN
Already have a half or two under your belt, and want to get faster? Here's how.
FIRST-TIMERS' TRAINING PLAN
Top tips, and a 12-week training schedule to guide you through your first half with a smile on your face.
READY TO START?
Thinking about doing your first 21.1km race? Our experts have the answers to your training questions.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS