In late March 2026, against the dramatic, rugged backdrop of Tengchong’s mountainous terrain in southwest China’s Yunnan province, a historic moment unfolded for women’s trail running at the 2026 Mt. Gaoligong Ultra. Chi Lingjie, a 35-year-old runner hailing from Shandong province in northern China, crossed the finish line first to claim the top title in the women’s 168-kilometer race, cementing her victory over one of the world’s most challenging long-distance trail courses.
Long dismissed for decades as a male-dominated endurance sport, long-distance trail running is undergoing a quiet transformation, as growing numbers of elite and amateur female runners showcase their skill, grit, and stamina on some of the planet’s toughest courses. This year’s Mt. Gaoligong Ultra drew competitors from around the globe, including international runners Sonia Ahuja and Andrea Kooiman from the United States, alongside Ren Chunming, a Yunnan-based car salesperson and amateur runner who also joined the women’s field.
Beyond the race results, competitors gathered to open up about their personal motivations for pushing their limits in trail running, and the unique strategies that have helped them thrive in a sport long defined by male participation. The event offered a powerful platform to highlight the growing influence and achievement of women in endurance sports, breaking long-held stereotypes about gender and physical endurance. More content including original video interviews with competing runners is available on China Daily’s official platforms.