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The second edition of the XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run returns October 25-26, 2025 with five off-road events taking place within the same sandstone landscapes that captured the world’s attention through the Avatar film franchise. The Trail Marathon and Half Marathon lead the schedule as official qualifiers for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, offering international athletes the rare opportunity to race inside a UNESCO World Heritage site and World Geopark.

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In 2024, over 2,000 runners from 27 countries came to explore this unique and unmatched terrain. Towering quartzite pillars, forest-lined ridgelines, and ancient footpaths formed a route that stood out not only for its dramatic views, but for the care taken to protect it. Surrounding the race is a sensory world of sound, movement, and design. Curated spaces are lit with color, music carries through the village, and artwork appears in unexpected corners. It’s a place that invites exploration even before the starting line.

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Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is one of the most protected and celebrated natural areas in China. No other trail run of this scale has ever been permitted inside the park. Every part of the weekend, from course access and cultural showcases to music, conservation efforts, and local involvement, has been shaped to reflect the region’s heritage and ecological importance. The result is a truly authentic experience grounded in Zhangjiajie’s land, people, and traditions.

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Course Details and Athlete Reflections

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The Trail Marathon and Half Marathon form the competitive core of the weekend, with both events serving as official stops on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series and offering a combined 232 qualifying slots for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. 

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The 50K Trail Marathon is a bold route that blends remote jungle tracks with rediscovered trails long reclaimed by nature. With 2,400 meters of climbing, the course winds through narrow singletrack, rock-laced climbs, and technical descents under dense canopy. In 2024, Cheng Yu Chao (CHN) took the win and stated, "I loved it. It was my first time in Zhangjiajie, and my first race here, so discovering the natural beauty made it all worth it. And I really enjoyed the challenge of racing on these older, less-traveled paths through difficult terrain. I’ll definitely be back next time."

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The Half Marathon offers a condensed but no less striking version of the experience. The 30K course gains more than 1,600 meters in elevation and cuts through the jungle floor via tight forest paths, technical climbs, and steep drops. Wu Xiao Yu (CHN) finished first in the women’s race and said, "The course is absolutely beautiful, with stunning landscapes that make it enjoyable for both runners and spectators."

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The men’s Half Marathon winner, Yoann Stuck (FRA), said, "The views were absolutely breathtaking. Running here is tough, but the effort is worth it; the scenery makes it all worthwhile. For anyone thinking about coming here, the locals are incredibly kind, and you can really feel their warmth. This place is great not just for races but also for holidays—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, runners, and active travelers."

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For athletes seeking longer distances, an 88K ultra course is also on offer, unlocking access to deeper reaches of the park. Rounding out the weekend are the 15K and 8K races, ideal for athletes of all levels and ages. These shorter formats welcome everyone to move through the same towering landscapes, whether racing for a time or simply taking part. For friends, families, and supporters of Trail Run World Series competitors, they offer the perfect chance to experience the course up close and share in the celebration.

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Impressions and Impact

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The success of the inaugural event in 2024 confirmed what many anticipated: Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan was destined to become a bucket-list destination on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series.

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J-D Cousens, XTERRA VP of Operations & Marketing, reflected on the first edition’s impact:
“We saw incredible energy from the local community, and the international feedback was overwhelmingly positive. From day one, we knew this event would stand out as one of the highlights of the series, not just for the setting, but for the entire experience.”

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XTERRA APAC Technical Director Landry Benoit noted the unique character of the course:
“The trails were wild and authentic, with sections that felt completely untouched. It was a privilege to help reopen them. What made it special wasn’t just the terrain, but how deeply it connected with the environment and culture of the region.”

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The Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Cultural Tourism and Sports Bureau added:
“Our partnership with XTERRA not only emphasizes our dedication to promoting outdoor sports, but also highlights our rich local heritage, firmly establishing Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan as a premier global destination for trail running and cultural immersion.”

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Cultural Connection

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On the evening of Saturday, October 25, thousands will gather in the race village at Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan to take in a dynamic mix of performances and visual storytelling. Classical strings blend with Tujia-infused rock, modern jazz, and live DJ sets. Dancers, designers, and musicians light up the night in this festival space for athletes, spectators, and families to enjoy the rhythm of the weekend together.

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Cultural traditions from the Tujia, Bai, and Miao ethnic groups shape much of what visitors encounter. These groups represent 77% of Zhangjiajie’s population, and their influence is visible throughout the weekend. A standout from last year’s cultural programming was a featured piece from the X-Discovery film series, which followed a father and son and their relationship with the land. Art installations traced the region’s geological evolution, linking past to present as runners prepared to move through the same landscapes. Similar experiences are expected again this year, continuing to add depth to the journey far beyond the course itself.

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From the volunteers and organizers to mountain safety teams and community partners, the effort behind the scenes runs deep. Another initiative, called X-Plogging, invites runners and locals to combine trail running with environmental cleanup, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting the terrain. Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan offers a setting few others can match, and XTERRA helps build the cultural bridge to bring people here and experience a rare encounter with a world few ever get to move through.

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Registration is now open via the XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan event page.

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