Ten Years of Unwavering Passion for Mountain Running

On November 7, the 10th 2015 VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race commenced on schedule. This trail running event, under the title sponsorship of the American professional outdoor footwear brand Vasque, marked its 10th year. Just like meeting up with an old friend, in the most beautiful season and the most picturesque city, runners from all over the globe arrived as promised to gather for the event.

This year’s race also featured two special participants: Vasque’s International Sales Director John Irvine and Vasque’s Athlete AmbassadorKrissy Moehl, a renowned American female ultra-runner and race director of the Chuckanut 50K, made a special trip to Hangzhou to compete alongside China’s trail running enthusiasts. After the race, Krissy held sharing sessions in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing, introducing domestic runners to the culture of trail running in North America.

Vasque Athlete AmbassadorRenowned American female ultra-runner Krissy Moehl running through the hills of West Lake

With the morning sun rising, John Irvine andKrissy Moehl, along with500 runners from around the world, wearing colorful “I Love Mountain Running” T-shirts, dashed into the lush green hills of West Lake. This year, the start and finish points of the VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race were set within Hangzhou Botanical Garden. The course featured more climbing sections, spanning a total of 28 kilometers with approximately 1,800 meters of elevation gain — for first-time runners in Hangzhou, this race was truly “the tougher the terrain, the more stunning the scenery.”

What made the 10th VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race so fun was the customized bib number service offered to each participant. Personalized and witty slogans such as “As Free As the Wind,” “Keep Running Until You’re Old,” “I Love Mountain Running, the King Has Sent Me to Patrol the Mountains,” and “Slow Down, We’re Still Friends” gave the otherwise plain bibs a unique character and added sentimental value.

As everyone knows, the finisher’s souvenir for the annual VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race is always unique and infused with elements of Hangzhou. For instance, in 2013, the souvenir was plant specimens collected along the race route, presented in exquisitely crafted wooden boxes, highlighting an artistic touch. In 2014, the souvenir was a hand-carved wooden model of the mountainous race route. This year, the finisher’s prize invited the Whisper Studio to craft ceramic brooches in the shape of tree branches. The Meistuff Studio then glued small pebbles — smoothed by the waters of the Qiantang River — onto the box as packaging for the brooches, continuing the theme of natural elements and the charm of Hangzhou’s landscapes. Additionally, at the race’s finish line food area, the organically-run Yiyuan Eco Farm — which maintains ecological balance through self-sufficient agriculture, including crop cultivation and animal husbandry, creating a closed-loop, sustainable, circular agricultural model that continuously maximizes the value of Earth’s resources in a cycle of “resources → products → waste → regenerated resources” — provided fresh rice balls. Meanwhile, Brook Salad, which advocates the “light eating movement” and promotes “green, healthy” diets, also served their offerings. The entire event, from course design to every thoughtful detail, conveyed a philosophy of loving life and caring for the environment. Just as every participant loves mountain running, we hope that in the future, all trash cans on mountain trails will be removed, and everyone will take it upon themselves to protect nature and embrace environmental awareness.

A Decade of Passion for Mountain Running — Since the American outdoor footwear brand Vasque entered China with the support of Shenzhen Himalaya, it has been the title sponsor of the “VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race” since 2006, marking the beginning of a “decade-long partnership” between Vasque and Hangzhou Fengxue Outdoor. Today, the VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race has become the longest-running and most beloved trail running event in China. This achievement is inseparable from the meticulous planning and management by Luo Xiping of Hangzhou Fengxue Outdoor, as well as the full support of Zou Jie, Secretary-General of the Hangzhou Leisure Sports Industry Association. It is since the inception of this race that more and more runners have taken to the hills of West Lake, with increasingly advanced gear, truly showcasing the allure of trail running.

Among the two senior participants in the over-60s group, Chen Heping, who is 67 years old this year, has competed in all ten editions of the VASQUE (Way) West Lake Mountain Running Race.

Luo Xiping and Wang Ping, heads of Hangzhou Fengxue Outdoor, awarding prizes to the male category winners — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

This year’s mountain running race was organized by the Hangzhou Leisure Sports Industry Association, hosted by Hangzhou Fengxue Outdoor and the Hangzhou Mountaineering Association, and title-sponsored by VASQUE. We thank Gore-Tex (American company GORE-TEX) for their support of the event, and extend our gratitude once again to Vasque’s International Sales Director John Irvine, Vasque Athlete Ambassador Krissy, all participating runners, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and media supporters.

I Love Mountain Running ! VASQUE (Way) Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race — See you in 2016 !

Vasque’s International Sales Director John Irvine presenting an award to the senior group

What you gain at the finish line after trekking over mountains and valleys is not only breathtaking scenery and medals, but also love.

Krissy Moehl taking a group photo with fellow runners after her Shanghai sharing session

About the Vasque West Lake Mountain Running Race:

o In October 2006, the leading American outdoor footwear brand Vasque began title sponsoring the Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race. The picturesque scenery of West Lake, the fresh air of the Longjing tea plantations, and the atmosphere of challenging oneself through sports made for the perfect gift to participants from multiple countries.

o In November 2007, the number of participants in the Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race increased to 232.To encourage more outdoor enthusiasts to experience trail running, that year also introduced both individual and relay race formats, with up to seven aid stations and check-in points along the route.

o In 2008, the Hangzhou Mountain Running Race was jointly title-sponsored by the two major brands Vasque and GORE-TEX, successfully hosting the “VASQUE & GORE-TEX” trail running series’ Hangzhou stop.

o In 2009, Vasque and GORE-TEX joined forces once again. Although the series expanded to five cities, the Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race remained the focal point for runners.

o In October 2010, the VASQUE West Lake Mountain Running Race — by then already a classic domestic trail running event — celebrated its fifth edition. Many participants wore T-shirts from previous races to join in.

o In October 2011, the sixth VASQUE Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race commenced. The event’s popularity was evident from registration numbers — spots filled up just three days after opening, attracting many expatriates in China.

o In November 2012, the seventh VASQUE Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race reached full registration capacity in just half a day, with runners expressing immense affection for the event.

o In November 2013, the eighth VASQUE Hangzhou West Lake Mountain Running Race broke the record for the shortest registration period yet again. The event had become the hottest trail running competition in China, and the quick-dry race shirts printed with the words “I Love Mountain Running” had become a symbol of identity among trail running enthusiasts.

o In November 2014, the ninth Vasque Hangzhou West Lake Trail Race adopted its own slogan, "Conquer the Mountains," as over 400 runners competed through the hills around West Lake. This year’s West Lake Trail Race remains one of the most sought-after events for runners, even amid the densely packed race calendar of the season.

As one of the earliest outdoor footwear brands to promote trail running in China, Vasque has been tirelessly supporting the development of the sport in the country. The Vasque Hangzhou West Lake Trail Race has become the longest-running high-level event of its kind in China, and we are honored to have witnessed the growth and flourishing of this sport in the nation.

About VASQUE:

The Vasque outdoor footwear brand was established in 1964, born out of the strong demand in the North American market for functional hiking shoes. With an unwavering commitment to functionality and fit, Vasque’s enduring mission is to provide outdoor enthusiasts with the latest technology and design, creating top-quality, durable footwear for a wide range of terrains. Vasque’s product line includes Backpacking hiking shoes, Performance Hiking functional hiking shoes, Insulated warm shoes, and Trail Running trail running shoes. Each pair is designed to offer adventurers the perfect fit and all-day comfort in the wilderness. For more information, please visit www.vasque.com.

About Us:

Shenzhen Himalaya Trading Co., Ltd. was founded in 2002 by outdoor sports enthusiasts. The company is dedicated to introducing high-quality outdoor gear, promoting the development of professional outdoor activities in China, and offering comprehensive support for people to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities safely and conveniently.

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