On July 18, the “2015 China Zhangye Qilian Mountain International 100km+ Mountain Outdoor Sports Challenge,” known as the “most beautiful 100km race,” was held in Zhangye, Gansu. Over 400 athletes and more than 500 outdoor sports enthusiasts from both China and abroad participated in the professional and mass groups, respectively. In the 50km race, Yang Chengxiang ultimately won the men’s championship, while the women’s title went to New Zealand athlete Ruth, who finished in 4 hours and 50 minutes. Notably, her time was just 15 minutes slower than the men’s champion, and she improved last year’s women’s record by nearly two hours.
At this year’s Zhangye Qilian Mountain International 100km+ Mountain Outdoor Sports Challenge, a young woman from New Zealand captured media attention. Ruth, 25 years old and currently living in Taiwan, was formerly a member of New Zealand’s national youth track and field team. She treated this 50km event as part of her personal training regimen in preparation for another ultra-endurance trail race in France. Ruth currently works for the globally renowned running watch manufacturer Garmin, and regularly uses their devices in her training. According to Chief Judge Yang Jinyang, Ruth improved the women’s 50km record from last year by nearly two hours, demonstrating the highest level of performance in women’s extreme outdoor racing.