(May 12, 2012, Beijing) To endurance running fans in China, "Kami" might be an unfamiliar name, but today, after the conclusion of the women’s 100-kilometer race at the 2012 Beijing International Ultra Trail Challenge, she is no longer unknown. As a newcomer competing in this event for the first time, she defeated defending champion Liu Junyan from last year’s race and Xing Ruling—known among Chinese runners as "Sister Xing"—to claim the championship. The latter two finished in second and third place respectively.
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2008 The North Face
The race held on May 12 featured stops in Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore for The North Face 100
A Champion Who Came from Out of Nowhere
Actually, Kami didn’t start her career training for endurance running. Initially, she practiced triathlon and mountaineering, but such a career meant Kami had to be away from her child and husband. After missing her daughter’s second birthday while climbing Denali, she began seeking some still challenging yet less time-consuming adventures that would allow her to stay closer to home.In this way, she entered the world of extreme long-distance running.She told reporters this way: “Ultra-long-distance running allows me to bring my family along—I can go on daytime adventures and still return to be with my husband and daughter.”
Although still new to the sport, Kami has already gained some recognition.In the "2005 Best Female Extreme Long-Distance Runner" rankings by Ultra Running Magazine, she ranked fourth.And in globally renowned endurance running events, Kami has repeatedly won championships and broken world records.
After Kami won the championship in this competition, Chinese audiences gave her very enthusiastic support and encouragement.After the race, she said she was very grateful for the friendliness of the Chinese audience and their support for endurance running. She hopes to have the opportunity to participate again in the future and improve women's 100-kilometer performance together with China's top endurance runners.