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As an avid trail runner, I’ve been passionate about this sport since the second half of 2012.Also, because I love skiing in winter,
I had the good fortune to get to know the beautiful Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort during the 2012 ski season, and from then on, I fell in love with that place that enchants people all year round.
Since then, I have kept a special eye on the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort.
One day in May, I suddenly saw a new post on the official Weibo account of Wanda Changbai Mountain Resort saying that the "1st Wanda Changbai Mountain International Trail Running Challenge" would be held at the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort on June 29, 2013!! My heart was truly over the moon, going pitter-patter, haha. So, I immediately made up my mind to participate in this event. Thanks to good fortune, as a representative of trail running enthusiasts, I was even invited to attend the Beijing media launch of the event, and I visited the racecourse together with others at the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort. Without further ado, let’s share some photos from the site first.
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At the Beijing media launch
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Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort
The theme of this event is the "1st Wanda Changbai Mountain International Trail Running Challenge." The race will take place on June 29, 2013, at the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort, and the courses are divided into 50 km and 30 km categories. Moreover, the biggest highlight of this event is that the entire race will be held within the resort. Fellow runners, I’ve scouted the route for you all already, so no worries there!!
The resort is located in Fusong City, Jilin Province, nestled in the heart of the Changbai Mountain Range, near the western scenic area of Heaven Lake. On a clear day, you can enjoy the full view of Heaven Lake from the mountaintop of the resort. July to September in midsummer is the best time to escape the heat in Changbai Mountain, so you don’t need to worry about sweltering heat when coming here for the activity. Instead, you’ll experience its uniquely cool summer.
The resort features a diverse range of terrains including mountains, forests, a holiday town, lakes, etc., which can definitely meet our needs for trail running. It is said that this event is the first large-scale international trail running competition held within a mountain resort in China. Are you excited? I’m getting more and more fired up just talking about it!! Below are some actual photos of the Changbai Mountain resort and the race sections for your reference.
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Full view of the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort holiday town
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Springtime at Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort
After introducing the basic details of the event, let’s talk about the race schedule. The race starts at Shaman Square in front of the Changbai Mountain Grand Theater, and the course includes various terrains such as asphalt roads, mountain trails, lakesides, golf courses, and continuously ascending ski slopes, offering views of the beautiful Changbai Mountain.
The race route covers the main mountainous areas of Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort, with the 50 km course having a total elevation gain of 2,600 meters. The 30 km course has a total elevation gain of 1,800 meters. It is reported that numerous renowned domestic and international athletes and over 300 trail runners from across the country will participate in the race. Below are the race route map and the elevation profile.
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3050 km route map
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5030 km route map
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Overall race elevation profile
These are real scene photos we took during our on-site visit. The weather was still quite cold then, and plants hadn’t really grown yet, but now it’s already lush with green trees and covered in blooming flowers.
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On-site reconnaissance photo 1
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On-site reconnaissance photo 2
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On-site reconnaissance photo 3
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On-site reconnaissance photo 4
Personally, I feel this event is truly a rare and people-centered competition. Why do I say that? The course has been specially selected and designed. Participants will pass by the Songgu Golf Course lawn, weave through the lush pine and birch forest, skirt the serene blue Fokulun Lake, climb over staggered thousand-meter peaks, and appreciate the distinctive international charm of the resort town. Then, standing at the finish line, you can gaze at the clearly visible peak of Changbai Mountain. Along the way, accompanied by beautifully layered scenery, you can truly experience the thoughtful arrangements of the Wanda Changbai Mountain Resort. Therefore, competing here, you can enjoy the fresh air rich in negative ions from Changbai Mountain and the unique and distinctive ambiance of the resort while running — it’s truly one of life’s great joys!!
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Trail running starting point — Songgu Golf Course lawn
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Tranquil setting — Fokulun Lake
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Passing by a luxurious hotel complex with exotic flair
In addition, the logistical support for the race is also very humanized!! First of all, the athlete refreshments are absolutely top-notch compared to any other event. Water is provided as mineral water, energy replenishment includes functional drinks, carbonated beverages, and refreshing sweet mung bean soup, haha; the site will also offer two types of porridge, three kinds of fruit (banana, watermelon, orange), pickled vegetables, bread, and more — all in ample supply!! I’ve never seen any other race organizer provide such considerate service!! Here’s my heartfelt thanks!! Applause!!!!!!!!
Speaking of which, what do you all who love this sport like me think? Why don’t we join together, gear up, breathe in the fresh air of nature, admire the beautiful spring scenery of the Changbai Mountain resort, and dash forward with all our might!! Because the prize money is even more mouthwatering!!!!!!!
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Here’s a look at the prize money for this event—be sure to keep your eyes wide open and browse the table below full of hope. From the top prize of 40,000 yuan for 1st place to 1,000 yuan for 15th place, athletes, take a moment to calculate which spot you might snag and how much prize money you could win. Let’s all push forward together. And that’s not all—I’ve also heard that the renowned American trail running shoe brand VASQUE and outdoor apparel brand OR are providing professional footwear and clothing as product support for the race. Doesn’t that make us even luckier? Prize money and gear—let’s go home loaded. Hahaha!