As the crisp autumn air sweeps across China, the nation's youth are answering the call of the wilderness. Trail running, a sport that merges the thrill of physical challenge with the serenity of the great outdoors, is rapidly gaining traction, writes Gui Qian.
In the soothing autumn season, China provides an idyllic backdrop for trail running. The climate is moderate, the air is congenial for outdoor exploits, and treacherous rain-soaked paths are less of a concern. As the foliage creates a natural canopy, trail runners navigate through serene forests, basking in the dual joys of nature and exercise.
One such individual is Cai Bo, a 22-year-old semiprofessional trail runner. Autumn holds a unique importance for him. He has dedicated recent months to rigorous training, running across various mountains in East China's Jiangsu province, clocking about 400 kilometers and an impressive elevation gain of 10,000 to 15,000 meters each month.
Not limiting his strides to domestic terrains, Cai also made his mark in the international arena, running in the inaugural Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships in Ulju, South Korea.
A recent graduate from Nanjing University Of Aeronautics And Astronautics in Jiangsu, Cai took up trail running merely a year and a half ago. Since then, he has participated in over 20 official races, which have catapulted him from an ordinary student to a semiprofessional athlete, earning him recognition in the esteemed International Trail Running Association (ITRA) rankings.
Cai is not an isolated case. Trail running is experiencing a surge in popularity among China's urbanites. By early 2024, over 30 professional trail running events had been planned, with many races even utilizing lotteries to manage participant numbers.
Many trail runners, like Cai, who have gained visibility and followers on social media, are not from professional athletic backgrounds. "Early adopters may have transitioned from traditional running, but now more enthusiasts are emerging from other outdoor sports like hiking and skiing," Cai observed.
Another passionate trail runner is Xu Luyan, a 21-year-old who grew up in rural Jinan, East China's Shandong province. From a young age, he fostered a natural affinity for the mountains. Upon graduating high school, he ventured into serious long-distance hiking, which eventually led him to trail running, and winning first place in his first trail running competition.
"Trail running is an endurance sport that best showcases a person's willpower," Xu remarked. He thrives on the constant challenge, setting new goals with each race completed.
Yet, for others like Du Aoran, it was the allure of cool gear that first drew her to trail running. The 28-year-old from Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province, humorously recalled preparing professional trekking poles, trail running shoes, a hiking backpack, and a sun hat for her first three-kilometer mountain hike.
Du believes social media has played a significant role in the rising outdoor trend. Sharing beautiful photos of outdoor activities has become an expression of strength, vitality, and power. For Du, who didn't have a regular exercise routine before, sports have become "an indispensable part" of her life, with trail running offering a soothing escape from negative emotions.