The Adidas TERREX Chongli 168 Ultra Trail Race took place from July 12 to 14 in Chongli district, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province. The event attracted over 10,000 long-distance runners and significantly boosted local tourism.

Chongli, just a three-hour drive northwest of Beijing, is renowned for being a ski destination and as one of the venues for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. In the summer, Chongli transforms into a hub for trail-running enthusiasts.

This extreme endurance event challenges participants with rugged terrain and steep ascents. Admired for its breathtaking landscapes and demanding course, it stands as a premier race for ultradistance trail runners.

This year's race featured eight courses and 11 categories. After three days of intense competition, the results were in. In the UTC (168 kilometers) category, Zhao Jiaju claimed the men's championship while Li Anna took the women's title. In the DTC (100km) category, Meng Guangfu emerged as the men's champion and Zheng Wenrong won the women's championship.

Trail running, an outdoor sport that fuses with nature, shares a profound connection with environmental protection. This year, the Chongli 168 Ultra Trail Race emphasized this focus by launching a "zero waste" initiative aimed at participants. Athletes were encouraged to avoid littering and to dispose of waste responsibly at designated stations along the route.

To further promote sustainability, Adidas organized a post-race plogging event. A dedicated team of nearly 40 volunteers cleaned up trash along sections of the racecourse, reinforcing a commitment to maintaining the pristine natural environment.

Chongli has also emerged as a popular tourist destination thanks to the race. Participants received promotional brochures highlighting Chongli's boutique travel routes and many runners brought their families along to enjoy the cool summer weather in the mountains.

Ji Weimin, deputy director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, remarked that the Chongli 168 Ultra Trail Race transcends being merely a sports event. It serves as a cultural showcase, an economic development opportunity and a promising exploration of rural revitalization, he said.