After the debut of Myoko Trail (Japan) on the calendar, the Gloden Trail (GTWS) is now heading to the Great Wall of China for the seventh and last regular season race that will take place on October 24 and 25.
With 24 kilometers and 1,889 meters of elevation gain, the Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race offers one of the most spectacular and distinctive scenarios on the circuit, and remains the only event held in one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Fresh out of their victories in Japan, runners Patrick Kipngeno and Hanna Groeber will return to the starting line in China, along with Philemon Kiriago, who arrives as the new leader of the men’s overall classification after his strong performance in Japan.
In the women’s race, Caroline Kimutai (Salomon), one of the main contenders for the overall title, has a golden opportunity to close the gap in the standings. The Kenyan will seek to take advantage of the absence through the illness of the current leader of the series Madalina Florea (Scott) in a race that could be decisive in the configuration of the battle for the championship.
Beyond the fight for victory and the general classification, the Chinese round will also be crucial in the battle for the positions that carry the end-of-season rewards. The athletes will compete to secure or improve their place within the top 20, which comes with the prize money, as well as to finish in the top 30, guaranteeing GTWS’ financial and logistical support for the 2027 season.
The strategic importance of the points available in the timed segments, which could ultimately be decisive in the overall classification that goes to the season definition final in South Korea.
A RELENTLESS CHALLENGE IN THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race perfectly embodies the essence of the Golden Trail World Series: world-class competition, demanding terrain and extraordinary cultural and natural environments. Few places reflect this philosophy better than Jinshanling, located in the heart of the Yan Mountains, just over two hours from Beijing, and home to one of the most spectacular and best preserved sections of the Great Wall of China.
The race follows a clockwise loop that combines the challenge of the monument’s historic stairs with a second half defined by a relentless succession of steep ups and downs through dry, sandy and highly technical terrain. Instead of presenting a decisive climb, the field offers constant wear and tear, offering little respite and forcing athletes to manage their effort from start to finish.
The timed segments extend through some of the countless undulations that define the course. The uphill segment is at kilometer five and consists of a demanding ascent of one kilometer to an average gradient of 16.6%. Climbing the steep and uneven steps of the Great Wall, you will test the strength, power and endurance of the athletes.
Only three kilometers later comes the sprint segment, a 1.6-kilometer section with 56 meters of ascent and 53 meters of descent, where speed, explosiveness and the ability to adapt to constant gradient changes will be key.
The descent segment will appear in the last third of the race, around kilometer 14.6. With 1.3 kilometers of length with an average gradient of -17.9%, it is one of the longest and fastest descents on the circuit. Its slope and the nature of the terrain can make it particularly technical and slippery in dry conditions.
The cultural heritage of the Great Wall and the identity of the region are intertwined in all aspects of the race, including its visual identity. The event logo is inspired by the only Qilin mural preserved along this section of the wall. In Chinese tradition, the Qilin is an auspicious creature associated with good fortune, courage, integrity, harmony, protection and the pursuit of excellence.
These values resonate both with the historical legacy of the Great Wall, a symbol of resilience and a testimony of centuries of history, and with the spirit of trail running itself, a sport rooted in self-discovery, perseverance and exploration.