Chongzhou New Year's Day Mountain-Climbing 2026

Presentation

The Chongzhou New Year's Day Mountain-Climbing event, set against the stunning landscape of Chengdu, is an invigorating start to the year for trail running enthusiasts. Known for its challenging 10km course, the event features a remarkable elevation gain of 450 meters, making it an excellent test of endurance and skill. The region surrounding Chengdu is rich in natural beauty, providing participants with a unique opportunity to experience its mountainous terrain while celebrating the New Year.

As part of the esteemed UTMB series and recognized by the ITRA, this event has quickly gained popularity since its creation. With breathtaking views and a challenging course, it occupies a significant place in the trail running calendar, drawing athletes from various backgrounds, including seasoned veterans and eager newcomers. The Chongzhou New Year's Day Mountain-Climbing event not only showcases individual athleticism but also fosters camaraderie among participants.

Courses and formats

Trail Running (10 km)

This format features a 10 km course with an elevation gain of 450 meters, combining both ascents and descents that challenge runners on every segment. The terrain consists of a mix of single-track paths and rocky sections, demanding agility and focus. Key passages include sharp turns and inclines, which reward careful pacing and strategy in navigation.

Aid stations are strategically placed along the route to provide hydration and nutrition to competitors, ensuring they are well-supported throughout the race. Participants should be aware of cutoff times, which will be enforced to maintain race flow and safety for all athletes.

Trail Running (9.69 km)

This format, slightly shorter than the primary distance, is designed for runners looking for a challenging experience while allowing for a less intense commitment. The course shares the same scenic features and elevation gain as the 10 km course but is suitable for athletes at different fitness levels.

Similar aid station support is available for the 9.69 km participants, who can expect the same level of hydration and nutrition as their longer-distance counterparts. Cutoff times for this format will be slightly extended to accommodate a broader range of competitor paces.

Terrain and difficulty

The terrain at the Chongzhou New Year's Day Mountain-Climbing event offers a delightful blend of rocky paths and forest trails, typical of mountain trail running. Runners will encounter both technical and non-technical sections, requiring a variable approach to pacing and foot placement. It is essential for participants to have experience on similar trail types, as the course may demand quick adaptations to changing conditions.

Typical weather in Chengdu during early January can be cool, and while rain is not uncommon, it also adds to the challenging terrain conditions. Altitudes range from 800 to 1250 meters, which means participants should prepare for the effects of altitude and train accordingly to acclimatize before the race.

History and notable results