UTMB World Series heads to China with Ultra-Trail Mount Yun debut

Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB is set to make its debut on the UTMB World Series stage this weekend, as three races take place in the province of Shanxi in China.

Ultra-Trail Mount Yun is the second Chinese event to join the UTMB World Series, the first having been Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB. The expansion will ensure more Chinese runners can qualify for the UTMB World Series finals and the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race, with 3,200 down to compete.

Events will get underway on October 20th, with a 100k, 50k and 20k event offering up Running Stones to hopefuls.

Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB live

You can follow the UTMB World Series race Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB from the UTMB live site.

Live tracking for the 100k DMY race is available HERE.

Live tracking for the 50k MMY is available HERE.

Live tracking the 20k EMY is available HERE.

Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB routes

There are three races offering Running stones to competitors at Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB.

The first is a 100km race called the DMY, starting at 9:00pm local time on Friday October 20. Starting from Zhonghe square, the course goes through several historical sites and cultural relics such as the Five Dragon Palace.

The race has a total elevation gain of 4596m, and starts with a rapid climb which sees the highest point on the race come within the first 15km. Several up and downs then follow as runners loop around the area, before a quick sudden back to Zhonge square.

The 100km offers runners three running stones, with the top three gaining direct access to next year’s UTMB CCC at the UTMB World Series Finals.

A 50km race called the MMY starts on Saturday October 21 at 8:00am local time. It has 2718m of elevation gain, and also starts and finishes at Zonghe square. As well as offering two running stones, the race will give the first three finishers guaranteed spots in next year’s UTMB OCC.

The 20km EMY race also takes place on October 21, starting an hour after the MMY at 9:00am local time. It has 1359m of elevation gain, featuring two main climbs.

“An important milestone”

Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB race director Xin Qian expressed his excitement about the race’s debut on the World Series stage.

“Joining the UTMB World Series makes a significant impact to the brand image of Ultra-Trail Mount Yun,” he said, “It is an important milestone which will have a profound impact on the events future and its growth.

“We look forward to providing a more professional and international running experience for participants.

“We can’t wait to welcome international runners from around the globe to participate in Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB and experience a trail running race in China.

“We hope to show the world the unique natural and human phenomena of Mount Yun. We believe runners will be impressed by the beauty of the mountains and rivers and the intangible cultural heritage of Mount Yun.

“We look forward to developing the sport in China and connecting runners around the world with a unique friendship and bond.”