Chi Lingjie, a 35-year-old female runner from Shandong province, won the women's division of the 168-km trail race at the 2026 Mt. Gaoligong Ultra in late March, overcoming the mountainous terrain of Tengchong, Yunnan province.

Long-distance trail running, once considered a male-dominated field, is now being increasingly mastered by women.

Sonia Ahuja and Andrea Kooiman from the United States also participated in the race, as did Ren Chunming, a car salesperson from Yunnan province.

The runners shared their views about why women run and how they succeed.

Click the video to find out more.