The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2026 kicked off at Emei Mountain in Southwest China's Sichuan province recently, attracting over 8,000 runners from 15 countries and regions to sign up and visit the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Participants immersed themselves in its natural wonders while pushing their physical limits.
For the first time, the event adopted a two-week format. Races in the opening week, held from April 18 to 19, covered 8 km, 18 km, 28 km and 42 km, catering to amateur and intermediate runners. The shorter distances opened access to trail running in lower-altitude terrain, while allowing participants to take in the mountain's cultural and natural scenery.
The second week, scheduled for April 25 to 26, shifts focus to elite athletes, with more demanding distances of 27 km, 50 km, 75 km and 102 km.
The racecourse winds through forests, tea gardens and ancient villages, testing endurance, technique and willpower with longer routes, steeper elevation gains and more challenging terrain.
Organizers aim to grow the event into a flagship gathering that integrates sports, tourism and culture. Participants can access discounts on local accommodation, dining, transport and scenic attractions by presenting their race bib — an initiative designed to deepen the link between sporting events and cultural tourism consumption.
Local food vendors and specialty product stores also set up booths at the race's starting square, offering runners a chance to sample and purchase regional products.
The event attracted around 20,000 visitors. The North Face, an outdoor sports gear brand under VF Corporation, has signed a three-year agreement with authorities in Emeishan city to host the race annually, with plans to continuously upgrade the experience and make the scenic area a must-visit destination for trail runners worldwide.
Ma Wen, president of VF Corporation Asia-Pacific, noted that the brand aims to integrate the spirit of exploration into everyday life, while advancing outdoor sports in a more professional and sustainable direction through improved event systems and ongoing product innovation.
"We remain consumer-centric. By enriching consumption scenarios, expanding diverse touchpoints, and innovating experiential models, we aim to build deeper connections with consumers and support the high-quality development of China's outdoor industry," she added.
Launched in 2009 as the first trail running event on the Chinese mainland, The North Face 100 has grown into a platform for runners to connect and evolve, helping redefine outdoor sports as both competition and lifestyle.
