The 2026 HLA POW Beijing Trail Challenge (Haidian) will take place at Xishan Ski Resort in Haidian District from September 12 to 13! Registration officially opened at 10:00 on May 8, so trail running enthusiasts won't want to miss it.
Drawing on Haidian's cultural heritage of the Three Hills and Five Gardens and its ecological landscape resources, the event is themed "My First Trail Run". It integrates competitive racing, public fitness, eco-tourism and urban culture into a signature outdoor sporting event.
The event is hosted by the Beijing Mountaineering Association and Wuxi HuiPao Sports Co., Ltd (Beijing Branch). It is a flagship event recommended by the Haidian District Sports Bureau. After more than ten years in Haidian, the event leverages the district's unique ecological advantages of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes and grasslands. Through an integrated "Sports +" model, it drives tourism, catering, accommodation and other related consumption, while showcasing Haidian's blend of technology, innovation and international appeal, helping enhance Haidian's profile as a core zone of the international consumption hub.
As the first 100-km trail race in the Chinese mainland, it was founded in 2009 and has gone through 13 editions. It has been held in Haidian since 2014. With more than 10 years of development, it has become a long-standing and large-scale classic trail running event in the Asia-Pacific region. It has witnessed the growth of China's trail running from the beginning to the international stage and nurtured a large number of professional trail running enthusiasts. Adhering to the philosophy of "low threshold, strong support, and great experience", it has become runners' top choice for entering trail running and a must-run race for trail running enthusiasts.
A representative of the Haidian District Sports Bureau said, "Trail running events fit perfectly with the ecology of Haidian's Western Hills and the cultural legacy of the Three Hills and Five Gardens. Over the years, the event has not only enriched national fitness services, but also activated cultural and tourism resources along the race track. It has become an important platform to showcase Haidian's ecological progress and promote the integrated development of culture, business, tourism and sports. We will continue to provide strong support and services, making sports events a new engine for boosting regional consumption and empowering urban development."
Since being operated by HuiPao Sports in 2015, participation has grown steadily from 3,500 to 5,000 people. The event has consistently sold out quickly, with previous editions filling all slots within three days and attracting waiting lists of more than 1,000 runners. After its return in 2024, the event reached new heights: the 7,000-participant edition drew 12,835 pre-registrations from 18 countries and regions. In 2025, the 8,000-participant edition attracted 16,913 pre-registrations from 27 countries and regions. In 2026, the event will keep the 8,000-participant scale and will apply for ITRA Performance Index and UTMB Index certification to further boost its international profile.
The course passes through Wenquan Town, Sujiatuo Town, Xiangshan Subdistrict, Sijiqing Town and other areas in Haidian. It connects nearly 20 natural and cultural sites, including the National Botanical Garden, Western Hills, Fragrant Hills Park, Fenghuangling Nature Park, Yangtai Mountain, Jiufeng National Forest Park and Dajue Temple. Runners will pass through ancient paths, dense forests, mountain ridges and streams. They can challenge their physical limits while immersing themselves in the ecology and history of the Western Hills-Yongding River Cultural Belt, making the race both a sporting challenge and a cultural journey.
“I look forward to this Haidian trail run every year. The course has pristine scenery and excellent race support. Beginners can get started easily, and experienced runners can push themselves. It's a great opportunity for local runners to join a high-level event right on our doorstep and enjoy the beautiful views of Western Hills", said Mr. Wang, a trail running enthusiast.
The event is also recognized for its sustainability efforts. Since 2015, it has used recyclable signs, implemented waste sorting and adopted biodegradable materials, advocating the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. It also works with local partners to raise awareness of ecological protection and responsible outdoor practices, promoting harmony between sporting events and the natural environment.
The 2026 event features four categories to suit runners of all ages and levels: Xishan Ridge 100K, Xishan Scenic 60K, Wangjing Trail 25K and Forest Run 10K. Runners interested in joining can follow the official WeChat account "HuiPao Events" (汇跑赛事) for registration and the latest updates.
