The 2026 Panda Shudao Mountain Super Trail kicked off. The race featured four categories: 160 km, 105 km, 60 km and 25 km.

The 160 km, 105 km and 60 km races have already produced their men's and women's champions. Below we recap the highlights from these three categories.

In the men's race, Zhao Jiaju was the clear favorite to win; his main competitors included He Dong, Li Ke, Zhang Changlin and Yang Yong.

After the start, Zhao Jiaju immediately took the lead. However, by 30 km his body began to have problems, and he even considered withdrawing from the race.

He kept running until 58 kilometers, when Zhao Jiaju again stayed a long time at the aid station and at one point decided to drop out, but later, encouraged by family and volunteers, he chose to keep going. It was raining outside and already nighttime then, which shows how much determination that decision required.

After leaving the station, Zhao Jiaju, who had dropped to 12th place, grew increasingly strong. By morning, when the distance reached 115 kilometers, he had moved up to third; he looked in good form, even shouting the boastful line "I won't hold back from here on," clearly confident of taking the victory.

In the final 40-plus kilometers, Zhao Jiaju gradually built a lead and ultimately successfully defended his title with a time of 20:57:55. From the brink of withdrawal to a dramatic comeback, Zhao Jiaju embodied what a true champion is. Li Ke took second in 21:04:06. Bai Xingzhi moved up to claim third in 21:44:32.

On the women’s side, Pengzhou local Wang Liping led from start to finish, gradually extending her advantage. She won in 23:47:50, nearly two hours ahead of the runner-up, and placed ninth overall among all competitors.

Qin Meiqing finished second with a time of 25 hours 42 minutes 53 seconds. Xie Wenfei took third, finishing in 25 hours 56 minutes 12 seconds.

On the men's side, Yang Jianjian was the favorite to win. Although he still has his day job and his training load hasn't been very high, he still demonstrated strong ability.

From the start of the race, Yang Jianjian was in the lead. As the race progressed, his advantage grew. He ultimately won with a time of 10:58:38. After taking the 80 km title at the Gold Coast trail race last weekend, he has added another victory.

Cai Fazheng and Luo Ya took second and third place, respectively, with times of 11 hours 33 minutes 51 seconds and 11 hours 44 minutes 50 seconds.

On the women's side, Jiang Wenli also held a clear advantage; despite being relentlessly chased down late in the race, she still won in 13 hours 19 minutes 15 seconds, successfully defending her title.

An Qin nearly pulled off a comeback, finishing second in 13 hours 26 minutes and 07 seconds.

On the men’s side, the favorite in this category is Guan Yousheng, who won here last year and is aiming to defend his title; his main rivals include He Fujun, Zhao Hu, and Wu Erqing.

After the start, the lead group of Guan Yousheng, Zhao Hu, Zhao Kai, Wu Erqing, He Fujun and others began to push the pace. That cat-and-mouse battle continued until CP3, when Guan Yousheng surged ahead and gradually extended his lead. In the end he successfully defended his title, finishing in 5:06:31.

Zhao Hu finished second with a time of 5:24:07. He Fujun was third with a time of 5:27:50.

In the women's race, Ram Maya Budha, the younger sister of Sunmaya Budha, was dominant—she led from the start and left little opportunity for her rivals. She ultimately won in 6:06:59. After her sister took the category title last year, the younger Budha has claimed it this year.

Ren Ti was the second to cross the finish line, posting a time of 6 hours 22 minutes and 11 seconds. Li Ying finished third, with a time of 6 hours 34 minutes and 52 seconds.

At press time, many runners were still out on the course. We wish them a safe finish.