15 May 2026, the 28km category of the Wulang Qingyang Shennongjia Mountain Trail race fired the starting gun. It was the fourth stop of this year’s Salomon Golden League China Series, and the final stage of the regional events — with spots for the Grand Final at stake.

Due to weather in the Shennongjia area, the 28 km category (27.1 km, 2,186 m of ascent) was moved up to start today. I'm sure everyone still vividly remembers last year's scene when Fan Banglin and Meng Guangfu decided the outcome just before the finish line. That's the charm of short-distance trail racing.

This year both returned, and the competition is stronger, including Guan Yousheng, Luo Tao, Zhao Hu, and Yu Xutao, all of whom have the ability to win.

On the women's side, last year's winner and runner-up Xiong Binbin and Chi Lingjie are also here, along with this year's Jiufeng Trail Masters champion Wang Kaili and contender Zhang Ting.

Last year Fan Banglin and Xiong Binbin finished in 2:52:45 and 3:38:31 respectively. Will they be faster this year?

At 9:00 a.m., the elite field was sent off.

From the start to CP1 (Station Slope), the total distance is 13 km, with 792 m of ascent and 738 m of descent.

After the start there's a gradual climb, then a steep ascent into the mountain. After a short descent there's another climb, followed by a descent. It places high demands on athletes' pace management.

Zhao Hu started the uphill quickly and held the lead early, but soon Guan Yousheng moved to the front. Luo Tao wasn't to be outdone, while Meng Guangfu chose to conserve energy on the climb with a plan to catch up on the descent.

The battle for the top spots was captivating. Luo Tao reached CP1 first in 1:08:11, Meng Guangfu was 7 seconds back in second, and Guan Yousheng was 8 seconds back in third. Yu Xutao was 18 seconds back in fourth. Fan Banglin was also only about half a minute behind.

On the women's side, Wang Kaili and Zhang Ting ran strongly, forming the lead group. At 1:19:29, Wang Kaili was the first to reach CP1; Zhang Ting arrived 2 seconds later, with virtually no gap. Chi Lingjie was third, 3 minutes 25 seconds behind.

Coming out of CP1, the athletes faced the toughest test of the race.

After leaving CP1, the route climbs 1,333 m and descends 974 m in stages; whoever runs this section best will essentially decide the winner.

The organizers set a segment prize for this section. Men who break 1 hour 21 minutes, and women who break 1 hour 41 minutes 58 seconds, will receive a 2,000 yuan reward.

The live broadcast included a real-time countdown, intensifying the competitive stakes.

On the uphill section, Guan Yousheng moved into the lead, with Fan Banglin second, Yu Xutao third and Luo Tao fourth. On the downhill, Fan Banglin pressed hard, steadily cutting the gap to Guan Yousheng.

2 hours 25 minutes 41 seconds, Guan Yousheng was first to reach CP2; after a quick refuel he exited the aid station and launched his charge for the title.

Fan Banglin, Meng Guangfu and Yu Xutao arrived at the aid station in second, third and fourth respectively. All four broke the stage record and each earned a 2,000 yuan reward.

On the women's side, the battle between Wang Kaili and Zhang Ting was intense. Before CP2, Zhang Ting overtook Wang Kaili to move into first; she entered the aid station without taking supplies and left immediately, and Wang Kaili then followed. The race for the title remains wide open.

The final 2.5 kilometers were a battle of blistering downhill speed.

Fan Banglin steadily closed the gap on Guan Yousheng, making for an exciting battle. But Guan Yousheng still crossed the line first to take the victory, finishing in 2 hours 36 minutes 12 seconds.

Fan Banglin claimed second place with a time of 2 hours 36 minutes 28 seconds. Meng Guangfu took third with a time of 2 hours 38 minutes. Yu Xutao was fourth, Luo Tao finished fifth.

Zhang Ting won the women's title with a time of 3 hours 8 minutes 36 seconds. Wang Kaili was runner-up in 3 hours 9 minutes 31 seconds. Xiong Binbin finished third.

The four qualifying races of the 2026 Golden League China series have concluded, and the final will be held on May 30 at Siguniang Mountain.