With around one month to go until the start of the 2025 World Mountain Running World Cup, and three months until China makes history as a host nation, excitement is reaching new heights.

The world of mountain running turns its eyes to Chongli, Zhangjiakou, as it makes history by hosting China’s first-ever WMRA World Cup race. Taking place in the stunning landscapes of the Yunding ski resort, this event marks a significant milestone in the rapidly growing sport of trail and mountain running in China.

The 2025 World Mountain Running World Cup is an electrifying season featuring nine events across eight countries and three continents, bringing together the sport’s top athletes in an exhilarating competition. With enhanced travel assistance, increased prize money—including €5,000 for the World Cup champions—and a renewed commitment to clean sport through WADA-accredited anti-doping measures, this year’s edition promises to be the most competitive yet.

Renowned for its pristine alpine meadows, winding birch and pine forests, and cool summer climate, Chongli has long been a premier outdoor sports destination. With an average altitude of 1,500 meters and summer temperatures averaging 19°c, it provides ideal conditions for elite competition.

Since Sanfo race partnered with the Chongli district government in 2017 to expand summer outdoor sports in this former winter Olympic town, trail running has exploded in popularity across China. The 2025 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup race in Chongli cements its status as the country’s premier destination for the sport.

📍 Airport & Transportation

✈ Nearest Airports:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

🚌 Transfer to Chongli:

• From PEK: ~2.5-hour bus ride
• From PKX: ~3.5-hour bus ride

🏔️ Preliminary Program

📅 July 2 – Arrival & Registration

📍 Beijing / Chongli

• Athlete arrival & pick-up
• Runner registration

📅 July 3 – Arrival, Training & Check-in

📍 Beijing / Chongli

• Continued arrival & pick-up
• Mass race check-in opens
• Runner registration
• Training sessions

📅 July 4 – Final Preparations & Welcome

📍 Chongli

• Mass race check-in continues
• Runner registration
• Training sessions
• Technical briefing
• Welcome dinner

📅 July 5 – Race Day 1: Uphill Challenge

📍 Chongli

• Opening Ceremony
• World Cup Race – Uphill 7K

📅 July 6 – Race Day 2: Classic 21K & Awards

📍 Chongli

• World Cup Race – Classic 21K
• Awarding Ceremony & Dinner

📅 July 7 – Departure

📍 Chongli / Beijing

• Athletes depart

As the fastest-growing mountain running destination in Asia, Chongli is set to become a must-visit venue for mountain and trail runners worldwide.

The 2025 world mountain running world cup embarks on an unforgettable adventure, bringing the best mountain runners to some of the most iconic and challenging terrains worldwide.

The season begins on May 3rd in Bucovina, Romania, with the Zmeu Xfest classic race in the heart of the Carpathian mountains. Câmpulung Moldovenesc, a region famous for its 1,000+ mountain trails, UNESCO heritage sites, and unmatched hospitality, sets the perfect stage for an electrifying debut.

Later in May, the action moves to Casto, Italy, for the vertical Nasego and Trofeo Nasego races on the 24th and 25th. Nestled in the Brescia Prealps, this picturesque town will once again see elite runners compete for a coveted spot on the Nasego honor roll.

In June, the series heads to Poland for the Tatra fest in Zakopane. Honoring nearly a century of mountain running history, the Tatra race run (25km classic) celebrates Poland’s rich mountain running legacy, dating back to the Tatra march of 1925.

The world cup then crosses the Atlantic to the United States of America for the Broken Arrow in California. The event kicks off on June 20th with a short uphill race, followed by the classic 23km race on June 22nd. This legendary event, known for attracting world champions and world cup winners, guarantees high-stakes competition.

From North America, the circuit makes its historic debut in China, with two races in Chongli on July 5th and 6th. This milestone marks China’s entrance into the global mountain running elite, bringing a new level of excitement to the competition.

The Vauban Mountain trail in Briançon, France, takes place on July 19-20, featuring uphill and classic races in Europe’s highest city. With its breathtaking views of Ecrins national park and a grueling 2,400m summit finish, it promises an unforgettable experience.

A beloved classic, Giir di Mont in Premana, Italy, returns to the world cup circuit on July 26-27. This year, it features a new uphill race (serving as the Italian championships), alongside the traditional 32km classic race, known for its challenging ascents and electric atmosphere.

On august 9th, Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland, the “race of the five 4000s”, will once again host an elite field of athletes. In 2024, Joyline Chepngeno became a new star here, while Kilian Jornet secured his tenth victory, cementing its reputation as a legendary race.

The world cup finale takes place in Slovenia on August 23-24, featuring the uphill final at Velika Planina and the classic final at Šmarna gora. The historic 1711 church of the mother of God will serve as a stunning backdrop, with traditional “pritrkovanje” bells ringing as runners make their way to the finish line—symbolizing both tradition and the relentless spirit of mountain running.