The Return To A Rare World: 2025 XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The second edition of the XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run returns October 25-26, 2025 with five off-road events taking place within the same sandstone landscapes that captured the world’s attention through the Avatar film franchise. The Trail Marathon and Half Marathon lead the schedule as official qualifiers for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, offering international athletes the rare opportunity to race inside a UNESCO World Heritage site and World Geopark.

In 2024, over 2,000 runners from 27 countries came to explore this unique and unmatched terrain. Towering quartzite pillars, forest-lined ridgelines, and ancient footpaths formed a route that stood out not only for its dramatic views, but for the care taken to protect it. Surrounding the race is a sensory world of sound, movement, and design. Curated spaces are lit with color, music carries through the village, and artwork appears in unexpected corners. It’s a place that invites exploration even before the starting line.

Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is one of the most protected and celebrated natural areas in China. No other trail run of this scale has ever been permitted inside the park. Every part of the weekend, from course access and cultural showcases to music, conservation efforts, and local involvement, has been shaped to reflect the region’s heritage and ecological importance. The result is a truly authentic experience grounded in Zhangjiajie’s land, people, and traditions.

Full Article (Courses, Quotes, Activities) here.

About XTERRA

Born on the Hawaiian shores of Maui in 1996, XTERRA has grown into a global outdoor lifestyle brand rooted in exploration, community, and care for the natural world. With deep roots in off-road racing, XTERRA now inspires connection through events, storytelling, and apparel built to move through nature. From local gatherings to world-class events, XTERRA is a way of life shaped by the land beneath our feet and the stories we share along the way.

Photo credit: @XTERRAplanet