Trail Runners Push Their Limits in Three Epic Races with 3M™ Performance Gear

September 18, 2025

3M™ Fuels the Ultimate Trail Running Showdown Across China: 2025 Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB®; 2025 Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB®; 2025 Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB®. As an official sponsor, 3M™ contributed race gear powered by 3M technology to athletes.

Minneapolis (September 18, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – 3M™ dominated the Trail Running Scene with Strategic UTMB Sponsorships in the first half of this year. 3M™ proudly sponsored three major UTMB events across China, each held in a distinct city with its own unique terrain and character. This strategic move didn’t just put runners to the test—it delivered an electrifying, multi-dimensional racing experience, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of 3M’s performance solutions.

But 3M™ didn’t stop there.

Our event presence wasn’t just about visibility—it was about “powerful brand storytelling”. Beyond featuring 3M™ Thinsulate™ and 3M™ Scotchgard™, we brought the full force of 3M’s sub-brands, presenting a comprehensive sports innovation ecosystem. This wasn’t just sponsorship—it was a masterclass in technical superiority.

Dive deeper, and you’ll see how cutting-edge fabric technologies elevate performance:

First, 3M™ Thinsulate™ delivered lightweight, superior insulation for runners that took on the rugged terrain with the help of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Type DR, the water repellent insulation. This insulation contains 85% recycled components. This product incorporates 3M™ Scotchgard™ PFAS-free DWR technology, seamlessly integrated with 3M’s nonwoven thermal insulation technology. This innovative combination ensures exceptional water repellency and unparalleled warmth retention, standing resilient against any harsh weather conditions. It is ideally suited for outdoor wear in complex environments where warmth is essential.

Next, we integrated 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector—delivering unbeatable water repellency for jackets and rapid dry times for performance tees. Whether facing rain, sweat, or rugged trails, athletes stayed dry, comfortable, and moving faster.

Finally, and in addition we raced with 3M™ Scotchlite™, 3M™ FUTURO® and 3M™ Nexcare technologies. 3M™ Futuro for sports protection 3M™ Nexcare for personal health and 3M™ Scotchlite for reflective technology.

And then came the ultimate validation—Team 3M™. We assembled an elite squad of athletes, all competing in 3M™ gear. The result? Dominance on the trails. Most of our runners shattered personal expectations, proving that when you’re backed by 3M™ innovation, your performance isn’t just possible—it’s guaranteed.

This was more than sponsorship. This was the future of sports technology in action.

More about each race.

2025 Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB®: Conquer Tropical Conditions. From Torrential Rains & Relentless Trails to Xiamen’s Sweltering Jungle

The UTMB Xiamen course delivered a heart-stopping mix of steep coastal trails, jagged ridges, and sudden weather shifts. Runners faced bone-chilling ocean winds, but thanks to 3M™ Thinsulate™, they stayed warm without sacrificing mobility. Meanwhile, 3M™ Scotchgard™ kept gear dry and mud-resistant as competitors battled through slippery, rain-soaked ascents.

“The scorching sun turned the trail into an oven. Without 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector, my shirt would’ve been soaked—sticking to my skin and weighing me down. Instead, it wicked sweat fast, keeping me dry and moving.” – Elite finisher

2025 Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB®: From Jungle Slickrock. ToIce Cave Switchbacks to the infamous Taoist Trails. This race demanded Every Step of Your Soul.

At UTMB Mt. Yun, runners ascended into thin air and cold temperatures, where fog and slick terrain was a real threat. 3M™ Thinsulate™ provided critical warmth in the high-altitude zones, while Scotchgard™ repelled sleet and mud, keeping shoes and packs dry. The final descent became a white-knuckle sprint as racers fought serious fatigue.

“The last 20K felt like running on ice. My gear was the only thing between me and a DNF.”– Podium contender 2025 Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB®: Ancient Stones, Modern Endurance.

The UTMB Great Wall course is a relentless gauntlet of stone steps and crumbling passes. Runners scaled thousand-year-old fortifications while battling muscle-searing climbs. 3M™ Scotchgard™ protected against abrasive surfaces and the hot sun, while 3M™ Thinsulate™ managed body heat across temperature swings.

3M™ is The Unseen Champion. As an official sponsor, 3M™ Thinsulate™ and 3M™ Scotchgard™ ensured athletes could focus on the race—not the elements. From foggy peaks to hot trails, runners stayed warmer, drier, and faster, proving that innovation fuels endurance.

“When the mountains test your limits, 3M™ technology pushes them further.” said Melissa Blakely, Global Portfolio Director for 3M™ Thinsulate and Scotchgard™

Game-Changing Innovations to Dominate the Elements

At the event, 3M™ unleashed the cutting-edge power of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector, 3M™ Scotchlite™ and 3M™ FUTURO and 3M™ Nexcare. These five proven technologies are redefining the limits of extreme outdoor gear. The showcased products set a new standard for performance, engineered to conquer the harshest environments:

Elite Racing Kits: Built with 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation for superior warmth and 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector for relentless water resistance. 3M Scotchlite for the best reflective wear and 3M FUTURO for compression support like no other. And 3M Nexcare gives you the all-day protection you deserve against cuts and nicks. These high-performance vests, shirts, hats, sleeves, and shorts empowered athletes to push further, faster, and fearlessly.

For sales and/or further details on 3M™ products, please contact Totti Liang (tliang2@mmm.com) or Michael Zhang (mqzhang@mmm.com)

About 3M

3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.