China’s trail running boom draws urban runners seeking challenge and escape
SHANGHAI: While climbing Tianma Mountain in Shanghai, 52-year-old Larry Xie looks several paces ahead and takes quick strides “like stepping on hot coals” – a technique that keeps his footing stable. For Xie and a growing number of runners in China, the mountains have become a refuge from the pressures of city life.Trail running is rapidly gaining traction across the country, with the number of events surging as more marathon runners take up the sport. There are now about 500 trail running events held annually in China, up from just 65 in 2014, according to a report by fitness platform Joyrun.
