After the thrilling start in Kobe, Japan, the 2025 Golden Trail World Series heads to its second stop: a debut race on the Great Wall of China, passing through Jinshanling in the city of Chengde.
The course is a continuous series of short, steep ascents and descents from start to finish. Although the route doesn’t reach high altitude —ranging between 300 and 560 meters above sea level— the constant ups and downs over steep stairs, aerial walls, and uneven stone sections will give no respite to the legs. Pace changes on these sections will be key to managing the race efficiently.
The course combines restored sections with wilder stretches, all framed by panoramic views of the Hebei mountains and the first blooming apricot trees of the Chinese spring. As a completely new race, there are no benchmarks in terms of strategy, and the course remains a mystery even for the athletes themselves, who don’t yet know how they’ll handle the technical segments of the Great Wall.
THE FAVORITES IN CHINA
In the men’s category, the second stop of the 2025 GTWS will bring together five contrasting profiles that perfectly represent the level and diversity of the circuit: from African power to European tactics, with a touch of Alpine explosiveness.
- Patrick Kipngeno (Kenya – Run2gether On Trail): after his dominant performance in Kobe, he comes in as the man to beat. His stride, pace changes, and competitive instinct make him the benchmark athlete right now.
- Philemon Kiriago (Kenya – Run2gether On Trail): teammate of Kipngeno, the young Kenyan already showed his talent in 2024 and confirmed once again in Japan that he’s ready to fight for it all. His aggressive style could make the difference on a course like Jinshanling.
- Sylvain Cachard (France – Hoka): his experience and composure make him a serious contender if he can stay close on the climbs. He didn’t have his day in Kobe and will be eager to quench his competitive thirst.
- Joey Hadorn (Switzerland – Salomon): an athlete with a background in orienteering, who already showed signs of his immense talent in Kobe. His ability to read the terrain could be key on such an uneven course.
- Cesare Maestri (Italy – Nike): solid and consistent, the Italian will aim to secure a strong position in the overall standings with a smart and competitive approach. His performances on road and classic races make him a rival to watch.
Beyond the group of main podium contenders, the men’s race will feature a broad and diverse lineup of international talent. Notable among them is Kenyan runner Timothy Kibett (Team Milimani Salomon), who comes from a road running background and shows great promise in mountain racing. Also competing will be young Fabián Venero (Spain – Salomon), one of the names to watch in the future of Spanish trail running. Joining him are Norway’s Anders Kjaerevik (VJ-shoes and SAYSKY), aggressive and technical on broken terrain, Romania’s Bogdan Damian (Datacor Running Team), and Daniel Pattis (Italy – Brooks), both strong European representatives. A lineup that reinforces the depth and competitiveness of this second stop on the calendar.
WOMEN’S RACE: A NO-HOLDS-BARRED SHOWDOWN
Five top-level runners, each with a very different profile, arrive in Jinshanling ready to make their mark at this second stop of the 2025 GTWS.
- Sara Alonso (Spain – Asics): the runner from San Sebastián comes off a commanding victory in Kobe, where she dominated a technical and demanding course. Her confidence, race-reading ability, and speed in key sections make her one of the standout athletes of the moment.
- Miao Yao (China – Salomon): an experienced local runner, best known for her victory at the OCC at UTMB. Jinshanling could suit her style well: strong on the downhills, mentally solid, and familiar with the terrain. She’ll be one of the main contenders for the top spots.
- Joyline Chepngeno (Kenya – Milimani Runners Salomon): winner of the 2024 GTWS Grand Final and the iconic Sierre-Zinal race, she’s a symbol of raw power. Although she didn’t race in Kobe, she arrives as one of the most feared contenders thanks to her ability to set a high pace right from the start.
- Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Kenya – NNormal): after a rough start in Kobe, where a navigation error dropped her to sixth place, the 2024 champion will be looking for redemption. Her aggressive style on less technical terrain could suit the smoother sections of Jinshanling.
- Madalina Florea (Romania – Scott): runner-up in Kobe, she proved she’s in great form. Her steady pace and strength on the climbs make her a strong podium contender if she can maintain her consistency.
The women’s field also shows impressive depth beyond the main favorites. Young Malen Osa (Spain – Salomon) arrives in Jinshanling after a brilliant third-place finish in Kobe, establishing herself as one of the breakout stars of the circuit. Her aggressive approach and technical ability make her a real threat to any favorite. From Japan, Takako Takamuraplaced fourth in the opening race and showed she’s ready to fight for it all—especially on terrain she knows well. American runner Rachel Tomajczyk (Merrell) brings experience over mid-distance races and a combative profile, while Europe will also be represented by rising talents such as Marie Nivet (France – Nike) and Alice Minetti (Boves Run) from Italy, both with the potential to move up if the race opens up.
START TIMES AND LIVE COVERAGE
The race will take place on Saturday, April 26, and will feature live international coverage on the official GTWS YouTube channel.
- Women’s race: 14:00 local time (CST) / 08:00 CEST / 23:00 PDT
- Men’s race: 14:20 local time (CST) / 08:20 CEST / 23:20 PDT
- International live streaming: from 13:30 local time (CST)
In addition to its global reach, this second stop plays a key role as a cultural bridge, with live broadcasts in over 16 Asian countries and regions, connecting China with the world through trail running.
A THOUSAND YEARS OF HISTORY IN EVERY STEP
To speak of Jinshanling is to take a journey into the past. Located northeast of Beijing, this section of the Great Wall of China is part of a national park known for its exceptional preservation and its remarkable architectural and symbolic value.
Built mainly during the Ming dynasty (14th–17th centuries), the wall winds through the Hebei mountains with watchtowers, battlements, and stone paths that still today reflect the determination with which the ancient empire defended its borders.
Beyond its historical past, Jinshanling is also a place of serene natural beauty. The forests surrounding the wall and the mountain slopes preserve a delicate balance between landscape and memory. In April, the blooming apricot treestransform the area into a fleeting, delicate scene where time seems to stand still.
