Runners take off from the starting line. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2025 Grand Wuyi Trail Race concluded on Nov 9 in Wuyishan, East China's Fujian province, attracting more than 12,500 trail runners from 18 countries and regions worldwide.

The event has received the 2025 UNESCO Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases and secured hosting rights for the 2026 Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships (APTRC).

A participant runs down a secluded trail flanked by towering bamboo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The race featured five race categories ranging from 100 kilometers to 10 kilometers, along with two signature events — the Grand Wuyi University Friendship Race and the Grand Wuyi Youth Trail Race. The friendship race drew 2,009 entrepreneurs and executives from 127 business schools across China, while the youth trail race saw 1,029 young runners take part.

The Fujian Outdoor Sports Carnival's main exhibition area buzzes with people. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2025 Fujian Outdoor Sports Carnival also offered a rich lineup of activities, including a trail-running film festival, a tea party, workshops on intangible cultural heritage, and a gourmet market.

Yuan Yuan, founder of the event and co-director of the 2026 APTRC, said, "Ten years ago, we came to Wuyishan driven by passion. Today, it has become a dream course for runners around the world. We look forward to welcoming everyone again in 2026 — with a cup of tea shared with the world."