Chinese trail runner has plenty to learn from Jim Walmsley at Fast 50 ultra – despite winning Hong Kong 100

Yun Yanqiao might have a long résumé of ultra wins, but this weekend he wants to learn from the best.

The mainland Chinese runner signed up for the Fast 50 mile (80-kilometre) ultra marathon as soon as he heard Western States 100 record holder Jim Walmsley was running.

“Jim is the fastest runner in America, so I want to have the challenge. I want to communicate with him, I want to study him,” Yun said.

Yun won the Vibram Hong Kong 100 (HK100) in 2017, despite strong competition from overseas runners such as Sage Canaday. It was his second HK100 victory after 2013.

“Many Westerners came to Hong Kong and I defeated all of all them,” said Yun, who, like Walmsley, runs for Hoka One One. “This time, there are very good runners. But I just want to enjoy the race, and enjoy competing against famous runners like Jim and Rob [Krar, the top American runner] and I’ll consider it a successful experience.”