UTMB 2019: Chinese runners reflect on poor pacing, beer downing and lesson learning
- The Chinese arrive in Chamonix with high expectations, but leave winless and full of new learning, having showed the depth of grassroots running talent in China
- This is a humorous take on the performances and adventures of Chinese runners at UTMB 2019
There was no Chinese winner at any of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) races this year, but plenty of interesting things happened with the mainland contingent – an 11th place finish at CCC, Qi Min blew up and then punished himself by walking 80km to the finish and more.
The UTMB is world renowned for its running festivals, which attracts some of the best trail athletes to its many races during the last week of August, including the 145km TDS, the 55km OCC, the 101km CCC and the full 171km UTMB. The Chinese athletes turned up in force, with high expectations having seen great success last year.
They reflected on their performances, which more often than not, saw them build a huge lead early only to be over taken.
TDS
Veteran Yan Yunqiao contested the 145km TDS, which is regarded as almost as challenging as the 100-mile UTMB itself.
Affectionately known as Little Qiao, he produced a mature performance, staying within the top seven for most of the race, and then finishing a superb fifth and improving on his 10th position last year.