10 trail running stories that shaped the news in 2021, from China’s ultra disaster to escaping arranged marriage

It has been another big year in trail running, and here are the top stories based on views
Three non-trail running stories creep onto the trail radar as the community’s interest it piqued

Extreme fitness

Mark Agnew

Published: 10:15am, 31 Dec 2021

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Without further ado, here are the top trail running stories from 2021 in terms of views. A couple of non-trail running stories caught the trail running community’s eyes and made it onto the list too.

10. UTMB and Ironman join forces for World Series and pathway to Chamonix, replacing ITRA points and Ultra-Trail World Tour – read in full here

The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc brand has become the biggest in trail running, and Ironman has a worldwide reputation. So it is no wonder that you all tuned into the news that the two mega-brands were linking up to put on a new World Series.

The UTMB launched a new World Series. Photo: Thailand by UTMB

9. Hong Kong runners prove love is blind as visually impaired woman and her guide fall for each other – read full story here

Husband Chris Lo Chiu-kit and wife Inti Fu Tai-fan are a modern day love story. Their love of running was the glue to their relationship, and when Fu’s eyesight began to fail it became their cement. Lo has become his wife’s running guide, helping her to many finish lines. It’s no wonder this road running story made it into the top trail running stories.

Chris Lo Chiu-kit and Inti Fu Tai-fan. Photo: Handout

8. Kilian Jornet is leaving Salomon – legendary ultra runner to launch ‘new project’ after 18 years with ‘life partner’ brand -read full story here

Jornet is the biggest name in trail and ultra running, and is synonymous with the red and white of Salomon. So it is not a surprise to see him in the top 10, especially when their partnership came to an end after 18 years. The trail community is still waiting with bated breath for the news of his new project.

Kilian Jornet leaves Salomon after 18 years. Photo: @kilianjornet Instagram

7. Hiking the whole Lantau Trail teaches five-year-old that hard work pays off as well as the benefits of lollipops – read full story here

Another non-trail running story, but perhaps a trail runner in the making. Winnie Wheeler hiked the 70km Lantau Trail. She completed it over a series of weekends, all for the charity ImpactHK, which supports homeless people in Hong Kong.

Winnie Wheeler, five years old, hikes the whole Lantau Trail over two months for ImpactHK, a charity for the homeless in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

6. China ultramarathon disaster: what happened during the storm that killed 21 runners? – read full story here

Tragedy struck this year when a storm hit an ultramarathon in Mainland China and claimed the lives of 21 runners. There were a lot of questions about what happened and who was to blame. Trail runners from around the world clicked through to find answers.

Rescuers carry a stretcher as they work at the site where extreme cold weather killed participants of an ultramarathon race. Photo: Cnsphoto/Reuters

5. Hong Kong 298km Four Trails: Jacky Leung ‘breaks 50’ on history-making ultra run – read full story here

Hong Kong is home to one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. A total of 298km, 14,500m in accumulative elevation, no checkpoints and no support. It took years before anyone managed to run the event in under 60 hours. But as soon as that feat was completed in 2017, runners started to discuss if breaking 50 was possible. Leung, with only a few weeks notice to train when he was replaced a dropout, made history.

Jacky Leung Chun-keung is the first person to ‘break 50’. Photo: Alan Li

4. Chinese ultramarathon deaths turn spotlight onto runners’ safety and leave some questioning their future in the sport – read full story here

The disaster in China sent shock waves through the entire community. Many were questioning various aspects of the sport and its organisers. The horrific events have made it into our top 10 twice.

A man receives treatment at a hospital in Jingtai county after the ultramarathon disaster. Cnsphoto/Reuters

3. Hiking the 4,270km Pacific Crest Trail, Hongkonger helped by ‘angels’ battles frostbite – read full story here

Thru-hikes are a favourite activity of trail runners with time on their hands. Another non-trail running story makes it into our top 10 as Joshua Leung completes the famous route in the US, but not before being rescued for frostbite.

Joshua Leung Nok-yan hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. He got frostbite in his feet and had to split the adventure over two years. Photo: Joshua Leung Nok-yan

2. Vienna City Marathon winner disqualified for wearing shoes that are one centimetre too thick – read full story here

The issue of advancement in shoes is one that transcends any specific kind of running. So, when a road runner fell foul of the rules in Vienna, the trail community jumped on the story too. Is it fair to have shoes that give runners an advantage?

Ethiopia’s Derara Hurisa reaches the finish only to be disqualified for wearing banned shoes. Photo: Hans Punz

1. Nepalese runner Budha escapes arranged marriage to make a life on trails, dedicating herself to ‘something greater’ – read full story here

Topping the list in 2021 is an inspiring story about one woman’s determination. Sunmaya Budha comes from a poor region of Nepal where the opportunities for women are limited. But she broke society’s barriers and used her immense running talent to forge herself a new life. You will be happy to know that since this story she has landed a sponsorship deal that will surely continue to propel her to new heights.

Sunmaya Budha uses running to break free from her poor region with limited opportunities. Photo: The North Face Adventure Team

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