Chengde – September 30, 2026 -- The Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race wrapped Sunday as the penultimate and final points-scoring stop of the 2026 SALOMON Golden Trail World Series before the season-ending Grand Final. Thirty-six elite runners lined up on the ancient stone course, one of the strongest international fields ever assembled for a race in China.
Founded by SALOMON in 2018, the Golden Trail World Series stages short, fast races on landmark terrain with the sport's top athletes. This marked the second year the series has returned to the Great Wall, and the third season overall for SALOMON's racing project in China.
Swiss and Kenyan runners finish on the podium at Jinshanling
SALOMON international elite Joey Hadorn of Switzerland used the descents to move through the field, taking third in the men's race in 2:15:42. In the women's race, Kenya's Caroline Kimutai held the front group all day to finish third in 2:43:33. China's Chi Lingjie led the home finishers, crossing seventh overall in 2:51:22.
A new team format changes how the race is run
SALOMON introduced a team ranking system this season, putting eight brand teams — including Team SALOMON — on a collective leaderboard, with points now awarded on designated uphill, downhill and sprint segments. Team SALOMON finished top of the Team Ranking at Jinshanling, turning individual speed into a squad-tactics contest.
Prize money jumps 50 percent and anti-doping testing expands
Total prize money across the 2026 series rose 50% from 2025 to €451,000, with men's and women's season champions each earning €30,000. Every GTWS race, including Jinshanling, now includes 10 anti-doping tests across multiple substance categories, including EPO screening, alongside 50 out-of-competition tests spread across the season.
The Great Wall Chase Challenge added a cultural layer five days before the race
Ahead of the main event, SALOMON staged the Great Wall Chase Challenge, sending international elites, SALOMON Next-Gen squad members and local club runners along the Wall together. The event fell over the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, pairing the traditional celebration with modern trail racing.
China's Next-Gen runners get a global stage
Alongside Chi Lingjie, SALOMON Next-Gen athlete Zhu Yutao raced with teammates Zhang Ziyue and Chang Miaomiao, gaining direct experience against elite international pace. Through its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Chinese media partners, SALOMON is broadcasting the race and the surrounding culture to audiences worldwide.