Xialu Encounter · Five Sacred Mountains 2026 Nan Yue Hengshan Trail Race (霞路相逢·三山五岳2026南岳衡山越野赛)

On November 22, 2026, the inaugural Hengshan Mountain Trail Race will take place at the scenic Nan Yue Scenic Area in Hunan Province’s city of Hengyang. The race starts and finishes at Wanshou Square in Hengyang's Nanyue District, offering runners a unique blend of challenging terrain and historical significance.
The event features five distinct races: "Vast Forest Exploration" (60km), "Serenity Amidst the Mountains" (40km), "Cultural Heritage Discovery" (30km), "Peak Aspiration" (20km), and "Shared Joy on Sacred Grounds" (10km). Each race is designed to cater to different levels of experience, from seasoned mountain runners to newcomers eager to explore.
Registration for the event opens on August 24 at 10:00 AM and closes on October 20 at 5:00 PM. Early bird pricing applies until September 20 at 5:00 PM, with a strict first-come-first-served policy due to limited capacity of up to 2,500 participants.
The "Vast Forest Exploration" (60km) covers an actual distance of 59.4 kilometers and includes a total elevation gain of 3826 meters over its challenging course. Runners will face a rigorous schedule starting at 6:00 AM on race day, with a cut-off time set for midnight the same day.
The "Serenity Amidst the Mountains" (40km) offers an actual distance of 41.3 kilometers and climbs up to 2711 meters in elevation over its route. This event also begins at 6:00 AM, with a cut-off time of 7:00 PM.
The "Cultural Heritage Discovery" (30km), which covers an actual distance of 31.4 kilometers and climbs up to 1921 meters in elevation, starts slightly later at 6:30 AM on race day, allowing runners a full ten hours to complete the course by its cut-off time.
The "Peak Aspiration" (20km) offers an actual distance of 19.2 kilometers and climbs up to 1070 meters in elevation over its route. This event starts at 8:30 AM, with runners given six hours to reach their finish line by the cut-off time.
The "Shared Joy on Sacred Grounds" (10km) covers an actual distance of 9.1 kilometers and climbs up to 369 meters in elevation over its route. This event starts at 8:40 AM, with runners given three hours and thirty minutes to complete their journey by the cut-off time.
The Hengshan Mountain Trail Race is rooted deeply in both historical significance and natural beauty. Known as one of China's Five Great Mountains ("Five Peaks"), Nanyue Hengshan has long been a spiritual landmark for poets and scholars, including Xu Xiake who documented his travels extensively during the Ming Dynasty era. Runners will traverse routes that echo these ancient footsteps, immersing themselves in rich cultural heritage while enjoying breathtaking views of this revered mountain range.
Registration can be completed through various platforms: "Xiaoke Sports" WeChat Official Account and Mini Program, "Zuicool Marathon Registration" Mini Program, Zuicool official website zuicool.com. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the unique charm of Hengshan Mountain on your running journey!
This event is not only a physical challenge but also an immersive cultural adventure that connects runners with the rich history and natural beauty of Nanyue Hengshan. Whether you are drawn by its historical significance or simply seeking a challenging mountain trail, this race offers an unforgettable experience for all participants.