Gaoligong by UTMB is a 100km ultra marathon in Tengchong, China. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 5,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 52/100). DNF rate: 22%. Time limit: 28h. Surface: trail. Established 2018.
Gaoligong by UTMB
Tengchong, Yunnan, China
"100km through China's most biodiverse mountains. Subtropical forest, ancient trade routes, and Yunnan's wild west."
UTMB in a biodiversity hotspot — 100km through the Gaoligong Mountains on ancient trade routes near the Burma border.
The Course
A challenging loop through the Gaoligong Mountains in western Yunnan, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. The course climbs through subtropical forests, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows along the Burma border. Ancient trails used by traders and explorers for centuries.
mountainous
loop
7
5
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
Professional UTMB-style finish with crowds, announcements, and a festival atmosphere in the finish area.
Race Day Weather
12°C
2° – 22°
65%
10%
Yunnan winter dry season — cool and generally clear. Large temperature range between valleys and mountains.
Stats & Records
2018
400
20:00:00
Entry
¥1,200
May
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Gaoligong by UTMB runs through the Gaoligong Mountains of Yunnan Province, China — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the eastern Himalayan foothills meet the Mekong watershed. The course traverses one of the most biodiverse mountain ranges in Asia: bamboo forest, cloud forest, tea plantations, and villages of the Lisu, Bai, and Nu ethnic minorities. China's trail running scene has exploded, and UTMB events in Chinese mountains have become some of the most popular in Asia.
- ▸ The Gaoligong Mountains are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with extraordinary biodiversity.
- ▸ The region sits on the border with Myanmar — runners can see into Burma from the ridgelines.
- ▸ Ancient trade routes through these mountains connected China with Southeast Asia for millennia.
- ▸ The subtropical forest is home to gibbons, red pandas, and over 500 species of birds.
- ▸ Established in 2018.
Gaoligong is UTMB in the Himalayan foothills — Chinese mountain running at altitude, with bamboo forest and tea plantations.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
27 JUN 2026
Gobi Desert 100
Dunhuang, China
27 JUN 2026
Gobi March
Hami, China
27 JUN 2026
Gobi March (4 Deserts)
Jiayuguan, China
9 MAY 2026
Great Wall Marathon Ultra
Huangyaguan, China
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Gaoligong by UTMB? +
Gaoligong by UTMB is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 5,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Gaoligong by UTMB? +
Gaoligong by UTMB is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 52/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 22%. Runners have 28 hours to finish.
How do I enter Gaoligong by UTMB? +
UTMB Index qualification required.. Entry costs ¥1,200. with a maximum of 600 starters.
What is the weather like at Gaoligong by UTMB? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 2°C to 22°C) with 65% humidity and a 10% chance of rain. Yunnan winter dry season — cool and generally clear. Large temperature range between valleys and mountains.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Gaoligong by UTMB? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Gaoligong by UTMB? +
The average finish time is 20:00:00. About 400 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 22%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly