Want to Run in China?

Issue #15

Start line, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, March 20, 2026 with Gabe and Matt.

If you’re like me and see an ultramarathon not simply as a running event, but as an adventure, I’ve got some exciting news for you.

The Anta Guanjun Tengchong Gaoligong Ultra, March 19-21, 2027, in Yunnan Province, China, is looking for international participants to make the event feel like a “truly global gathering.”

For elite runners, or those with a “story” (explained below), the event organizers will offer an enticing package that could include roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodation, food and cultural tours. Based on certain criteria, you could be their VIP guest, all expenses paid.

This is a huge opportunity.

Read on for more information and email me@davidgreen.run.

I did the 104-miler at Mt. Gaoligong earlier this year, along with my son Gabe, his friend Matt, and my longtime friend and fellow runner, Bob Becker. We were all guests of the event and were treated like royalty.

I qualified as an elite runner, plus Gabe and I were running together for the first time, which made for a touching father-son story (see issue #12 of this newsletter); Matt is a Type 1 diabetic who runs ultras, and China has the world’s largest diabetic population; Bob Becker, as many of you know, is 81 and still running ultras. We all had great stories.

But the real story is that I left wanting to go back. This is rarely the case with me. In fact, of all the far-flung destinations I’ve visited, to run or race through, there’s only one spot that has pulled me back over and over: Brazil — I’ve done that ultra 11 times, to be exact. 

Then I did the Mt. Gaoligong Ultra in March of this year. I won’t sugarcoat it: the running is tough. In the wild and beautiful Gaoligong Mountain range, there are steep elevations with challenging and rocky stretches, through some of which you basically have to crawl! 

Night one. Wild and beautiful, and in places you are basically crawling. This was one of the stops that made it worth it.

But, the cultural experience was like none other. The organizers hosted superb events before and after the race, including walking tours of the city, temples, markets, gardens and heritage sites. I also loved the conversations I struck up with so many friendly people along the route, and the food — oh, the food! I’m still dreaming about those delicious Chinese meals.

Our stay at the Gaoligong Hidden Springs Wellness Manor, a luxurious spa hotel, was entirely complimentary. What a divine bonus.  

Like me, most ultra runners have traversed countless places across the United States, the globe, across mountains and deserts, national parks and trails, but every once in a while you experience something that’s like a peak, a Mount Everest of experiences. And it’s mesmerizing.

The Mt. Gaoligong Ultra in China was that for me. 

The pre-race ceremony in Tengchong moments before the start. An unforgettable moment.

So, here’s your opportunity to participate in this unique race next March and experience something way beyond what's considered a normal ultramarathon event, something truly transformational.

There are six distance categories available to race, all the way from 5K to 168K. Certain athletes might even qualify to receive a fee for their participation.

Full disclosure: I have no control over the organizers’ criteria or decision-making in who may or may not qualify to receive sponsorships or complimentary offers.

However, if you’re a seasoned ultramarathoner, trail runner, or have an amazing story to tell through running, I can certainly recommend you. 

Anyone interested in exploring this fantastic opportunity can email me I’ll connect you directly to the race organizers. 

You never know, it could be the start of a beautiful journey!

Hope to see you on the trails.

Cheers,

David.