Salomon Golden Trail World Series Returns to Great Wall

The Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race, the second-to-last event in the 2026 Salomon Golden Trail World Series (GTWS), concluded Sunday in Chengde, China. This race was the final opportunity for athletes to secure points before the season-ending Grand Final.

Established by Salomon in 2018, the GTWS focuses on short, fast races in iconic locations, attracting the sport's top competitors. Jinshanling, hosting the event at the Great Wall for the second consecutive year, provides both elite Chinese runners and international athletes a platform to compete on the same course.

The race featured a strong international field, with 36 elite runners engaging in tactical competition from the outset. The course, characterized by ancient stone paths and the Yan Mountains, presented a challenging and unique terrain within the GTWS calendar. Switzerland's Joey Hadorn finished third in the men's race at 2:15:42, while Kenya's Caroline Kimutai took third in the women's category with a time of 2:43:33.

Salomon has revamped the series format this season by introducing a team ranking system, where eight manufacturer teams accumulate points. This adds a strategic layer, requiring runners and teams to carefully manage their efforts.

Prize money across the series has increased by 50% compared to 2025, with the overall male and female champions each receiving €30,000. The series is also enhancing its anti-doping program with numerous tests during competitions and throughout the season, aiming to bolster the integrity of the sport.