Beyond the hype

While enthusiasts like Du find trail running fun and relaxing, some people perceive the sport as dangerous.

After graduating from university, Cai not only continued his career as an athlete but also became a trail running course designer. His role involves creating unique and safe trail running routes that meet the expectations of racers.

"If you promise a scenic route, you must do your best to deliver it. If you assure runners that they can withdraw from the race if they feel unwell, you need to ensure that rescue operations are feasible. If you promise ample supplies, the aid stations should not be located in remote, desolate areas," he explained.

According to Cai, most trail running events in China are managed with a "nanny-level" of care, making sure that every runner is looked after as much as possible.

"Safety considerations in China are world-class. Whether it's the local government, event organizers, or the runners themselves, everyone prioritizes safety," he said.

However, beyond controllable risks, trail running inherently involves hardship, and Cai believes this hardship holds its own significance.

"When both your mental and physical strength are pushed to their limits and you still see no end in sight, do you choose to persevere or give up? Alone in the mountains, do you casually discard your used energy gels, or do you carry them back down? If you encounter an injured fellow runner, do you help them, or do you focus solely on your own race? You won't know the answers until you experience the trails for yourself," he explained. "Mountain running allows us to confront our truest selves."

Cai sees this as the essence of enduring the hardships of trail running. "It's fascinating to explore and discover yourself amid so many uncertainties," he said. "The mountains are a medium. Perhaps we love trail running not just for the activity itself, but for the state of being it brings us."