High Altitude Trail Running Camp-July 2024
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China, lies the majestic Mt. Siguniang, also known as Four Sisters Mountain. This iconic mountain is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring four distinct peaks that soar into the sky.
Mt. Siguniang's rugged terrain and high-altitude environment provide the perfect setting for trail runners seeking to elevate their training. At altitudes ranging from 3200m to over 5000m, runners can challenge themselves in thin air while navigating diverse landscapes that include rocky trails, alpine meadows, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The area's pristine beauty and remote wilderness offer an immersive experience, allowing runners to hone their skills, build endurance, and push their limits amidst some of China's most spectacular scenery.
----THE ORGANIZING TEAM ----
The organizing team is a dynamic ensemble, consisting of an accomplished ultra-trail running coach, a bilingual outdoor travel coordinator, and an expert team of alpine guides and logistical support personnel. With their combined skills and experience, they take care of every aspect of the event, from trail running logistics to participant safety and enjoyment.
COACH - LEE HARRIS
Over 30,000 km of mountain trails, and desert trails run in the UAE since 2011, with 50 ultra marathon distances covered both in training, local and international races. Founder of the Desert Trail Running group (DTR's) that runs pretty much every weekend for the last decade.
2012: Completed the Manaslu Mountain Trail stage Race, 200KM semi self-supported in Nepal. 6th Place. 3rd in age group
2013: Completed the Grand to Grand 274KM stage Race, from the Grand Canyon to the top of the Grand Staircase – 8th Place – 2nd in age Group
2014: Completed the TransOmania 300km nonstop self-support race across Oman - 89 hrs
2014: Winner of the 2-day Desert Stinker race - UAE
2015-2018 Completed Hajar 100KM mountain Race UAE – taking 3rd, 5th and 7th place respectively.
2019: Completed The Big Stinker Mountain Race – UAE – 5th Place 2nd in age group
With 2 decades of sport coaching experience in boxing and ultra-trail running, Lee Harris has founded LK Running Performance specializing improving running technique, economy and performance. Since then, he has coached and brought numerous road & trail running athletes to podium in local, regional and international races. With his vast trail running and coaching experiences, Lee Harris is the coach during the training camp. With him, you get to listen to everything and anything about running!
COORDINATOR - EMILY HAO
She has over 7 years’ experience in hiking and mountain leader work. Dedicated in trail running since 2018, she has done a few trail races for adventure and experience.
2017- today, guide countless local hiking trips in UAE.
2017 Summit Kilimanjaro
2018 Summit Mt. Kazbek. Fastpacking Mt. Elbrus.
2018 Night Rebel 30KM 3rd female
2018 Wadi Bih-Hatta 70KM 4th female
2019 Team Leader of 6 ppl to Summit Mt Kilimanjaro
2019 Fastpacking Mt Siguniang Peak 1, 2, 3
2021 Self supported, solo run 50KM in Jebel Shams, Oman
2022 HIMAM 110KM Trail Race 7th female
2023 KANAS 168KM Trail Race 5th female
2024 AlUla Trail Race 100KM 4th female
In 2020, she established AFT Gear Garage, offering a range of trail running, hiking, and camping products tailored to trail athletes and outdoor enthusiasts across GCC countries. By 2024, the company expanded its services to include trail race assistance, aiding organizers in race promotion, as well as hosting trail running workshops, camps, and adventure travel experiences. Being Chinese and with experience in Mt Siguaniang, Emily will coordinate all logistics, training route, and travel arrangements for this trip.
XUE SHAN ZHI DIAN OUTDOOR SPORTS CO
With over 15 years of unparalleled expertise in alpine activities, XUE SHAN ZHI DIAN is a seasoned operator renowned for its commitment to excellence. Specializing in mountaineering, climbing, and ice climbing adventures, they boast a team of 200 highly trained alpine guides and logistical experts. Having served over 80,000 clients, their extensive experience speaks volumes, with each guide boasting a minimum of 500 successful expedition experiences.
Beyond their impressive track record, XUE SHAN ZHI DIAN is also well-versed in alpine rescue operations and trail race safety protocols, ensuring the utmost safety and security for every adventure seeker. When it comes to alpine exploration, XUE SHAN ZHI DIAN sets the standard for professionalism, expertise, and unforgettable experiences.
---- EVENT DETAILS----
During our trail running camp, we explore the stunning landscapes of Mt. Siguniang.
On the first day, we kick off our adventure by arriving in Chengdu and journeying to Mt. Siguniang Town, situated at an impressive 3200m above sea level.
Following a hearty dinner, we rest and prepare for the days ahead. Day two sees us engaging in an acclimatization hike for 5-6hours, ensuring our bodies are well-adjusted to the altitude. By day three, we're primed and ready for trail running training, tackling a maximum of 26km with flexibility based on individual conditions. This prepares us for the next two days of intense running as we ascend to even higher altitudes, including an overnight camping at 4300m on day four. Day five we run from campsite mostly downhill with slight elevation gain for 19km back to the hotel.
Day six we drive back to Chengdu and take return flights.
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Itinerary |
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6 Days |
Date |
Activity |
Accommodation |
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DAY 1 |
Jul-25 |
- Gather in Chengdu - Transport from Chengdu to Siguniang Mountain 3200m |
Hotel |
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DAY 2 |
Jul-26 |
- Day briefing after breakfast - Acclimatization hike in Shuangqiao Valley. Distance and time depends on team strength. Altitude range: 2800-3800m - Rest and Dinner - Briefing for next day |
Hotel |
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DAY 3 |
Jul-27 |
- Breakfast - Trail Running from Changping Valley 3400m to Muluozi 3700m and same way back. Total 26km but flexible. - Rest and Dinner - Running Talk by Coach Lee Harris - Briefing for next day |
Hotel |
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DAY 4 |
Jul-28 |
- Breakfast - Trail Running from Haizi Valley 3200m to Bajiaopeng 4300m. Total Distance 13km - Rest and Dinner - Briefing for next day |
Camping |
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DAY 5 |
Jul-29 |
- Breakfast - Trail Running from Bajiaopeng 4300m to Huahaizi 3800m to Dafeng BC 4200m to Zhongliangzi 4000m to Hotel 3200m. Total Distance 19km - Rest and Celerbation Dinner |
Hotel |
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DAY 6 |
July-30 |
- Transport back to Chengdu |
N/A |
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What to prepare? |
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Mandatory |
1 |
Trail Running Shoes preferably Gore-tex |
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2 |
Running vests/packs |
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3 |
Quick drying t-shirts/long sleeves |
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4 |
Running leggings |
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5 |
Running socks preferably merino wool |
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6 |
Base layer, preferably merino wool |
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7 |
Fleece layer |
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8 |
Lightweight rain jacket |
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9 |
Down jacket that’s suitable for -5C |
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10 |
Running socks preferably merino wool |
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11 |
Fleece hat/Merino Wool hat |
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12 |
Thin touch screen gloves and/or fleece gloves |
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13 |
Bandanas |
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14 |
Sun Hat/Cap |
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15 |
Rechargeable Headlamp or Headlamp with extra batteries |
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16 |
Personal first aid kit |
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17 |
A soft duffle bag as drop bag for Day 4-5. This is to be carried by horses. |
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18 |
Snacks, energy gels for 4 days for hiking&running. |
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19 |
Personal Hygiene Kit and Towel |
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20 |
Sunscreen |
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21 |
Passport and visa |
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22 |
Some Petty Cash (200 USD/1400RMB) for expenses outside of event and/or for contingency |
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23 |
Sleeping bags suitable for -5C (You can rent this too.) |
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Optional |
1 |
Thermo flask |
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2 |
UL trekking poles |
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3 |
Trail gaiter (for snow/mud) |
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4 |
waterproof bag for electronics |
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5 |
Travel Insurance |
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6 |
Lightweight Powerbank |
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7 |
Sunglasses |
---- ACCOMMODATION ----
Hotel in Mt Siguniang Town 3200m
Campsite
---- REGISTRATION ----
- Fill up Registration information here: https://forms.gle/ekjMUSvex4Sh8PRZ9
- Contact Emily on +971566859173 for payment method.
- Complete and verify payment by June 15.
- Registration completed.
- You will be added to a WhatsApp group for further event communication.
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Event Fee |
AED 8000 / Person |
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Included |
1 |
Team transportation: Return trip Chengdu-Siguniang Mountain Day 2-5 Hotel to/from trail heads/ends |
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2 |
Day 1- Day 5 accommodation twin sharing in hotel tent sharing in campsite |
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3 |
Day 2- Day 6 breakfast Day 1-Day 5 dinner |
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4 |
Certified Alpine Guide(s) |
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5 |
Park Entry Fees |
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6 |
Non-Chinese Registration Fees |
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7 |
Horse Rental for logistics |
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8 |
First Aid Kit |
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9 |
Oxygen for emergencies |
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10 |
Outdoor Insurance |
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11 |
Ultra Trail Running Coach |
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12 |
English/Chinese speaking Coordinator |
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Not included |
1 |
Flights and visas |
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2 |
Accommodation other than mentioned above |
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3 |
Food/Meals/Snacks apart from mentioned above |
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4 |
Transportation other than mentioned above |
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5 |
Personal purchases |
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6 |
Personal equipment |
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---- FLIGNTHS, VISA, Hotel----
Flights
You may take any flight reaching Chengdu by noon time on July 25.
Take return flight leaving Chengdu after 1pm July 30.
Below is a return flight from Dubai to Chengdu for reference.
Visa
Certain nationalities can enter China with visa on arrival or free visa. If your nationality is not in this category, then you need to apply L visa- Tourism visa, valid for 90 days, single entry. If you are in UAE, you can apply at China Visa Application Service Center in Wafi Mall, Dubai. Or you may request tourism companies to apply for you. Visa fees vary for different nationality and from different agencies. It is advised to apply visa one month before travel date.
We will provide either invitation letter or proof of hotel reservation that is required for visa application.
[China Visa Application Service Center]
Website: https://www.visaforchina.cn/DXB2_EN/index.shtml
Location: https://www.visaforchina.cn/DXB2_EN/aboutus/266121.shtml
Fees: https://www.visaforchina.cn/DXB2_EN/upload/file/20231208/fee%20en.pdf
Hotel (Outside of event)
Day 1- Day 5 accommodation is provided as mentioned in event details and event fee. In case you wish to reach early or stay extra days in Chengdu for a city tour, you may find available hotels here:
https://www.booking.com/city/cn/chengdu.html
For more event inquiries, please contact Emily on +971566859173 (WhatsApp only).