Yepao Challenge 2026

A weekend of authentic trail running in real nature at Wildhomestay!

Saturday morning are the two main events; a 9km or 17km hill challenge. In the afternoon we have an extension for those who want to add some extra kms and training along with evening firework awards, BBQ and fireside chats. Sunday morning we open a new route for a social 12km run.

wonderful mountain trails
clear trails
newly renovated trails

The Main Challenges

Choose a 9km or 17km for the challenge. The rest of the weekend runs are optional and can be reduced if your legs get a little tired!

As always a great group of mix ability runners from all over the place!

9km + 300M T2 9AM Saturday

A relatively mild run starting down the road and then taking the path up below Qingliangfeng. From there you make your way around to Santang village and then head along the mountainside trail. Then head down, meet the river (jump in if too hot) and run back to the homestay.  Add a few extra meters to make a perfect triple 8, 8.88km run 🙂

17km + 1000m T3 9AM Saturday

A sharp immediate climb up will warm up the lungs and legs before a quick decent to the river. A short run along that to a short uphill and a long fast decent down the old forest trail. A drink stand, a short uphill to Shangtan Village followed by a run along the mountain side path and back down along the flat river side way.

Optional 17km + 1150M T2 2PM Saturday

Leigh wants to disorientate you and run you into the ground so you can get a meaningful experience of what its like to run the last part of the HK100. 4 increasing climbs to finish! Saturday PM.

Optional RIVEN RIDGE 12KM 700m 9AM Sunday

A newly groomed section of trail.  A nice warm up down the road to start. Then a sturdy climb up to the forgotten ruins. A brief rest and a serious hike-run up through Mega Forest Climb. From there a easy run along the ridge to a fast descent down back to the middle village and up the road back to the homestay.


Awards & Prizes

Top 3 fastest males and females for the New Classic and The Half Challenges.

We are thrilled to welcome Outopia as our official trail apparel partner!Hailing from China, Outopia is a professional outdoor brand founded by trail runners themselves. Starting with professional trail running gear, the brand seamlessly blends high performance with aesthetic appeal. Outopia empowers everyone to enjoy nature, embrace a life of freedom, and fearlessly pursue their dreams.Trail running unites !


We are thrilled to welcome Rossignol as the official Shoe Supporter for Yepao! Born in the French Alps and fueled by over a century of mountain expertise, Rossignol shares our deep respect for the outdoors and the historic trails we run. They are bringing their legendary alpine DNA to our community, providing runners with hands-on shoe testing, exclusive event merch, and incredible prizes for both our podium finishers and everyday participants.

We will also have some fun segment prizes (need to upload to strava) for some hill segments provided by Wildhomestay and the locals 🙂


Entrance & Sign Up


Early Bird PersonalEarly Bird Group 10+After Oct 11 PersonalAfter Oct 11 Group 10+
17km Classic188 RMB pp158 RMB pp268 RMB188 RMB
9km Half128 RMB pp98 RMB pp158 RMB108 RMB

Please click this link or scan the QR to our online sign up .

  1. Select which race.
  2. Select if you want the awards BBQ.
  3. Select if you want Hangzhou West Train station bus pickup
  4. Select Wildhomestay rooms if needed. We have shared rooms, twin, queen, family and houses.

Then checkout and pay. Any questions please contact Wildhomestay Wechat service account.


Weekend Schedule

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

07:00 –  Breakfast

08:00 – Challenge Briefing

09:00 – Challenge Start: Classic 9K / 17K

12:30–14:30 – Lunch

14:00 – Challenge Course Closes

14:10 – Strength for Trail Running: Practical Session or Special HK100 Training Session

16:00 – Run to the Rock 5K Climb

18:00 – Drinks & Talk: Mountain & Trail Rescue Introduction by Mountain & Forest Emergency Rescue Center

19:00 – BBQ, Challenge Awards, Fireworks, & Fireside Drinks

SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER

06:00–08:00 – Breakfast

06:30 – Sunrise Yoga

07:30 – Mountain & Trail: CPR / Brake / Deep Cut / Snake Bite

08:30 – New Ridge Route 12K: Self-Nav & Guided Run

11:30 – Lunch, Closing Remarks

1:30 – Shuttle Departure


Getting There & Back

Train: 
There are direct trains to Sanyang station (2h20m to SH / 1H HZ) Friday mid morning. There are trains back from Sanyang station Sunday 3pm. Wildhomestay can arrange van pickup and drop off.
We also have a bus available leaving Hangzhou West Train (HWT) station around 7pm on Friday night!!! 1h40m drive from there to Wildhomestay. HWT is connected to the Hangzhou subway and an easy taxi/didi from downtown. There are various trains to Hangzhou West Train Station from Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing etc. The cost for the bus for 1 person is 100 RMB. 58 RMB extra for a bike.

There are also trains from Beijing Shenzhen, HK (5h20m) to Huangshan and we can pickup you up from there.

Car: an easy drive along the G56. 2h from Hangzhou. 4h30m from Shanghai.

Flights: we can pick you up from Huangshan airport. 1h.


Hotels & Places to Stay

Wildhomestay, the challenge venue is your best bet: www.wildhomestay.com . 

If rooms are full at Wildhomestay please contact Wildhomestay Wechat Service account. We have an additional partner house in the village and close by in the next door villages (2km away). Book through us to receive a 10% discount and complimentary shuttle bus service to the Awards BBQ feast. Rooms in these places are approximately 300-500 RMB a night.

Partner hotels 2km away! Special Discounts & Free Shuttle when booked through us.

Q&A


Q. What is included?
Saturday Challenge entry, insurance, course support, refreshments, weekend activities, Sunday social run and eligibility for prizes. Accommodation, transport, meals and BBQ are NOT included.
Q. Which distance should I choose?
9K T2 for reasonably fit runners. 17K T3 for experienced trail runners comfortable with steep climbs and descents.
Q. Do I have to do all the runs?
No! The Saturday 9K/17K is the main Challenge. Everything else is optional.
Q. What should I bring?
Trail shoes, suitable clothing, phone, water and nutrition. Final mandatory gear will be confirmed before the event.
Q. Is it timed?
Yes. The 9K and 17K have Top 3 male/female awards, plus some fun Strava segment prizes.
Q. Can I stay at Wildhomestay?
Yes, but rooms are limited. Partner accommodation and shuttle services are also available nearby.
Q. What about bad weather?
Routes or activities may be changed or cancelled for safety.
Q. Is the event suitable for everyone?
You are responsible for choosing activities appropriate to your fitness and experience and carrying suitable equipment.

See more information on our yepao trail restoration, meet ups and challenges.