Salomon Sweeps TsaiGu Trail 2025, Strengthens Decade-Long Athlete Development in China

Salomon, the global powerhouse in trail running, has reaffirmed its leadership in China with a commanding sweep at the TsaiGu Trail 2025, where Salomon athletes secured top honors in the men’s and women’s divisions across all major race distances, 25K, 50K, and 105K. This decisive performance not only underscores the brand’s competitive dominance but also highlights the long-term success of its strategic athlete development system and its decade-deep investment in China’s rapidly expanding trail running ecosystem.

A Systematic Blueprint for Talent Development: The “Lighthouse Initiative”

At the heart of Salomon’s sustained success is its “Lighthouse Initiative,” a structured, long-term talent cultivation program designed to guide recreational runners toward elite status. Over the past 10 years, Salomon has built a professional trail-running ecosystem in China by introducing global best practices, strengthening sports science access, and offering continuous mentorship, performance support, and clear pathways for aspiring athletes to break into the elite ranks.

This systematic approach has helped standardize training, elevate competitiveness, and create a flourishing high-performance culture, one that is now yielding remarkable results on the international stage.

Rising Stars Deliver Breakthrough Performances

The impact of Salomon’s development system was unmistakable at TsaiGu Trail 2025:

• Fan Banglin, just 20 years old and discovered through Salomon’s talent platform, set a new 50K course record with an astonishing 4:14:33.

• Zhang Huohua, who joined Salomon in 2021, secured his third TsaiGu 105K title, solidifying his position as one of China’s top ultra-distance athletes.

• Chi Lingjie, a former road marathoner supported by a Salomon training plan, transitioned seamlessly into trail running and delivered standout performances throughout the 2025 season.

Together, these achievements demonstrate not only individual excellence but also the depth and diversity of Salomon’s athlete roster, crafted through years of deliberate, structured investment.

Market Impact: Leadership in Both Performance and Product

Beyond race results, Salomon’s influence is reshaping the broader market landscape. The brand now stands as the leading trail shoe choice at major Chinese trail events, including the Golden Trail World Series at Jinshanling and the TsaiGu Trail itself. Consequently, Salomon’s athlete-first strategy is translating directly into product leadership and growing consumer trust.

Runners, elite and recreational alike, continue choosing Salomon not merely for its performance innovations, but because its presence is rooted in authentic, hands-on involvement in the sport’s local growth.

Global Vision, Local Execution

Salomon’s work in China mirrors its global philosophy: provide long-term support, deliver performance innovation, and nurture exceptional athletes. Internationally, Salomon has shaped the careers of some of the sport’s greatest:

• Rémi Bonnet, multiple-time Golden Trail World Series champion

• Courtney Dauwalter, winner of UTMB, Western States, and Hardrock 100 in the same season

• François D’Haene, legendary four-time UTMB champion

These global successes arise from the same integrated support model deployed in China, one that blends product innovation, performance science, and close athlete collaboration.

Deepening Commitment Through the Lighthouse Initiative Phase Two

To further accelerate talent development, Salomon has launched Phase Two of the Lighthouse Initiative, anchored by a prize fund totaling €120,000 (1 million RMB). This enhanced investment aims to support even more athletes, strengthen grassroots development, and elevate China’s status as a key destination in the global trail running circuit.

Additionally, Salomon continues fostering the sport through:

• Community engagement

• International exchange programs

• Support for trail culture storytelling

• Increased visibility for China’s trail venues

Together, these efforts ensure the sport grows not only at the elite level but also throughout the broader running community.

A Vision for the Decade Ahead

Looking forward, Salomon plans to double down on China as a central hub for global trail running, leveraging its athlete pipeline, cutting-edge performance products, and expanding partnerships to elevate the sport for years to come. Ultimately, the Lighthouse Initiative is set to inspire a new generation of runners, empower local communities, and position China as a world-class trail running destination.

From establishing a professional talent ecosystem to dominating major race stages and nurturing a thriving community, Salomon’s investment in China continues to yield extraordinary results. As both a performance innovator and cultural catalyst, the brand is well-positioned to drive the next decade of growth, bringing fresh energy, deeper opportunity, and unparalleled inspiration to trail runners across China and around the world.