From delivery rider to Asia's trail running king. Zhao Jiaju's incredible rise.

In 2026, Zhao Jiaju crossed the finish line of the Chongli 168 in 19 hours, 1 minute and 32 seconds — breaking his own course record by 27 minutes. With 8,292 meters of elevation gain and rain pouring down, he overcame an 8-minute deficit to claim his fourth 100-mile title. But his road to the top was anything but easy. Dropped out of school in 8th grade. Worked as a security guard, a kitchen hand, and a food delivery rider — running through the streets with four meal bags in each hand. In 2016, he discovered trail running. He found he could endure 100 kilometers. Then 168. Behind every champion stands a rival — and a brother. For Zhao, that was Liang Jing. Together they pushed each other to the limit. In 2020, Liang ceded victory to Zhao in the final meters of Chongli 168. A gesture of respect between two warriors who understood each other's struggles. In 2021, Zhao lost Liang forever in the Yellow River Stone Forest tragedy. Today, Zhao lives a quiet life in Lijiang, growing vegetables in a rented courtyard. "I want to be a professional athlete for as long as possible," he says. "The longer, the better." No grand speeches. Just one step at a time. Running for himself — and for the brother who can no longer run beside him. 📌 Subscribe for more trail running stories! #china #adventure #crosscountry #trailrunning #ultratrailrunning #ultrarunning