Jin Yuan delivered a remarkable performance at the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc, solidifying her presence in the trail running arena with an impressive debut. Competing in the women’s Marathon Courmayeur-Chamonix (MCC) race on August 26th, Yuan showcased her potential by finishing the 40-kilometre course with a demanding 2,350 metres of elevation gain in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Yuan’s strong showing earned her 6th place overall among female competitors and clinched first place in her age group. The race, primarily reserved for UTMB volunteers, partners, and local residents, was met with an enthusiastic reception from the crowd in Chamonix, who celebrated Yuan’s achievement as she crossed the finish line.
The race was a significant milestone for Yuan, who is new to the trail running world but already setting her sights on future challenges. Supported by KOLON SPORT, Yuan plans to focus on the 2025 UTMB® World Series Finals, where she will compete in the OCC (50K) race. This marks an exciting opportunity for Yuan to establish herself on the international stage.
Equipped with KOLON SPORT’s EXTREME Mountain Expedition Series waterproof jacket, Yuan was well-prepared for the rigorous demands of the race. Designed for “Professional Alpinists,” the jacket provided her with lightweight and comfortable protection, crucial for navigating the complex terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of the mountains.
In a post-race interview, Yuan reflected on her experience, noting the challenge of overcoming her fear of heights. “The biggest challenge was fear of heights,” she said. “In the second stage, I was overtaken by many competitors, and that section was the most difficult. However, I was satisfied with my performance overall. My muscles did not react badly during the climbing and descending stages, and I ran very relaxed. I believe there is still room for improvement in my understanding of off-road running and adaptation to mountainous environments.”
Originally a professional track and field athlete specialising in the 3,000-metre steeplechase and middle-distance running, Yuan transitioned to trail running with notable success. Her preparation for the UTMB® Mont-Blanc included extensive specialist training, supported by KOLON SPORT, which provided her with professional gear, daily training arrangements, sports recovery, and pre-race preparation.
The EXTREME Mountain Expedition Series Waterproof Jacket, featuring 40D GORE-TEX PROSHELL fabric, was a key asset for Yuan. The jacket’s design, developed in collaboration with Donghua University’s School of Fashion Design and tested by professional alpinists, ensured outstanding performance and comfort in extreme conditions. Weighing under 2,500 grams, the jacket exemplifies KOLON SPORT’s commitment to innovation and outdoor performance.
For Jin Yuan, the jacket played a crucial role in her success, offering both excellent outdoor protection and comfort. As she looks forward to future challenges, Yuan’s debut at the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc underscores her potential and the promising future of her trail running career.
