An Unforgettable race at TransJeju by UTMB

Press Release / 09.10.2023

The start of TransJeju by UTMB / © TransJeju by UTMB

Over 3,300 runners discovered the volcanic island of Jeju, South Korea with close battles and technical challenges making for an unforgettable edition at TransJeju by UTMB.

TransJeju by UTMB® made its UTMB World Series® debut this weekend proving to be a huge success, with over 3,300 runners taking to the startline in Seogwipo, on the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea. Tao Luo (CHN) and Wenrong Zheng (CHN) were victorious in the queen stage, tackling the highest peak in South Korea; Halla Volcano as part of a testing 100K course with 4,019m+ of climbing.

Sitting in third place at the first checkpoint, Luo worked his way to the front of the race before the halfway stage and never looked back, taking the tape ahead of Guidu Qin (CHN) and Ji Duo (CHN).

“I am very happy to win the TransJeju by UTMB and to take my first victory over the 100km distance. I was surprised by how technical some sections of the track were, it was physically demanding but the enthusiasm of the Jeju people throughout the course was infectious,” said Luo.

It was an incredibly close battle in the women’s race, with Wenrong Zheng (CHN) winning by just four seconds ahead of Lin Chen (CHN) after over twelve hours of racing. Kanaka Edamoto (JPN) rounded out the podium in third.

Describing it as a milestone in his career, Xingjing Li (CHN) took the tape in the 50K race, ahead of Ryunosuke Omi (JPN) and Guangfu Meng (CHN). Speaking after the race, Li said, “The course is challenging but I think it is perfect, with its combination of ancient roads and trails.”

As the pre-race favorite in the women’s race, Fuzhao Xiang (CHN) took a commanding win, with her time of 05:06:46 also earning her 7th place overall. Anna Li (CHN) and Xin Wang (CHN) secured the remaining positions on the all-Chinese podium.

Hong-Kong based runner, Harry Tabor (GBR) took the win in the 20K race, opting for the shorter distance after his debut at Dacia UTMB® Mont-Blanc CCC last month. The battle for second and third was a close one, with 흥근 박 (KOR) finishing just over 20 seconds ahead of Jaemin Kim (KOR).

Having already tackled Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB® this season, Helene Juramy (FRA) took on the latest race of the UTMB World Series, securing an impressive win in the women’s 20K race. Youngdeog Yu (KOR) and Kihyeon An (KOR) joined Juramy on the podium.