Running Competition regulations

Last update: 15 May 2026

The 2026 Xiwuqi Grasslands Running Challenge starts and finishes at Culture Square in Xiwuqi town centre. The race distance is 23km and will take place for 75%-80% offroad. There are also three hills to conquer along the course. In addition, there is a 11km fun run as usual.

In terms of KOG points, the 23km Challenge is categorised higher than the 11k fun run.

Key points

  • The Xiwuqi Grasslands Running Challenge and the Fun Run are all part of the KOG competition, see the KOG regulations separately
  • Nobody can book the weather: there is very little to no shelter from potential sunshine or gale winds. Take preventive measures.
  • Start and finish are both at Culture Square
  • The 23km course is 75% offroad and has three hill climbs and descents. Doable with road shoes, but in case of wet weather trail shoes might be appropriate to have more grip on the trail sections
  • The 11km is 50% offroad
  • Water and/or stations are put at every 3 km interval.
  • Participation: the two race categories are open to everyone meeting the conditions of entry as stipulated in the registration platform

Competition details and regulations

  1. Each participant must read through the full specific event regulations and guidelines below and is assumed to accept them when starting in the competition of choice.
  2. The running event is open to everyone in good physical condition (see also conditions of entry regarding insurance). All Participants must be mindful of the safety aspects of the race, and the challenge of long distance running in open spaces.
  3. Both the Xiwuqi Grasslands Running Challenge and Fun Run are all part of the KOG competition and offer KOG points according to the regulations of the competition (Link)
  4. All participants are required to register online before the event.
  5. All participants should behave in a sporting manner at all times and shall permit any faster runner to overtake without obstructing.
  6. Participants should collect their participant goodie pack including their number bibs at the Race Office before the race in the Xiwuqi Hotel. Number bibs are to be worn in front according to instructions given, and should not be bent or modified in any way. Participants not wearing any number bib will not be allowed to enter the starting area.
  7. The start arena at the Xiwuqi Culture Square for the running event will be divided into two starting blocks.
    1. Block A: 23km
    2. Block B: 11km
  8. Start and finish for both distance categories is at Culture Square.
  9. Intermediate time checkpoints will be installed along the race course. Runners who do not pass these checkpoints will be disqualified from the race result.
  10. Runners who wish to change distance can do so until maximum 30 minutes before the race start (i.e. 7:30 am). These runners should come to the race jury & time-keeping tent at the starting line. Runners who decide to change distance during the race itself will be marked as ‘DNF’ in the result list.
  11. Cut-off times – There is a minimum speed requirement for all runners in the 23km and 11km categories. A Cut-off time will be applied at KM 13 and will be strictly adhered to by the race marshals. Important: the cut-off time is applied when you exit the aid station, not when you enter. Runners who are too late will be told to stop and no exceptions will be tolerated. This is an official requirement by the local security authority. Cars are available to bring people back to the finish arena at Culture Square.
        • 09:30 – Cut-off time at Finish for 11km runners
        • 10:35 – Cut-off time at KM 13 for 23km runners
        • 12:30 – Cut-off time at Finish for 23km runners.

12. Results – The timekeeping will result in an official ranking for men and women based on gun time. Once approved by the race director and race jury, it will be provided immediately online and on site at Culture Square.

13. A podium and prize giving ceremony will be held after the race. Participants eligible for a prize are required to check the event timetable and remain at the Event Arena to collect their prize on the podium stage.

14. Complaints about a race result can be communicated to the race jury until 30 minutes after the relevant finish time. Note that a deposit of 200 RMB will be required for the jury to handle the case. If the complaint is deemed justified by the race jury, the person who filed the complaint will get the deposit back.

15. .Each finishing participant will receive an official certificate and medal

16. Course marking – The running course will be clearly marked by coloured arrows and by flags.

  • 23km = blue colour
  • 10km= white colour

17.The GPX file of the course will be made available in the last days before the race. Note that the GPX serves as a guideline for runners only. The course marking always overrules the GPX file, as last-minute changes can always occur.

18.Shortcutting will result in disqualification from the competition.Marshalls will be stationed everywhere along the route.  Participants going off the official track will be self-responsible for any risk or injury occurring during this time.

19.Aid & Water stations: A water station will be set up at 3km intervals. Every second station will also offer isotonic drinks and snacks.  Have extra energy gels in your pocket nonetheless.

20. The running courses are all in wide open spaces. This implies participants could be exposed to sunshine nearly all the way, as well as to potentially strong winds. Take preventive measures.

21.Littering zones: Xiwuqi King of the Grasslands supports Leave No Trace (LNT) and will be strictly implementing its policy. Littering will only be allowed at well-marked and designated zones around the water and aid stations. Participants who are spotted throwing away bottles, cups, wrapping paper or any other garbage outside these zones will be disqualified from the result list of the event.

22.Please note that there is cattle (sheep, cows, horses, camels) in the grasslands and they occasionally run over or destroy our course signs. While we do what we can to avoid issues like these, we count on your sense of adventure and good spirit to accept this inconvenience, should you encounter this during the race. It is unlikely you will get lost as you should be seeing signs regularly and at least every kilometer.

23.A lead car with the race director for way-clearing, ambulance, pick-up cars and media vehicles are allowed on the course during the event. Besides these, no other cars or vehicles are allowed on the course.

24. Participants in the 23km race who wish to DNF voluntarily and without any medical urgency can do so at aid stations designated as DNF points (e.g. at the COT point at KM 14). Official vehicles will bring you back to start/finish arena from these DNF points.

25.The race director and/or the race jury is authorised to stop and disqualify participants who have violated the event regulations, or have harmed the integrity of the event or of other participants

26.The race director and/or the Organising Committee (OC) is authorised to shorten the race distances or even cancel the races if participants’ safety cannot be guaranteed due to force majeure (e.g. rainfall will not stop the race, but extreme conditions, such as thunderstorms, may lead to special measures)

27.Safety & Emergency: our emergency hotline number is printed on your number bib. Every participant is recommended to take along a mobile phone during the race. Medical staff is on stand-by

28.If any additions to these regulations become necessary, these will be published by the OC on-site and online.

29.The final authority on the interpretation of the regulations for all relevant races is owned by the race director supported by the race jury.